Does the LJ wheelbase have an advantage over the TJ

[senecagreen]

I have seen build threads where people stretch the wheelbase of the TJ 10 inches.

What is the advantage? I know XJ's work well with their wheelbase.
If there is an advantage why not just start with a LJ?

 

[macleanflood]

LJs indeed have a longer wheelbase but they also have a slightly worse departure angle.

-Mac

 

[L J]

I have seen build threads where people stretch the wheelbase of the TJ 10 inches.

What is the advantage?

vertical climbs and i believe it allows one to correctly run large tires 37"+

If there is an advantage why not just start with a LJ?

better departure angle due to less overhang versus the LJ

 

[speeding_infraction]

I have seen build threads where people stretch the wheelbase of the TJ 10 inches.

What is the advantage? I know XJ's work well with their wheelbase.
If there is an advantage why not just start with a LJ?

Also, in my experience TJ's are a lot easier to find than LJ's

 

[GoldenGorilla]

There's no free lunches. The LJ is worse on breakover and rear departure angle, but better in vertical climbs and stability on snow thanks to the longer wheelbase. One thing for ssure is the improved interior space of the LJ. I'd wager the net positives go to the LJ.

My TJ w 33s on 2.5" lift and my Dad's stock LJ below. That little extra length in front and behind the rear wheel arch mean an adult can sit comfortably in the back and some stuff fits behind them.

 

[TheBoogieman]

If there is an advantage why not just start with a LJ?

You decide.

LJ.

TJ.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

LJs indeed have a longer wheelbase but they also have a slightly worse departure angle.

-Mac

Well, not all of ‘em…

 

[NashvilleTJ]

There's no free lunches. The LJ is worse on breakover and rear departure angle, but better in vertical climbs and stability on snow thanks to the longer wheelbase. One thing for ssure is the improved interior space of the LJ. I'd wager the net positives go to the LJ.

My TJ w 33s on 2.5" lift and my Dad's stock LJ below. That little extra length in front and behind the rear wheel arch mean an adult can sit comfortably in the back and some stuff fits behind them.

View attachment 656339

Your Dad’s got game…

 

[macleanflood]

Well, not all of ‘em…

You've right. Some redneck out there probably has an LJ tub on top of a Cat D9 undercarriage putting us all to shame.

I'm guessing the amount of unmolested TJs and LJs decreaes exponentially yearly. Wonder if we can dig up vehicle registrations by state...that might be interesting and compare them to production numbers.

-Mac

 

[D's Jeep Wrld]

Well, not all of ‘em…

Hmmmm something about a rear stretch huh

 

[GoldenGorilla]

Wonder if we can dig up vehicle registrations by state...that might be interesting and compare them to production numbers.

-Mac

We could flood Vinwiki with our hoopties.

 

[mjonesjr84]

vertical climbs and i believe it allows one to correctly run large tires 37"+

A TJ can run 37" tires just fine. Anything over 37's on a TJ or LJ needs wider axles for stability and will need A LOT more modifications for them to fit and function properly.

There are some situations where a TJ is better because of the shorter wheelbase, however that is in a limited capacity. Generally the longer wheelbase gives better stability and allows for tires to be in a better position on obstacles.

 

[lBasket]

I have seen build threads where people stretch the wheelbase of the TJ 10 inches.

What is the advantage? I know XJ's work well with their wheelbase.
If there is an advantage why not just start with a LJ?

Money

 

[Apparition]

Unlimited is less limited than a limited.

 

[OldBuzzard]

Higher towing capacity. Looks cooler. Easier to sleep in (w/o back seat). You can claim it's the "extremely rare LJ" when selling it.

 

[mrblaine]

A TJ can run 37" tires just fine. Anything over 37's on a TJ or LJ needs wider axles for stability and will need A LOT more modifications for them to fit and function properly.

The problem with "just fine" is it all depends on how much bullshit you're willing to put up with. 37's require more axle width than is accomplished by something other than wheel spacers. If you don't, then you get crap steering from low effective backspacing. TJ's on 37's without a stretch upset the balance between wheelbase and belly height. For most stuff, the shorter distance between the front and rear faces of the tires winds up being detrimental to overall performance and negates the benefit of larger tires. The compromises to run 37's on stock width axles are not good for ball joints, steering, or actual performance, but sure, it can be done, just fine depends on how much you're willing to tolerate that is less than stellar.

There are some situations where a TJ is better because of the shorter wheelbase, however that is in a limited capacity. Generally the longer wheelbase gives better stability and allows for tires to be in a better position on obstacles.

I've run the trails in JV 100's of times with 100's of different rigs while on 35's, 37's, and 40's. Each of my tire sizes were generally run with the most proper set up I could accomplish. There is an observation that most miss. The trail difficulty is nearly the same for everyone. The shorter TJ can run narrower widths, so they squeak right through narrow spots on the trail with no issue. The guy behind them on 40's is automatically wider and longer so he has to put tires on the sides which are sometimes taller than is prudent and it is a challenge to keep it from flopping. That same guy walks right up the next waterfall that the TJ on 35's has to winch on. At the end of the day, it averages out to about the same amount of overall difficulty for everyone.

To slow down how much anyone would be inclined to nitpick, my comments are based purely upon the desire to use your rig in difficult situations where it matters. If you're just fartin' around on Forest Service roads, ignore my observations, they don't apply to you. I'd also prefer that you don't piss down my back and tell me it is raining.

 

[D's Jeep Wrld]

Higher towing capacity. Looks cooler. Easier to sleep in (w/o back seat). You can claim it's the "extremely rare LJ" when selling it.

Mmmhm!
When I say what's up to guys in TJ's their faces goes from "Hi " to " OH AND TS A LJ" haha
The cool factor of having an Lj has always been there,But yes departure angle does suck though thats why id like to stetch my Lj. But eh Compared to my gladiator....I can't complain

 

[Rec_Rider]

I have seen build threads where people stretch the wheelbase of the TJ 10 inches.

15"

 

[AndyG]

here in the tight woods of the southeast you can turn the TJ around in places that the LJ will struggle

Trade offs, life is full of them

 

[Jeepster09]

LJ is better pulling boat or small camper, more stable.