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Longer wheelbase for JK??

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wheelbase
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3.9K views 4 replies 5 participants last post by  cranbiz  
#1 ·
I was just toying with an idea... I must have too much time on my hands.;)

Has anybody used adjustable control arms, front and rear, to extend the wheelbase on their JK?
I figure I could get maybe an inch on each end without doing other major surgery. That would bump the wheelbase from 95" to 97".

A. I'm not sure if it all would work (driveshafts, spring angles, etc.).
B. I'm not sure if it would make any difference in handling (more stable on highway, steeper climb angles, better approach/departure angles).

Just musing for now, but I'd like to hear what people have done (or rejected).
 
#2 ·
plenty of people have stretched far more than that, but yes if only an inch on each end that should work. I think the front can only take about an inch or so before steering components and trackbar start having interference issues. The rear can take a little more without adjusting anything else. FYI there are multiple off the shelf kits that stretch the rear from 2" all the way to 8" or more. I dont think you will notice much difference in performance with an inch stretch but alot of times it does help with tire clearance.
 
#3 ·
front is not that easy. since steering is involved and a pit arm track bar mount is very close at stuff at it is. get ride of the steering box and go full hydro now you can near put it were ever you want, though then other things still get in the way with out Full width axles, well might as well go D60....$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

rear is not that hard to get up to two. any more then that at say 8" its get into moving things like frame side trackbar mount upper spring buckets, relocation of upper shock mounts. Changing where the muffler, new longer arms driveshaft goes on and on etc etc.

My jk is at 97" so that is about 1.6" longer. the 37s fit with out cutting a pinch seem as well center better. One issue a 2door has at say 4.5 lift the pinion is pointed steep. that change is more then the stock spring and bumps and track bar mount is clocked at. since its being pushed back your limit is that frame side track bar at stuff it will hit the bumps stop pad and any bump. Most be cut off and clock right then see how close is close at stuff. I did mine with only needing to make the sway bar bracket move back and down at frame and reclock all those mounts( cutting/welding). you can buy that sway relocation
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but it was simple to make.

My 2door its 12 on 4.25 front 5" rear. at 97" on the ground.