Intermediate CJ frame dimensions

I found some conflicting data on intermediate CJ frame dimensions. Mostly the overall length of the vehicle is confusing, but the questions I have are:

1. what is the overall length of an intermediate frame?
2. wheelbase is 83.5 or 84 (both are quoted). Which is it?
3. most importantly, where did the intermediate pick up its 2.5 to 3" more of wheelbase over the early CJ? Longer springs? Spring mounts moved? Frame stretched between the leaf spring mounts???

Tub/fender dimensions don't matter here.

Inquiring minds want to know. I've been idly daydreaming of a future build....

 

Frame dimensions can be found in the FSM. Look here.

Other questions I can't answer.

 

Jeep says 84".

The difference in wheelbase is in the frame length ahead of the firewall. The wheelbase extends to 84", and the front clip is 5" longer. All added length in the front clip is directly ahead of the firewall. Thus the front wheel position is further back in the wheel opening by 2", compared to the early CJ-5. Shocks are moved to behind the front axle. The front cross-member is closer to the grille by about 2". The front cross-member is replaced by a wider cross-member that completely fills the area between the grille and the front bumper. The front bumper now bolts on, and is not a structural member, ie, it's not needed to support the frame horns.

 

So another way of saying it is: the grill is 2" closer to the front bumper than the early?

From the General Spring site (out of K.C.) the spring length is same for early cj5 and intermediate, so the 3" length difference is not found in the springs. Are the spring shackle mounts located differently than the early mounts (maybe closer to the bumper)? Is the 3" of length found iin the area of the frame between the firewall and the rearward spring mount of the front spring?

I had no idea that the front wheel position had the wheels 2" back in the fender well. Thanks Tim

 

Right - You can think of the frame as growing 3" aft of the front spring mounts (under the cowl), and the hood and fenders growing 5" where they meet the cowl. In terms of length, nothing else changes.

 

Thanks for helping me understand that