A TJ called The Lion

So I've got a general question regarding these stretches. There seems to be two different methods: front really stretched out or rear really stretched back. Each seems to have it's own challenges, but is one method more beneficial than the other?
 
So I've got a general question regarding these stretches. There seems to be two different methods: front really stretched out or rear really stretched back. Each seems to have it's own challenges, but is one method more beneficial than the other?
I would think that in order to keep it road legal you need enough frame in front of the front axle for a drag link/track bar mount, therefore stretching the rear would be your better option.

With full hydro it's not road legal but their is not much up front that you have to worry about making contact with. Also, more exposed frame for shock hoops and such.
 
I would think that in order to keep it road legal you need enough frame in front of the front axle for a drag link/track bar mount, therefore stretching the rear would be your better option.

With full hydro it's not road legal but their is not much up front that you have to worry about making contact with. Also, more exposed frame for shock hoops and such.
The good thing is there are zero inspections to maintain a vehicle here in Michigan. So you can do about what you want and still renew your plates. With no disrespect to our police force, I’m not sure if a police officer would even know what a full hydro setup is and that it was not road legal.
 
The good thing is there are zero inspections to maintain a vehicle here in Michigan. So you can do about what you want and still renew your plates. With no disrespect to our police force, I’m not sure if a police officer would even know what a full hydro setup is and that it was not road legal.
This exactly. Atleast in Michigan. I'm guessing the vast majority of the police force is not aware of what hydro steering is at all. Probably less can define the difference between full or assist.
As far as benefits to stretching front versus rear to my knowledge its more about over all wheel base. The front being out farther does improve my contact point. Straight to the tire!
 
If you stick with assist on a tj at least you are limited to about 3” of front stretch. There are other ways to get more if you are willing to relocate your gearbox & such resulting in as much as 7”. On the rear with a very small 10gal tank in factory location you can get just shy of 9”of rear stretch (with a wonton).

In the lions case the rear was limited by the 17gal crawler tank at about 5” of rear stretch. In order to run the front 4link without a trac bar we needed to push it forward enough to clear the starter on the pass side at full stuff as well as the driveshaft on the drivers side. Well maintaining proper link separation & angles. It has definitely been interesting making everything work together.
 
If you stick with assist on a tj at least you are limited to about 3” of front stretch. There are other ways to get more if you are willing to relocate your gearbox & such resulting in as much as 7”. On the rear with a very small 10gal tank in factory location you can get just shy of 9”of rear stretch (with a wonton).

In the lions case the rear was limited by the 17gal crawler tank at about 5” of rear stretch. In order to run the front 4link without a trac bar we needed to push it forward enough to clear the starter on the pass side at full stuff as well as the driveshaft on the drivers side. Well maintaining proper link separation & angles. It has definitely been interesting making everything work together.
What kind of up travel would you have lost if you put the diff under the tank? 5-6”?
 
Getting a bit more done. Fron control arms are made and attached. Shock tabs are on. Towers tacked in, they'll be burned in tomorrow. Got all the old rotors and calipers off clearing the way for new. Mock up stage is almost complete. Looking forward to the tear down so I can get all this painted and looking nice.
Psc hydro ram is otw.
 

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