Maximum stretch on a TJ

[TJVigilante]

So I'm finalizing plans for the Jeep...depending on what I can bring back from camp (bunch of one-ton axles including a 70's ford KP D60) I'm trying to figure out the easiest way to get them into the Jeep and make them worthwhile. I don't want to replace the gas tank with a Genright just yet, and I don't want to move the steering box if I don't have to. So...with a D60 front without hydro steering (I can do some mods to the PS pump and install a J20 steering box for much stronger steering) and a Corp 14FF axle in the rear, how much stretch can I actually get? How much room is lost between a Dana 35 and a 14FF rear-ward? I also don't want to jack it to the sky to clear anything either...suspension is staying where it is and I'll clearance the fenders and tub to fit.

I know I keep going back and forth between one-tons and 1/2 ton gear, but with the prices for 40" LTBs so cheap shipped, I feel one-tons are the way to go. Especially since I think I can get a set for free...but they need to be built.

[Stumblinman]

Maybe you should figure out what you want your wheel base to be and go from there.... And if you keep the suspension where it is then essentially you will have no stretch unless you're talking about the tires cause they'll be bigger....

[TJVigilante]

The suspension will be built around the placement of the axles...I'm wondering the furthest out I can put the axles before I get issues with steering up front and clearance between the diff cover and gas tank skid in the back. This is how I'm going to determine what my wheelbase will be. :D

On a side note...who here can build a gas tank from scratch? ;)

[Ovalfiend]

The rear axle back = 0 unless changing the tank. Know this from doing an 8.8 swap. A 14 bolt would have no extra room.
The front either less than 1 inch due to Jeeps ingenious(stupid)forward placement of the coils or about 14" by using rear facing high steer arms and reverse clocking the pitman arm.
Not really any inbetween without moving the steering box or gas tank.
If you are putting a D60 up front and move the coil buckets you may be able to sqeeze 1 to 2 inches.

[TJVigilante]

I guess moving the steering box isn't that big of a deal...I'll leave the rear axle where it is then so I don't have to worry about the fill nozzle...highlining the tub already bites into the nozzle surround...having to open up further back will cause major problems.

If worse comes to worst I can pony up for a gas tank with room for the rear stretch. Or I can go further, later, and stretch the rear frame, chop the back of the TJ tub off after the doors, get a half hard top and make a short truck bed out of the back of the tub and some sheetmetal. :evil: Saw that on Pirate and it looks really cool. Going that route I can probably get an RCI tank and mount it at the front of the bed, build a shallow toolbox to go on top of that, and have the entire underside to stretch as I please.

[TJVigilante]

Hrm...PSC makes a reverse-rotation big-bore steering box that can come drilled and tapped for hydro assist...I might go that route...move the box back a few inches and have a forward-throw pitman arm...stretch 8". Would be perfect for what I want.

[Stumblinman]

I read an article where they had a TJ brute they stretched the front axle 5 inches. They used Genright stuff. They have a twisted pitman arm that keeps the box in the same place. They did have to redo all suspension on it though.

Ya know, if you end up getting a garage, you could always pick up a TJ frame and work it up until you need to transplant the drivetrain and body......