CJ5, is it worth stretching??
- Thread starter PGH08JK
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Grubbicon
New member
I have a YJ and its stretched close to 105" personally I think thats about he best wheel base all around. With the CJ5 being so small if I was going to keep leaf springs Id take the outside hangers and stick them as far as possible on the frame. What ever that ended up with Id go with it.
Edit: heres some pictures I have of mine on hand you can see its basically pushed as far as possible without adding frame.
Edit: heres some pictures I have of mine on hand you can see its basically pushed as far as possible without adding frame.
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p38
Caught the Bug
I stretched my M38A1 to a wheelbase of 102". Took two bodies and cut/spliced at the door and aft wheel well. Replaced the C channel frame with custom 2 X 4 square tube. Makes it easier to get behind the wheel, and added cargo space. Much improved ride and handling. Actually turns tighter than the stock M38A1.
Helipilot2
New member
I will be stretching mine end of the year to beginning of next. Ill try to remember to get on here and post results. I currently have a 14 bolt, trussed 5:13s, detroit locker going in that will be 4 linked, front will be a kingpin with same setup but 3 linked. I will get pics of the aftermath and let you know what I think of it.
professorkx
New member
I just finished a 3 link front 4 link rear conversion on a 78 cj5, moved the front axle forward 4.5 inches and the rear backwards 6 inches. Used 14 inch travel King coilovers. Took about 200 hours to complete the the conversion.
Keeping the leaf springs would be difficult unless you plan to mount the spring hangers past the current bumper locations, which kind of defeats the purpose of the stretch. Of course, you can just stretch of the frame and body. If you are keeping the leaf springs, I think you would better to get a cj7 or yj, as you get the additional length.
Keeping the leaf springs would be difficult unless you plan to mount the spring hangers past the current bumper locations, which kind of defeats the purpose of the stretch. Of course, you can just stretch of the frame and body. If you are keeping the leaf springs, I think you would better to get a cj7 or yj, as you get the additional length.
Helipilot2
New member
Could you post some pictures of this please, I would be curious to see what it looks like. Did you build your 3/4 link or did you buy them?
MountainGoat
New member
Are you talking about stretching the wheelbase or the body?
I am partial to not cutting the CJ5 unless it is going to be a hardcore rig and you plan to trash the sides anyway. If you are, then I would stretch it.
From of experience though, if you just bought it and it is running, Drive It until you break it.
If you are talking about the body, Steve Shafe in Carson City stretched his CJ. Here is a photo of it.
