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Cj-5plus Or What If The Gladiator Was Made In 1955?

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by Rustman, Oct 25, 2024.

  1. Oct 28, 2024
    Jw60

    Jw60 New Member 2025 Sponsor 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Trails end,...
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    Link fixed, just my kid inspecting the 1:64 scale model with 117" wheelbase.

    Now having modeled this entire concept...
    The unibody is way more practical than a seperate bed.
    117" is the sweet spot of being the same bed area as a gladiator / Nissan frontier.
    117" is a super common wheelbase for jku, ford flex, Expedition, ranger, you name it.
    The length puts a lot more stress on the frame.
    You are looking at 300lbs just in steel for the body and frame, a full cage or hard top will be more.
    Ditch the d18 for a d20 and high pinion d44.
    D30 with disk brakes is a must.
    Just a big snowball.

    I made three 5' sections of body extensions. Dj donor frame. Figured it all out on the PC with stowage under the step and three rows.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    But at the end of the day... I already have a ford flex with 8' of roof that I can load plywood on top of. I'll revisit the concept after a few bucket list items are done with 81" wheelbase. I just think it'll be too much jeep for even my 4.3l engine and stock axles.
    I may go through with it before I'm in the dirt but it makes more sense to buy a 392. Our platform just isn't stout enough.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]cj5_stretched by Joe the adapter guy, on Flickr

    It does look amazing.
     
    Last edited: Oct 28, 2024
    Fireball likes this.
  2. Oct 30, 2024
    jeepermc

    jeepermc Active Member

    Western WA
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    May 25, 2011
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    1,214
    Build the right cage and you won't need to stretch the jeep to haul lumber. :rofl:
     

    Attached Files:

    3b a runnin and Jw60 like this.
  3. Oct 30, 2024
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    You wouldn't believe the lumber and other stuff I've hauled with a trailer and a CJ5.
     
  4. Oct 31, 2024
    Rustman

    Rustman Member

    Charles Town, WV
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    Dec 28, 2019
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    I'd like to see that photo, but I don't have permission ;(
     
  5. Oct 31, 2024
    Mr_Vaughan

    Mr_Vaughan Member

    Central City, NE
    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2023
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    91
    separating the cab and bed is definitely a good idea if you plan to offroad it. i've been driving a stripped down motorhome frame around a lot recently, and the amount of flex in the frame (even though it's a monster of a frame) is alarming. having a unibody that long seems like it would put ridiculous amounts of stress on the body. even my long bed pickup has a lot of flex, the bed moves in relation to the cab a good 2 or 3 inches going in/out of a ditch. obviously it would be better if you had better suspension than the rigs i drive, but jeep frames aren't exactly known for their strength.
     
  6. Oct 31, 2024
    jeepermc

    jeepermc Active Member

    Western WA
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    Weird. I'll try to send it to you.

    Edit- Maybe not. Seems I can't do that.
     
  7. Oct 31, 2024
    Fresbone

    Fresbone Member 2025 Sponsor 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Fresno, California
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  8. Oct 31, 2024
    tkclemmer

    tkclemmer New Member

    NorCal
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    Jul 22, 2022
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    Agreed, I also think a separated bed looks better as a truck. For me one of the reasons the Rivian, Ridgeline, Avalanche, and Maverick look a little off is the integrated bed. That being said, LWB wagons can look great.
     
  9. Oct 31, 2024
    Jw60

    Jw60 New Member 2025 Sponsor 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Trails end,...
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    Just pick any old rover configuration. 110 127 130, apply it to the jeep. Just know that the seperate bed is gonna be a lot more work.

    upload_2024-10-31_15-31-11.png
     
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