Longer 2 door JK with same wheelbase?

[winkosmosis]

One thing I don't like about Wranglers is how clipped the rear is. I know it helps with departure angle, but not being a rock crawler I'd prefer extra space without having to go all the way to the loooong wheelbase of the 4 door.

Here's my concept-- make the vehicle longer and move the spare inside. The one in the middle pic is slightly elongated, the bottom one extends to fill the same space as the spare tire.

 

[Bennyhana]

What would be the point of adding the extra storage space if you are going to hog it up with the spare tire? just one more thing you'd have to move out of the way to get to something. It would be sweet if you did the stretch and left the spare on the outside. Looks like a LJ in JK's clothing..

 

[The Swiss]

Me too I always thought the JKs looks a little short behind the rear wheels.

 

[winkosmosis]

Well with the spare inside, you still have flexibility in where you place it. It might also fit under the rear like a pickup.

Here's the longer one with the spare

 

[winkosmosis]

How about a taller roof?

 

[Cole]

I don't really see the point either. The 4 door is only 20.6" longer than the 2 door as it is. One thing to keep in mind with adding length is being able to access the cargo. The rear doors of the 4 door JK allow you easy access to the front end of your cargo. Not trying to climb over a flipped up front seat to get at it.

It is also very nice to have seperate cargo areas in the back. One you can access from the back, and one from the rear doors.

It is also very nice to have seperate cargo areas in the back. One you can access from the back, and one from the rear doors.


For example having 2 types of cargo that are not compatable. (food and dogs)

 

[winkosmosis]

Every time I see a JK 4 door, all I can think of is how awkward it looks with the long wheelbase. The biggest vehicle I've offroaded with was a WJ. 10" more wheelbase than that just feels like too much.

 

[Cole]

10" more wheelbase than that just feels like too much.

Not according to the comp rock buggies that build right about the JK 4 door wheel base:elkgrin:


LOVE the extra wheel base. This spot just throws most 2 doors on their lid.

 

[jasonL_031]

what lift do you have on your jk? and what size tires??

 

[4Rescue]

I actually REALLY like your idea.

In some ways it looks alot like a 1st Gen 4Runner (Something every Jeep would be good to emulate ) with the added rear overhang.
And I really like the one with the added Roof Height.

How about a taller roof?

This one REALLY looks like a 73 series Cruiser. Granted it's not going to be the hot ticket for a CRAWLER but... I agree too though that the rear doors do add some utility BUT I my rig (a 1st Gen 4Runner) is PERFECT for 2 people. plus with a body like that you could sleep pretty comfortably in the Jeep.

That said, I think a J8 would be superior and probably cheaper then all teh custom fab-work you'd have to do to get what you're after. I can honestly say that in all my years of 4wheeling I've never found the slight added length and wheel-base of Toyotas to be a disadvantage Yeah the breakover angle isn't as good, and they're slightly harder to turn around on a two-track, but in every other situation the longer WB of toyotas is an asset. I've walked up climbs with two open diffs that a CJ7 with dual lockers and bigger tires had issues with just because the WB helped me take it slower and more in control.

OR, better yet just buy a 4Runner and be done with it. If you're not into rockcrawling I'd say that a 4Runner can already be had with what you're after AND willl be more comfortable and more reliable. That's my opinion of cousre, but I've had ALOT of Jeeps and I am now a Die-hard Toyota Guy so...

Either way, like I said, I like what you're thinking. I too find the 4Door Wrangler to just...well... not LOOK right. They are however supremely capable trucks that just need a better motor (or the old one they used to have )

Cheers

Dave

 

[Cole]

what lift do you have on your jk? and what size tires??

AEV 4.5" Premium and 35" toyos. 37s will fit.

 

[Metcalf]

The only real problem I see with this idea is that vehicle dynamics are going to get really weird if you loaded that extra space up with heavy gear.

If you want something mostly off the shelf why not do a 4-door JK with the rear doors removed and filled with bolt in blanks. The wheelbase on the 4-door is very close to the same as an extra cab tacoma, not too long at all. You could build a new lighter simpler top. It could be done with no body/paint modifications also so all the sheet metal coatings/treatments would stay intact.

 

[scarysharkface]

One thing I don't like about Wranglers is how clipped the rear is. I know it helps with departure angle, but not being a rock crawler I'd prefer extra space without having to go all the way to the loooong wheelbase of the 4 door.

Here's my concept-- make the vehicle longer and move the spare inside. The one in the middle pic is slightly elongated, the bottom one extends to fill the same space as the spare tire.

That's going to make the front terribly light, which (as I've come to discover recently) is just asking for trouble.

John

 

[inked33]

i agree with just going to a 4 door unlimited, the rear doors would make it easier to get to the gear in the middle. but if your dead set on not getting a 4 door why not look at the tj unlimited?