Stretching my jeep

[goldswim5]

I posted this on SMORR, but figured I'd get more advice here.

I've been kicking around the idea of stretching the TJ for a while now, thought I'd see what you guys' opinions are. It's on 33's for now, with 36's in the future. I'm thinking about adding 6 inches to the rear, putting it right about 100" wheelbase. I'm doing the 4 link in a few weeks, already have the parts, just wondering if I should go ahead and stretch it while I'm at it. I'd just need a fuel cell and some other small stuff for the stretch.

[Mo Printer]

You might want to get ahold of Steve 'Mr. Safety' Moore.  He did a body stretch on his TJ instead of moving the axles.  He added about 15-18" which allowed him to use an LJ/Unlimited top vs. his original TJ hardtop.  It came out great & the extended wheelbase makes the Jeep a lot less tippy.

[YJ_Aaron]

If you see a stretch in your future it would only really make sense to build your links once to that length.  No point in doing the calculations more than once if you don't have to.

Just remember there are some other costs when doing it:
Fuel Cell
Fuel Line
Lengthen Drive Shaft
New rear brake line
New Ebrake cables

[CRAZY LARRY]

Hell just stretch it. Those thing are just minor details.

[goldswim5]

I've pretty much figured it all up how I want to do it, just need to decide if I'm actually going to. RCI 15 gallon fuel cell and KORE rings, have the clayton truss and brackets, have johnny joints, and I'm getting steel at wheeler soon. I was planning on extending the frame like this guy did.



http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?t=403448&page=3
This is the thread that I would be following if anyone is interested. I love the way his jeep came out, and pretty much want mine along the same lines.

[TJ-2thousand]

do it man! his build is awesome! i cant wait to get mine paid off to start stretching and cuttin it up.

[Jeeper guy]

Shouldn't he add more fish plates ideally at every weld joint on the frame for added insurance .

[goldswim5]

Well he sold it a while back and as far as i know it's still going...so I guess it worked out for him. Not saying it wouldn't be a good idea.

[goldswim5]

Okay I was wrong, he never sold it. He's just getting ready to put a D70 under it. And since he's stretching it farther, he offered to sell me that whole section in the pic, coil buckets, shock mounts, and bodymounts included. I'm thinking I'm gonna go for it...it would save me a lot of trouble.

[Jeeper guy]

It would save some time, but Its an experience to build it yourself, plan it, cut it up, weld it up, etc etc etc Imho build it yourself, that's why you got a welder, learn to fab it up. But that's just me.

[LoneWolf]

I agree with Alex... but it's your time and money, do what you want. 

[goldswim5]

It really depends on what he wants for it. If it'll end up saving me money I'm gonna get it.

[Jeeper guy]

Do what you want man, its your rig. but just remember the saying; Built, not bought.

[Mr. Safety]

go 4 it-I added 15 inchs to my TJ. It was fun-works good. If you need help call me 417 827 2525

[Mr. Safety]

Cut TJ + 15 inch by Mr. Safety