Rock Krawler 12 inch stretch kit

[NashvilleTJ]

I'm the source of confusion more than likely... I replied to Golloywomper's comment to TPink. When I read TPink's original comment (to which Womper replied), I was under the impression that he was currently wheeling a TJ but wanting more wheelbase and keeping an eye out for an LJ (for which he was considering the RK kit).

Carry on

But also thanks for the reply on the LJ approach. What size tires do you typically run on an LJ with 115" WB? Do you move the tank as well as go with a GR tank or just the GR tank in the factory LJ location?

Based on some of your previous comments (not in this thread), I think you said that the LJ wheelbase is about perfect for 37"s - though obviously running 37"s on TJ axles is generally a bad idea. IIRC, you said ~63" WMS wide at LJ wheelbase with a high belly is a great all-around, all-terrain, all-regions wheeling rig.

My collection of reading various replies correct?

You can’t get out to 115” without moving the tank, but removing that extra cross member on an LJ is a piece of cake. You are basically moving the tank into the TJ position - up against the rear crossmember. I did that, and for me the whole reason was to eliminate the nasty LJ overhang behind the rear wheels.

 

[pc1p]

You can’t get out to 115” without moving the tank, but removing that extra cross member on an LJ is a piece of cake. You are basically moving the tank into the TJ position - up against the rear crossmember. I did that, and for me the whole reason was to eliminate the nasty LJ overhang behind the rear wheels.

For sure not adding ~9" of WB (assuming all or mostly in rear) without a fuel cell - at least not with an axle worth stretching the rear this much with I was just curious what tire size tire Blaine was building 115" WB LJs with...

In my head, moving the LJ tank back (which seems as easy as you say) to give clearance for a larger axle (without necessarily adding WB) makes sense (vs running an aftermarket tank in the factory location). If axles with optimal WMS width can be built/bought to run 37"s, while belly pan is kept high, it seems like a formidable rig for many terrains and obstacles, while still being somewhat small enough to have fun on the trails. This is probably especially so in states that are antsy-in-the-pantsy about fender coverage.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

For sure not adding ~9" of WB (assuming all or mostly in rear) without a fuel cell - at least not with an axle worth stretching the rear this much with I was just curious what tire size tire Blaine was building 115" WB LJs with...

In my head, moving the LJ tank back (which seems as easy as you say) to give clearance for a larger axle (without necessarily adding WB) makes sense (vs running an aftermarket tank in the factory location). If axles with optimal WMS width can be built/bought to run 37"s, while belly pan is kept high, it seems like a formidable rig for many terrains and obstacles, while still being somewhat small enough to have fun on the trails. This is probably especially so in states that are antsy-in-the-pantsy about fender coverage.

I don’t think moving the factory tank will give enough clearance to move a big axle back that far, it still takes an aftermarket tank. I run a 19 gallon Genright stretch tank - and that’s just barely enough room for the 14 bolt at that stretch.

Also, a stock LJ is about 104” of wheelbase. So 115" is about 11” of stretch.

 

[someguysjeep]

You can put the axle 2ft out the back end, like a ghetto motorcycle. The geometry design is/ should be the priority, not the parts.

 

[Gollywomper]

You can put the axle 2ft out the back end, like a ghetto motorcycle. The geometry design is/ should be the priority, not the parts.

This is why it is so much work to do. There is always things occupying the space needed.

 

[pc1p]

I don’t think moving the factory tank will give enough clearance to move a big axle back that far, it still takes an aftermarket tank. I run a 19 gallon Genright stretch tank - and that’s just barely enough room for the 14 bolt at that stretch.

At 115", for sure...

But how about something like a RJ60 at the factory WB? Seems like that would be enough room to clear the larger pumpkin... My 'future state', if bigger axles are ever involved, would be 37"s (as I wouldn't want to mess with PA inspection work-arounds). If the factory 104" WB is ideal for 37"s, simply moving the tank seems preferred to an aftermarket tank.

Also, a stock LJ is about 104” of wheelbase. So 115" is about 11” of stretch.

Haha, yup! Sure is My brain starts the shutdown process on Thursday, around 8PM, so math gets questionable on Friday

 

[mrblaine]

At 115", for sure...

But how about something like a RJ60 at the factory WB? Seems like that would be enough room to clear the larger pumpkin... My 'future state', if bigger axles are ever involved, would be 37"s (as I wouldn't want to mess with PA inspection work-arounds). If the factory 104" WB is ideal for 37"s, simply moving the tank seems preferred to an aftermarket tank.


Haha, yup! Sure is My brain starts the shutdown process on Thursday, around 8PM, so math gets questionable on Friday

You aren't helping yourself much by moving the tank back that far if you don't also raise it. The rear overhang on a TJ Unlimited is bad enough with the tank forward. Moving the tank back and doing nothing else only makes that miserable.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

You aren't helping yourself much by moving the tank back that far if you don't also raise it. The rear overhang on a TJ Unlimited is bad enough with the tank forward. Moving the tank back and doing nothing else only makes that miserable.

Although I'm always leery of putting pics of my rig in front of Blaine, I agree on lifting the tank. With mine all the way back, I was also able to lift it almost 2" above stock. Even stretched, it definitely helps.

 

[pc1p]

You aren't helping yourself much by moving the tank back that far if you don't also raise it. The rear overhang on a TJ Unlimited is bad enough with the tank forward. Moving the tank back and doing nothing else only makes that miserable.

To clarify, you're talking about lifting the tank higher than what is typically done with a different GTS (like say the Savvy in the "high" position)?

Although I'm always leery of putting pics of my rig in front of Blaine, I agree on lifting the tank. With mine all the way back, I was also able to lift it almost 2" above stock. Even stretched, it definitely helps.

40"s for sure - but what's your WB again? IIRC from your build thread, you're running the factory tank still, correct?

 

[NashvilleTJ]

...

40"s for sure - but what's your WB again? IIRC from your build thread, you're running the factory tank still, correct?

I'm at 115", with a 21" belly height. As I noted above, I run a Genright 19 gallon stretch tank, and a factory tank would not work for my stretch and axle. The Genright tank and skid has a big cutout in the center to clear the diff. And I've modified the skid to tuck it up about as far as it can go.

 

[mrblaine]

To clarify, you're talking about lifting the tank higher than what is typically done with a different GTS (like say the Savvy in the "high" position)?

Much higher. Almost 4" higher.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

That's cool.

 

[someguysjeep]

This is why it is so much work to do. There is always things occupying the space needed.

it's intimidating is what it is.
for those that find the ambition to try this kind of thing, pushin things back is the next step in the progression to bigger wheels. the biggest hang then becomes this fuel tank.
the tank volume you want to retain and local laws then become huge players in the manner or choices you have to deal with it.

 

[Gollywomper]

Intimidating to try to keep it legal and drivable on the street. A lot leas intimidating if it’s gonna be a trailer queen.

 

[someguysjeep]

trailer queen

<<<<<< doomed that bitch right to a trailer until it's old enough to get plated as historic and be exempt from emissions inspections.

but honestly i don't mind it's a load off my brain to just have to get back to the trailer, not the 800mi home too.

 

[Gollywomper]

I see the huge v8 tire guys and I’m a bit jealous. But at what point is it overkill and not as much fun?

 

[NashvilleTJ]

I see the huge v8 tire guys and I’m a bit jealous. But at what point is it overkill and not as much fun?

What's this "overkill" thing you mentioned?

 

[srimes]

I see the huge v8 tire guys and I’m a bit jealous. But at what point is it overkill and not as much fun?

First crawler I ever rode in: v8 YJ on 44s. Definitely fun if you have a place to use it! Buddy could drive a few blocks from his house to get to trails. I've never had the budget or location to make use of something that wild... doesn't mean I wouldn't get one if I had the money!

 

[Gollywomper]

First crawler I ever rode in: v8 YJ on 44s. Definitely fun if you have a place to use it! Buddy could drive a few blocks from his house to get to trails. I've never had the budget or location to make use of something that wild... doesn't mean I wouldn't get one if I had the money!

View attachment 301132

I’m leaning toward a YJ build. Who knows, some times I think I might buy one that already done and save some money vs building.

 

[someguysjeep]

at what point is it overkill

this also becomes a sliding scale as the progression happens.
1 might consider a 60 overkill to run 33's but not 37's.

take that to 40's where does the Dana 60 really sit? marginal, satisfactory, but not overkill?