Birty Dastards Jeep Club

Tech Forum => Workshop => Topic started by: willo on May 15, 2012, 07:08:01 PM

Title: Talk to me about wheelbase lengths
Post by: willo on May 15, 2012, 07:08:01 PM

With 35-37" tyres, competing in UK hunt the punch, some Special Stage only events with aspirations to do longer abroad events, what would be your ideal wheelbase length and why?


Or what wheelbase are you at and how does it work for you?
Title: Re: Talk to me about wheelbase lengths
Post by: MOCAJ on May 15, 2012, 07:37:02 PM
with what you are doing i would have thought 100" ish would be good. In trials you want to be short and have a good turning circle but i know you guys just winch yourselves over

and for timed specials i think the longer wheelbase will add more stability

what do they run in states for events with speed
Title: Re: Talk to me about wheelbase lengths
Post by: willo on May 15, 2012, 07:42:28 PM
with what you are doing i would have thought 100" ish would be good. In trials you want to be short and have a good turning circle but i know you guys just winch yourselves over

and for timed specials i think the longer wheelbase will add more stability

what do they run in states for events with speed

like 120" but we haven't got the territory like they have
Title: Re: Talk to me about wheelbase lengths
Post by: Panic mechanic! on May 15, 2012, 07:48:06 PM
lardie owners always rave about 100" but i am not sure if thats wheelbase or how far they can go without breaking down :017:
Title: Re: Talk to me about wheelbase lengths
Post by: wildwood on May 15, 2012, 09:51:30 PM
you can do.100 just! Without going comp cut or stuff.... Just right for up to 38s....

Me I'm at 105 1/2 and seems to work well with 39.5 s but I had to comp cut.... Some hate the comp cut .....but needs must :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: Talk to me about wheelbase lengths
Post by: Warthog on May 15, 2012, 10:53:19 PM
The way i understand wheelbase numbers, determine the the suspension cyclic rate characteristics. Longer for speed and climbing (slower rate) Whereas shorter for agility (Faster rate)

I reckon 106" with 37's to 40's works, from stuff on Pirate.

If you play with thr 4 link calc, you'll find anti squat can start to determine wheelbase.



Title: Re: Talk to me about wheelbase lengths
Post by: Nosebolt on May 15, 2012, 11:39:04 PM
posted this a few years ago, as it says was copied from and ol copy of jP magazine, does seem to tie in whit what others say

Quote
From an old JP Magazine suggests that a good start for wheel choice is by wheel base of vehicle, and has a chart as follows;

Wheelbase (inches)_________Tyre (inches)
80-90____________________32-33
90-95____________________33-35
95-100___________________35-36
100-105__________________36-37
105-110__________________40-42
120-plus__________________42-44 plus
Title: Re: Talk to me about wheelbase lengths
Post by: willo on May 16, 2012, 07:57:03 AM
Thankyou Nosebolt
Title: Re: Talk to me about wheelbase lengths
Post by: wildwood on May 16, 2012, 08:51:59 AM
Or to put it another way sometimes I think your eyes tell you!

For example a CJ 5 on 35s looks a bit whizz wheels and overtyred.

a few more inches and same tyres on a CJ7 looks the business

again same tyres on CJ8 and looks like they should have always been there.
Title: Re: Talk to me about wheelbase lengths
Post by: willo on May 16, 2012, 09:51:44 AM
I agree
Title: Re: Talk to me about wheelbase lengths
Post by: Nosebolt on May 16, 2012, 09:59:26 AM
 :iagree:

something I was told by my old apprentice instructor 'if it looks right, then chances are it is right'