Stretched Wheelbase TJ

[JeepMonkey]

This should probably go in the TJ/YJ/CJ section, but I thought it could go here since I would like an opinion and maybe some of you know someone with this setup.

I'm trying to decide whether to ditch the current suspension (short arm/superflex) and upgrade to a long arm kit? Or get really crazy and go with a rear axle relocation kit to stretch the wheelbase a bit? It's a 2001 TJ with very little on-road action anymore and I have a year to make the decision and save the money.

I'm leaning towards just doing the long arm upgrade simply because of all the mods the other would require. I've already got the Skyjacker 4" springs and could upgrade to 6" and long arms pretty easily I think.

What do y'all think?

 

[Utah_jeepster]

But options have some advantages and some disadvantage, With just a long arm your stuck with 93.4 inch wheel base, but the ride quality and off road performance will go up. You will still be able to drive to and from the trail. No body cutting is required.

If you decide to make her a trailer queen, then going to 101.5 wheel base will give you more ride for the punch. Your still going to want to make the front a long arm or stretch it 2-3 inches forward, requiring some component modification.
The back isn't too bad, there are several companies out there that make gas tanks for stretched jeeps and skid plate allowing room for the axle to tuck under your jeep and still allow you to keep an under the jeep mounted gas tank. Then theres some major body cutting and relocation of body supports. Both are not hard. The major cost is the new drive line and shocks for the amount of travel you will gain.

 

[Dirk]

If you stretch, it can be really expensive and/or very labor intensive.

I'm running 108" WB.

Your rig will look funny with anything less than 37" tires on a stretch.
At that point, you'll want to ask yourself if you want to keep the stock width axles or go full width.
There's a lot to do that you aren't usually aware of going in.

The fun begins.

If you do it right, it can be a LOT of fun and doesn't have to be a trailer queen. Mine is a competent daily driver that rides and drives nice. It comfortably cruises at highway speeds and can crawl over cars.

I also have well over 50 grand into it- NOT INCLUDING any time or labor...:shock:
I'd really give some serious consideration as to exactly how you wanna approach it and talk to some guys who have done it first, so you can know what you're dealing with at whatever level you want to jump in at.

Here's a couple of pics: