Topic: 3" to 5" Stretch

[Jeffy]

While I was looking at some corner guards for another member, I found this.  Looks like a nice setup and pretty clean install.  The only problem areas would be having to move the exhaust and finding the appropriate leafs to use.  4" back would be an XJ or a Wagoneer leaf, I believe.  Anyone heard of this company.  Looks like they might be associated with FXD.  $1199 for a stretch ould be cheaper then hacking the frame up.

[neale_rs]

Looks like a good deal.

Considering that the original CJs where 80" and the YJ is 93.4" and some people want more, what are member opinions on the ideal wheelbase? 

[Jeffy]

Looks like a good deal.

Considering that the original CJs where 80" and the YJ is 93.4" and some people want more, what are member opinions on the ideal wheelbase? 

95" is alright for most people BUT if you do climbs like waterfalls and stairs longer is always better.  In that case 100" is a good length.  103-106" is CJ-6 and CJ-8 territory which is really nice.  There are a couple of people here with over 100" wb already.  I don't want to have to run a fuel cell or move the tank into the back of the Jeep.  The aluminum tank looks great, too.  I can alreeady move my front azle 1" forward btu I've been holding off.

[wrangler387]

Definately looks like a complete kit. I like the idea of keeping the gas tank in it's stock location. I don't know anything about the company... This tempting you to upgrade again jeffy 

[Jeffy]

Definately looks like a complete kit. I like the idea of keeping the gas tank in it's stock location. I don't know anything about the company... This tempting you to upgrade again jeffy 

I'm always looking for something to upgrade.  Although I'm holding off on all upgrades.  The big stuff I have waiting for some D60's, a Atlas 4 and some minor suspension tweaks.  I like my current height and don't want to add any more.  A longer wheelbase would be good since it allows for a longer driveshaft without having to move anything forward.  (ie. engine) Also the longer wheelbase helps climb the big stuff and looks cool. We all know it's about the look! 

[oldjeep]

Ideal wheelbase depends a lot on tire size at 104" my CJ was a little long with 37" tires. 

I'd agree that the kit is pricy, but not much more than a standard TJ long arm setup.  There's certainly cheaper ways to do it if you can build stuff yourself, especially the fuel cell. 

Genright makes some good stuff, I fab most of my own toys - but I will be buying their gas tank skid plate for my YJ.  Not worth the time I would have to put into it to build myself.  And it's not exactly the most interesting thing to build anyway.

[Jeffy]

i call this "kit" a waste of money that only a mall cruiser would spend the money on, explain how you could get the same thing for less than half the price if you would just put in some wrench time, and you delete all my posts?  perks of running the forum i guess.....  seems kind of selfish considering you probably aren't the only one considering a stretch though.  that info could have helped someone who wasn't looking to be the next "bolt-on king" but i guess that doesn't matter to you.

-Erik <--- should stop suggestiong you actually fabricate your own parts if i don't want my posts deleted eh?

http://4bangerjp.com/forums/index.php?topic=2676.msg19197#msg19197

[Jeffy]

Well, I asked a friend of mine in the 'know' about the company and it seems that take ideas from other companies and duplicate them.  Not all of them but many of them are knockoffs.  Price is a bit less then the other guy's because they didn't have to do any designing and are trying to undercut the originals.  In knowing that I would be hesitant to support them.

[Tall Boy]

    I don't see how adding sheet metal pushes back the rear end and exhaust, nor fill in the floor pan. The rear end on mine is attached to the frame via control arms and etc...  not to sheet metal.

[Jeffy]

    I don't see how adding sheet metal pushes back the rear end and exhaust, nor fill in the floor pan. The rear end on mine is attached to the frame via control arms and etc...  not to sheet metal.

As I stated before, you still need to move the axle back with either Wagoneer leafs or Xj leafs.  Moving the axle back will cause the diff to hit the gas tank, hence the reason for the clearanced tank.  The main thing about their 'kit' is it that they have the tank and skid.  The rocker and corner guards are just cut for the rear opening which is nice.  There is still a lot of work that this 'kit' doesn't address.  Although, like I said, a lot of their stuff are direct copies of others.  I think they might have taken the picture of Mike Duncan's Jeep.  I do like their gas tank though.

When was 3/16" steel considered sheet metal? 

[wrangler387]

I've heard it mentioned a few times that people don't consider things to be steel plate until 1/4", below that is sheet metal. So i guess some people who work with plate all day would consider it sheet metal. I think it's pretty thick for our applications.

[Tall Boy]

Well my TJ don't have sheet fiberglass so... If one looked at the picture there,the frame has a curve for the tires,or it curves upward for the trunk and passengers. personally I wouldn't mind the extra room, but no moolah here.