Stretching wheelbase on a YJ

89wrangler

89wrangler

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Joined
Oct 22, 2005
Location
Bostic,NC
I am in the process of moving the rear axle back on my YJ. Is there "magic" number that works the best? Can you go too far back? I am planning on moving the spring mounts back 2" and using XJ springs with the offset to the rear which should net approx 8". Does this sound about right? Anyone know of any issues using the XJ springs? Any input would be welcomed.
Thanks in advance
Steve
 
lots of people do this

you need to move your gas tank in your bed or get a fuel cell

i have XJ springs on mine and love the flex.

you will have to address the axle wrap though bc there will be ALOT

then the usuall things like brake lines, DS, cutting the fenders...
 
89wrangler said:
I am in the process of moving the rear axle back on my YJ. Is there "magic" number that works the best? Can you go too far back? I am planning on moving the spring mounts back 2" and using XJ springs with the offset to the rear which should net approx 8". Does this sound about right? Anyone know of any issues using the XJ springs? Any input would be welcomed.
Thanks in advance
Steve
Click to expand...

Majic number = 105-107". You can go back too far = more than 107" IMO. Back 2" w/XJs is 8" + 95" = 103" = Scrambler wb. I did pretty much the same thing + lengthened my rear frame rails about 6" with channel. With that 360 the long end of the XJs are going to bend when you get it hopping on an incline like Guardrail at Tellico or The Waterfall at Callalantee, I did with my 4 banger. Add a full length main from another XJ pack or an S10 pack at least.
 
Thanks to all.
Once I get done I am planning on installing a anti wrap system. I have already replaced too many U-joints and yokes :rolleyes:
Steve
 
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if i did my math right, when i switch to XJ springs i will just got back to using my stock rear spring hangers and continue to use my new rear shackle hangers.

stock wheelbase is 93 inches, not 95 if i remember right... it's been a while since i looked into it though so i coudl be wrong. that being said, i am at 101" since i installed new spring hangers 8" farther back than stock. i am using the same springs i was previously using... 3.5" superlift yj springs. fyi

can't really stretch the back any farther without springs that use an offset pin since the shackles are already moved beyond where the oem rear bumper was.

i made that rear "thing" from 3/16" wall 2x4" steel tubing... i cut out the stock crappy crossmember... welded in a piece of tubing to take it's place... then butted another piece of tubing against it and ran a bead top bottom side and side. then i mounted my shackle hangers to it. i got the hangers from ruff stuff specialties .com
 
I did my CJ7 about a year ago. I used XJ rear springs turned around to offset axle more to rear. Also used spring pads with holes offset for a little more stretch. I moved the rear hangers back to just under my by rear bumper on some heavy duty brackets that I fabed up. Definatly had to add an anti-wrap bar and ended up having to add another full length leaf to the pack. I think it all works great. Made the rig feel more stable than before.
 
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