Jeep Wrangler TJ Wheelbase Stretch - Three Link Kit

Four Wheeler 1997 Jeep Wrangler Tj Wheelbase Stretch Wheels

Living With a Stretched TJ
Nearly a year after we completed this conversion, the most obvious improvement is the drastically improved departure angle. By moving the rear end five inches to the rear, the setup improved our rear departure angle by at least six degrees. However, it came at an equivalent loss in ramp breakover angle. On the upside, on-road handling and ride quality vastly improved. The longer wheelbase helps to smoothen out the freeway expansion joints and harsh transitions between pavement and other surfaces. For what it's worth, our favorite thing about the conversion is the fact that in addition to lengthening the wheelbase, it solves three ancillary challenges faced by most TJ owners.

These include: fuel tank protection, rear quarter-panel and corner protection, and an annoying issue related to the factory rear suspension arrangement. To us, the most welcome and important of these added benefits is the latter. Without a rear track bar, the suspension cycles more freely in a straight up-and-down orientation instead of a side-to-side arc. This creates a more stable on-road feel while allowing additional inches of unrestricted articulation in the rough. Furthermore, the adjustability afforded by the new three-link enabled us to fine-tune the rear-axle pinion angle to better match the operating angle of the rear driveline.

Speaking of the rear driveline, a longer shaft enables an additional slip section and a less acute operating angle, which translates into prolonged U-joint and CV-joint life. We also love the newfound flexibility in rear shock length afforded by the kit; as a result, we plan to use this rig for a future shock test story. Around town, only the most detail-orientated Jeep enthusiasts notice the additional wheelbase length, but on the trail, the added inches become obvious, emphasizing the legendary capability of the TJ chassis.

The Jeep climbs better and soaks up bumps better, and as a result, we would rate this conversion a solid nine out of ten. We found only one fault in the fact that the included gas cap is not the locking type. Otherwise, the system is a good example of the old saying, "Longer is better."

Adding up the Costs (at time of print, no labor included)
Complete Stealth
Stretch Kit	P/N PJ8256	$2299.95
Driveline lengthening (est.)		$210.00
Total cost of conversion		$2,509.95
Ala carte:
Three-Link Stretch Bed Side Panels
Upgrade Kit	P/N FTS750801	$1,195.95
Fuel Tank	P/N PJ5125	$695.95
Stretch Bed Side Panels	P/N PJ4012	$339.95

As you can see, the longer wheelbase exposed a large section of our donor's rear driveline slip section. We sent the unit out for lengthening shortly after the conversion was completed. Notice that the rear axle truss setup incorporates a mounting provision for a factory-style rear antisway bar. This helps maintain on-road stability with the new three-link suspension arrangement.
As you can see, the longer wheelbase exposed a large section of our donor's rear driveline
Check out the way the Stealth Stretch kit relocates to coil spring towards the rear of the vehicle. The setup ensures that the spring and bumpstop mounts match up with the relocated axle position.
Check out the way the Stealth Stretch kit relocates to coil spring towards the rear of the
Notice how the driver-side fuel filler hose mates to the new gas cap pocket incorporated right into the new body armor. We absolutely love this configuration because it requires no modifications to the factory filler neck or hose. Unlike other stretch kits on the market, this setup makes installation a simple matter of loosening a hose clamp and re-attaching it to the new part.
Notice how the driver-side fuel filler hose mates to the new gas cap pocket incorporated r

Because the kit changes the rear suspension into a three-link arrangement, this stout truss system was installed to accommodate the new V-link upper arm setup. The new three-link mount is fully bolt-on for both Dana 35C and 44 model rear axles. It attached using the two upper control arm mounts on top, and the two lower sway bar mounts. (Note: They also offer a weld-on mount for all aftermarket Ford 9-inch and 8.8-inch axles, as well as for Dana 60s and other non-OE Jeep applications.) The configuration allows for easy access to the internals of the rear differential while adding significant strength to the truss system.
Because the kit changes the rear suspension into a three-link arrangement, this stout trus
Another unique feature of the PureJeep Stealth Stretch kit is the inclusion of the RockBottom lower rear shock brackets. These smart brackets allow end users adjustability for mounting different length rear shocks.
Another unique feature of the PureJeep Stealth Stretch kit is the inclusion of the RockBot
This is a close-up view of the newly stretched section of our donor TJ. Notice the way PureJeep designed the body armor overlay to fit perfectly with most aftermarket rocker panel protectors.
This is a close-up view of the newly stretched section of our donor TJ. Notice the way Pur