stretching the wheel base

[NMB2]

why hasn't anyone brought up the fuel-tank location, between the frame rails, and behind the axle........how much room is there before the fuel tank interferes?

because hes putting a pickup bed on it. Put the tank in the bed.

 

[The_Dealer]

because hes putting a pickup bed on it. Put the tank in the bed.

2 words...fuel cell

 

[NMB2]

2 words...fuel cell

do you have a fuel cell?

 

[The_Dealer]

nope, but when i ranger cab it and flat/tube bed it i will...maybe a propane tank if im lucky enough

 

[BONES]

The BII/Explorer rear springs are 25" on the front half and 31" on the rear half of the spring. 6" the diff will move back if you swap the springs around.

Like mentioned above, you could also use a fabbed and drilled leaf perch for even more wheel base. I have seen guys make their own perches that move the diff as far as 5-6" as well.

 

[The_Dealer]

not sure how i'd like a 5-6" extended perch. to me 3" is kinda pushing it, any farther seems like the perch will be too long and have too much leverage on it in the case of axlewrap might bend or break them

 

[spdcrazy]

the fuel tank will be in the way when the axle goes to full bump! however it also makes a difference how far back the axle is moved.

my wheelbase is 96in. i moved the axle back about 2in i think (correct me if i'm wrong) and so far i don't hit anything at full bump.

you can also drill (with a really sharp bit) your leaf to test your wheel base. but i would recommend then having a main leaf build with that center pin hole when your at your desired wheelbase.

 

[59bisquik]

I too am contemplating a wheelbase stretch. I was shooting for moving the rear back a little over 6" but am not sure about the body work yet. And obviously the fuel tank issue.

 

[spdcrazy]

I too am contemplating a wheelbase stretch. I was shooting for moving the rear back a little over 6" but am not sure about the body work yet. And obviously the fuel tank issue.

even with my 2 in or whatever, i started hitting the stock wheel wells on the back corner. nothing sawsall can't handle tho

 

[The_Dealer]

I too am contemplating a wheelbase stretch. I was shooting for moving the rear back a little over 6" but am not sure about the body work yet. And obviously the fuel tank issue.

is it illegal to put a fuel cell in an suv?

 

[spdcrazy]

suv

i thought our b2's were known as "station wagon's"

but the question still remains.

 

[4.0B2]

i thought our b2's were known as "station wagon's"

but the question still remains.

station wagon??? NO I REFUSE!

 

[59bisquik]

I dont think its illegal, but I couldnt say for sure. I am sure it depends on the state. However, I would fab something else up, I refuse to put it inside my rig and lose any cargo space. A friend of mine just built a buggy and built a custom fuel cell. The steel supply bent the major pieces for him and the bottom, front and rear is one piece of 1/4" with thinner sides and top. Fuel cell with a built in skid plate.
As for the body, I was thinking of cutting away some of the body, moving the axle back as far as I can and then getting some Ranger bedsides from the wrecking yard. That way I could keep the factory look of the sheet metal but move the entire fender back. Most people probably wouldnt even notice the stretch if they were not RBV folks.

 

[mhughes165]

lol they are classified as wagons, but then again so are aerostars lol, so when ur drivin ur b2 u might aswell be drivin a aerostar lol.....jkjk

it also depends how much lift he is looking for, if u go high enough and have a body lift u can raise the tank the 3" that the body lift would allow, and with a decent lift u wouldnt even have a dream of contacting the tank

 

[The_Dealer]

don forget u will need a longer rear shaft...and no im not calling my b2 a wagon...thats just rediculous