frame stiffing
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,023
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From: salem, OR
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
My thoughts is how is your uniframe looking now? Is it beat on and have dents? Or clean and straight? If its got dents and such get the thinner stiffener as it'll be easier to conform to it compare to the thicker ones.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7,387
Likes: 10
From: City of Trees, CA
Year: 93 2 door
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Frame stiffeners are only part of the equation. If you've ever had the drivetrain and gas tank removed, you will notice the complete lack of structural cross-members between both sides of the uni-rails. It doesn't matter how stiff each rail is, if they can still easily twist relative to each other. Ever notice the way your windshield cracks diagonally? 
If you are planning on using your XJ offroad while planning to keep it for the foreseeable furture, a good cage will be apart of your "frame stiffening" endeavors.
If you are planning on using your XJ offroad while planning to keep it for the foreseeable furture, a good cage will be apart of your "frame stiffening" endeavors.
Last edited by Atmos; Sep 6, 2014 at 08:47 PM.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 820
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Because of your advice alone I got a stiffy the other night..
True. But don't discourage stiffys as a great upgrade. It's very important to put them on before you ever see the rocks. Gotta have plates on as a base for anything you want to weld onto your frame additionally (mounts, brackets, etc.). You should never weld anything directly to the uniframe other than stiffeners. And they'll save you from denting that precious under belly section
Banned
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 820
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I will post pictures of my stiffy as soon as I can, it provides rigidity where needed. Then Everyone can see my stiffy online. ..as Atmos says don't discourage stiffys...we all should do it especially before we see rocks. 
Those with stiffys can you show the different types to us?
Those with stiffys can you show the different types to us?
Last edited by Jrozar; Sep 6, 2014 at 09:23 PM.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 343
Likes: 2
From: Co
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
True. But don't discourage stiffys as a great upgrade. It's very important to put them on before you ever see the rocks. Gotta have plates on as a base for anything you want to weld onto your frame additionally (mounts, brackets, etc.). You should never weld anything directly to the uniframe other than stiffeners. And they'll save you from denting that precious under belly section
In other words, don't expect to install stiffeners and still be able to open your hatch when flexed out.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 820
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I have a jcr transfer case guard which goes from side to side and the Ruffstuff frame stiffeners coming in, what else would you suggest?
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 343
Likes: 2
From: Co
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
A properly built cage is ideal, although it may not be practical for everyone. Any additional cross-members to tie the rails together will help.
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 14,553
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From: Carrollton, GA
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Inline 6 4.0L High Output
LolThere are several good threads on stiffening the unibody and proper ways to tie in cage points on NAXJA. Read up a couple of build threads and the mod tech section there.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 826
Likes: 1
Model: Cherokee
i was looking at the rustys kit and you have to drill threw the unibody, with the stiffners dont you think that might be a issue? what long arm kits are people adding after they install there frame stiffeners?