Stretching the Wheelbase
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,004
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington,NC
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,513
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From: Aurora
Year: 1997 XJ
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO JASPER MOTOR
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 812
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From: Kansas City, MO
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 812
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City, MO
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I'm wondering who has stretch their wheel base, what they did to do it, and the benefits of doing it. I have seen a few nice looking rigs with the rear axle stretched out. It looks cool and as short as the XJ is I figure it helps with off road ability but not sure if it is worth the cost. Look forward to hearing every ones input on this 
.
.If you look at most lifted XJ's, you'll notice the rear axle moved forward at ride height. This is so the axle (and tire, more importantly) will be centered in the well at full tuck. However I noticed with my MD OME leafs, the axle is nearly perfectly centered at ride height...which translates to rubbing on the back of the wheel well at full tuck (I haven't had a chance to bumpstop yet).
If all you're wanting is about an extra inch of stretch and haven't lifted yet this would probably do exactly what you want...
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 967
Likes: 0
From: Brookfield, WI
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.2L bored out 4.0L I6
If you want just a little bit of stretch in the rear you can use OME 2" medium duty leaf springs (and use a lift shackle or relo brackets to get the rest of your desired lift). I have these springs and noticed the axle sits about an inch further back than stock, and more than most lift springs.
If you look at most lifted XJ's, you'll notice the rear axle moved forward at ride height. This is so the axle (and tire, more importantly) will be centered in the well at full tuck. However I noticed with my MD OME leafs, the axle is nearly perfectly centered at ride height...which translates to rubbing on the back of the wheel well at full tuck (I haven't had a chance to bumpstop yet).
If all you're wanting is about an extra inch of stretch and haven't lifted yet this would probably do exactly what you want...
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,004
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington,NC
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
If you want just a little bit of stretch in the rear you can use OME 2" medium duty leaf springs (and use a lift shackle or relo brackets to get the rest of your desired lift). I have these springs and noticed the axle sits about an inch further back than stock, and more than most lift springs.
If you look at most lifted XJ's, you'll notice the rear axle moved forward at ride height. This is so the axle (and tire, more importantly) will be centered in the well at full tuck. However I noticed with my MD OME leafs, the axle is nearly perfectly centered at ride height...which translates to rubbing on the back of the wheel well at full tuck (I haven't had a chance to bumpstop yet).
If all you're wanting is about an extra inch of stretch and haven't lifted yet this would probably do exactly what you want...
Seasoned Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 279
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From: Ashland, KY
Year: '00
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I have 5" of stretch on mine and I wheel the guts out of it. It has been that way since the P.O stretched it years ago, and flipped the springs around. I also have Terra flex revolver shackles on it with 6" of lift.
I am sure the leafs turned around are weaker but they work if your doing it on a budget, or you just want to try it and see what happens.
I am sure the leafs turned around are weaker but they work if your doing it on a budget, or you just want to try it and see what happens.
Last edited by shawn_00x; Apr 27, 2013 at 05:55 PM. Reason: changed from foot to inches lol
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,592
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From: oregon
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 ho 99 intake ps pump 1" tb spacer 62mm bored tb eletric fans and more
couldnt he run a s10 leaf pack and a shackle relocation pack? im not sure but I thought the center pin and a chevy pack was off center?
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,004
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington,NC
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,004
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington,NC
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I have 5" of stretch on mine and I wheel the guts out of it. It has been that way since the P.O stretched it years ago, and flipped the springs around. I also have Terra flex revolver shackles on it with 6" of lift.
I am sure the leafs turned around are weaker but they work if your doing it on a budget, or you just want to try it and see what happens.
I am sure the leafs turned around are weaker but they work if your doing it on a budget, or you just want to try it and see what happens.