Extending Rear Axle (Discussion)

[07JeepXK]

I'm considering extending my rear axle back a few inches on the XK once I complete my next tour in Iraq. The intensions of this thread are to discuss and gather info on the process of extending the wheel base by relocating the rear axle farther backwards. I'll start taking measurements in the next few months and figure out exactly what parts will be needed. ie new rear drive shaft, adjustable upper and lower control arms......etc.

Once the rear axle is extended, the next step will be making a custom rear bumper.

[Doc in AZ]

why extend the wheel base? at 109.5" that's just about perfect. are you doing it for a better departure angle? i'm at 93" and getting ready to stretch 10".

[07JeepXK]

why extend the wheel base? at 109.5" that's just about perfect. are you doing it for a better departure angle? i'm at 93" and getting ready to stretch 10".

I'll definately agree with you that 109.5" is a perfect wheel base. However, I want to move the rear axle back about 2" so when I go with larger tires im not stuffing them into the door. Also by doing this I wont have to lift the XK as much to fit a larger tire. It will be similar to the AEV Iceland Commander. Just not moving the axle back as far or going with that large of a tire.

http://www.aev-conversions.com/vehicles/show_xk_iceland.php

[Arrie]

My wheel base is still standard and I have custom bumpers. Check out www.maniac4x4.com. they making bumpers sets to ship out to the States right now.

[07JeepXK]

I understand that but when the rear axle gets pushed back its going to change the area of the bumper where it meets the rear flares. So the flares will have to come off and 2 inches of the rear bumper will be taken off. Later ill send a pic of what im refering to if you dont understand. Its hard to explain.

[Sal-XK]

My wheel base is still standard and I have custom bumpers. Check out www.maniac4x4.com. they making bumpers sets to ship out to the States right now.

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[Arrie]

I understand what you mean but with the 4" superlitf we did not find that problem and as you see in this photo the flares where also modified.

[NeilSmith]

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Yeah, that address has been that way for a while now. I tried to check them out a while back with no results.

[Doc in AZ]

I understand what you mean but with the 4" superlitf we did not find that problem and as you see in this photo the flares where also modified.

a 4" lift is not the same as a 4" stretch. higher is not the same as longer. i have a 5" lift. as you lift a vehicle with a solid axle it shortens the wheel base as the suspension moves away from the chassis. to correct the wheel base, drive line angles and caster/steering the arms must be lengthened. once all issues have been corrected you will find that when the suspension is fully compressed the wheel base increases necessitating trimming panels.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/07/20090810144122-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/07/20090810143514-2.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/07/20090812155645-2.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/07/20090812182055-2.jpg

[07JeepXK]

I understand what you mean but with the 4" superlift, we did not find that problem and as you see in this photo the flares where also modified.

My intent is to fit 35 inch tires without rubbing once everything is finished. With just a 4 inch lift, you are limited to 33's. Thats why you dont have any problems with your setup because you are running the recommended tire size for that lift.

[07JeepXK]

Once I extend the wheel base on the XK, I'll still be 4.5 inches shorter then a 4 door JK. I think thats pretty reasonable. The 4 door JK's seem to do extremely well off road once lifted and have the ground clearance.

[Arrie]

I understand that but when the rear axle gets pushed back its going to change the area of the bumper where it meets the rear flares. So the flares will have to come off and 2 inches of the rear bumper will be taken off. Later ill send a pic of what im refering to if you dont understand. Its hard to explain.

Sorry guys here is the right link to the site: http://www.maniacmanufacturing.com/

[07JeepXK]

Those bumper are sick! I wish i was rich.

[Doc in AZ]

Once I extend the wheel base on the XK, I'll still be 4.5 inches shorter then a 4 door JK. I think thats pretty reasonable. The 4 door JK's seem to do extremely well off road once lifted and have the ground clearance.

the 4 door JK's (aka "the limo") do pretty well as long as they don't need to make tight turns. i see them all the time bound up in the switch-backs. what i can easily negotiate they will end up doing 2 point turns to go through.


Those bumper are sick! I wish i was rich.

you don't have to be rich to get a plate bumper

[07JeepXK]

Is that due to the JK's wheel base being so long or due to the steering?