Off Roading Forums banner

Extended Wheelbase

3K views 12 replies 2 participants last post by  W.C. 
G
#1 ·
What would you consider the pros and cons of extending the wheelbase on a cj5?
Thanks Miles

"When in doubt go faster"
'64 CJ5, 351W, T-18
 
G
#2 ·
well if you are asking me you are asking the right person. i've done it. i cut my jeep in half and lengthened it to a 100" wheelbase. here you go

pro's
stabilitly, more room (depending on how you lengthen it), better on hills, better on climbing ledges, did i mention it is alot more stable!? longer rear d/shaft. more room for mufflers, track bars etc under there, etc.

con's
not as small of a turning radius, more sheet metal to ding (depending on how you do it).

i love my 100" wheelbase ALOT more than i did the stock one. it is alot more capable and less roll happy ( i sya that but i only layed it over when it was stock and i have rolled it completely since i have lengthened it). if i had it to do over io wouldn't lengthen the body but rather cut the rear of the back fenders out and slide the rear back. why? well like i saidd i have more sheet metal to ding and now with a rolled body i would have to buy another tub and then cut and lengthen it and i'm just not going to do it. i will run it like it is until i decide to build something else. this might not be an issue for youe if you don't wheel hard like i do. if you are just looking for more room the cut and lengthening is a good thing.


brian wilson
80 cj5 "high 5"
stretched to 100" wb
vortec350/4L80E/d300/d60fr/14br/detroits/4.56/38's
 
#3 ·
What Brian said on Pros & Cons

I used the stock length frame, moved the front axle forward 4.5" with Alcan 50" SOA springs and moved the rear axle 5" back with 1/4 ellip springs and 4 link. Its very stable with the longer wheelbase(93"), 7"lift and fullwidth fullsize axles.

Alot of the top ARCA guy are running about 94" to 96" wheelbase.

Wayne @ Big Island RockCrawlers
"PYRO" The Rock Crawler
Web Site: http://www.members.tripod.com/surfmac/Index.html
 
G
#5 ·
true on the break over angle. i thought of that but when i actually went to typing i didn't add it to my list. i run 38.5 sx's and it isn't too bad and it actually wasn't too much of a problem with the 35's i used to run after i tucked the tranny/x-case up higher into the frame rails.

brian wilson
80 cj5 "high 5"
stretched to 100" wb
vortec350/4L80E/d300/d60fr/14br/detroits/4.56/38's
 
G
#6 ·
Thanks for the help. 100" takes you right past a cj7 in wheelbase. Why not just start with one of those??
More info on those Alcon SOA springs and your 1/4 elliptical would be great. How stable is that set up at highway speeds??
Brian, where did you lengthen the tub?
Thanks Miles

"When in doubt go faster"
'64 CJ5, 351W, T-18
 
#7 ·
There is more on my suspension on my site, just click below, Its very stable on the highway with a little body roll in tight corners. It's the best setup I've used, so far.

BTW, Some wheelbase info,
Pre '72 CJ5s - 81",
Post '72 CJ5s - 83.5",
CJ6 - 101",
CJ7 - 93.5,
CJ8 - 103.5

Wayne @ Big Island RockCrawlers
"PYRO" The Rock Crawler
Web Site: http://www.members.tripod.com/surfmac/Index.html
 
G
#11 ·
If you go to CJ6 length, you can use the soft tops and other items made for the CJ6. I think there are even companies that make the quarter panels for the CJ6. I know it leaves more chance for body damage, buy unless you are going really hardcore, that is not as much of a concern. If you are looking for a rock buggy, the cut-out fenders and the modified suspension are the way to go. But, law enforcement officers seem to have a problem with funky looking rock buggys bouncing down the road. If you are looking to still drive the Jeep on the road, and want the wheelbase without having to buy a lot of custom parts, the CJ6 length is ideal.

Cage Up, Wheels Down
Jeepfiend
All my Jeeps are in pieces! Except for one!!
 
#13 ·
-snip- But, law enforcement officers seem to have a problem with funky looking rock buggys bouncing down the road.-snip-

The police in my area stopped me to ask if I could install lifts, tires, engine perfomance mods, on their rigs. They use their personal SUVs for their patrol vehicles. But your right, there are a few that get upset, probably just jealousy <G>.

Wayne @ Big Island RockCrawlers
"PYRO" The Rock Crawler
Web Site: http://www.members.tripod.com/surfmac/Index.html
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top