Wildman's TJ is getting a face lift

[mattcogdell]

That’s what I thought, but he said he cut it to 3.5” but the frame is stretched 3.5” so that would be flush cut.

Inner sleeve. That 3.5” cut piece is the same physical dimension as the frame. The 3.5” piece is flushed to the frame with a sleeve inside the two of them (frame & extension).

 

[mattcogdell]

I stretched the rear axle back 4.5" and then pushed the frame back 3.5" which set the rear arch right above the axle and was the best spot to have the frame sitting for the custom upper brackets. So once extension is 3.5" and the other is 3 15/16" long. Remember I cut the passenger side wrong and to even it up I had to grind it off to make it straight.

Will that net you 4.5?

4.5 (axle stretch)-3.5(frame stretch)=1(diff.)
3.5(frame stretch)+1(diff.) =4.5(net total)

 

[BuildBreakRepeat]

Inner sleeve. That 3.5” cut piece is the same physical dimension as the frame. The 3.5” piece is flushed to the frame with a sleeve inside the two of them (frame & extension).

Ah gotcha, he sleeved inside that section.

 

[Wildman]

That’s what I thought, but he said he cut it to 3.5” but the frame is stretched 3.5” so that would be flush cut.

I might not be describing this correctly. I'm going to use flat stock on the inside of the extension. The mark on the extension is for holes to be drilled and then plug weld the flat stock inside. Bevel the edges of the frame and extension and then weld it all back together. The mid arm brackets become plating on one joint and then 3/16"x3" is used to plate the other joint/cut of the frame.
Clear as mud right?

 

[Wildman]

Will that net you 4.5?

4.5 (axle stretch)-3.5(frame stretch)=1(diff.)
3.5(frame stretch)+1(diff.) =4.5(net total)

Yes 4.5" WB stretch and then cut the rear crewmember off the frame and make it flush with the rear while at the same time moving the frame up so I don't need a body lift puck in the rear.

 

[mattcogdell]

Yes 4.5" WB stretch and then cut the rear crewmember off the frame and make it flush with the rear while at the same time moving the frame up so I don't need a body lift puck in the rear.

Out of curiosity, at what point is a stretch worth the effort and noticeable?

 

[Wildman]

Out of curiosity, at what point is a stretch worth the effort and noticeable?

I don't know that there is any point in a stretch this little. From what I've heard/read it needs to be longer but because of the constraints I've placed on my build this was how much I got.

I'm sure someone else can tell you a better answer. I was shooting for a 99" WB but may come up short. But I haven't messed with the front axle yet so don't know where it'll end up.

 

[Wildman]

So started off with another coat of primer on the frame this morning.

The gray primer is the weld thru paint and the rust color is regular primer.

Then I welded the metal straps into the frame extensions.

Now to grind all the plugs flat again and then primer the extensions.
I've got a doctor's appointment today so I'll have to quit early .
Got to get the nerve stimulator reprogrammed that is in my butt....

 

[Wildman]

Ready for some primer. Then it's time to get the frame back together finally. Hopefully tomorrow.

I'm getting there.

 

[Wildman]

First coat of primer on.

 

[Wildman]

So I'm off to my doctor's appointment and then when I get back I'll flip the frame and paint the underside and flip the frame extensions over and paint them again. Then tomorrow it should all be dry enough for me to move the rear axle out of the way and take the midarm brackets off so I can slide the frame back together. Then get everything lined up and do some final measurements before I weld it all back together. Damn I really wasn't sure I would ever get to this point. I'm getting a little excited about seeing this come pack together. Then I can finally mock up the midarm brackets in the rear and tack everything into place. Then a TON more cycling the suspension before I burn it all into place.

Then it will be time to move onto the front and start messing with it. Still waiting to hear from the machine shop that my block is ready to be picked up. Then I can set it in place and really check clearances of the front suspension around the oil pan and transmission. Once I have that all figured out I will finally attack the wiring and get it figured out. Instead of cutting things apart I will finally be putting things back together. Damn that sounds funny to be saying.

 

[Wildman]

Got my daughter to help me flip the frame over and painted the bottom of the frame. Then painted the extensions with another coat of primer.

Let everything dry and tomorrow the frame can go back together.

 

[Wildman]

Out of curiosity, at what point is a stretch worth the effort and noticeable?

I've seen it discussed on other forums where it has been said it should be 7-8+ inches. And because I am redoing my suspension also I'm not going to be a good judge once I'm back on the trail since a improvement could be the Savvy mid arm or the stretch or both.

If you follow along with what is discussed here the amount of WB you want is directly related to tire size belly height.
What I find interesting is that 14 years ago when I was thinking about going up in tire size from the Toyo M/T 35x13.5 tires I was running to the TSL 38x12.5 i was running this wasn't even mentioned then. Now I know things evolve and tech changes but I'd asked if there was to tall a tire for a certain WB.
For me I'm trying to decrease my departure angle and put more weight on my front end since there were times when climbing steep sections of trail here in the PNW where my front end felt really light. So I hope for what I am looking for that this will be enough to help with the issues I was having.

 

[Wildman]

I've been sitting here trying to think thru all that I have to complete tomorrow and how I need to go about it.
I'm going to remove the mid arm brackets and move the rear axle out of the way. Then I'll prep the frame under the Jeep by beveling the edges and painting the ends in primer.
Then before I put the rear section of frame under the Jeep I'm thinking I should slide the extensions into the rear section first. Then as I slide the rear under the Jeep I can line pieces up and work the rear section into place. I know I am going to have to have some help on this part. Does anyone else have suggestions or ideas on how to do this in a way that might be easier? I'm open to other ideas.

 

[Wildman]

The frame is back under the Jeep and now I'm just working on getting everything lined up and making sure it's as squared as I can.

Sitting waiting for me to get things cleaned up under the Jeep. Took off the mid arm brackets and pulled the axle out from under the Jeep.

Took me a few tries and with the help of my daughter I got the frame into the rest of the frame.

I'd bought this cross beam from Harbor Freight but wasn't sure if I could use it.

Measure 5 times and tack it in place once I hope. It looks great back under there for the last time I hope.

 

[someguysjeep]

this is were you want to run a big stiff angle clamped along the bottom and sides to keep the frame lined up nice and straight.

 

[Wildman]

Well DAMN it's back together and I've only got the welds on top of the frame left to grind smooth.

Everything lined up and went back together really well. Not going to mention what some of my welds looked like but it sure is KEWL watching metal flow together.
Progress, some days I wasn't sure I'd see this.

 

[Wildman]

Tops of the frame are done. Time to call it a day and go take a shower to get some of these grindings off me.

I'm glad this part is done. I feel like I actually got something accomplished today .

 

[BuildBreakRepeat]

So happy for you man, lots of work went into it.

 

[DrDmoney]

you have definitely been gettin after it, nice work