Adding more tube to my roll cage - help me decide.

So my CJ3B stretch is coming along. I'll try to update the build thread later this week. I've lengthened my roll cage to fit the longer tub and I'd like to add another bar on the sides of the rear section. Here are some mock ups of the locations I've been considering with a poll added. Feel free to let me know why you like or don't like any of the options shown. My boys will be getting in and out of the back seat by climbing on the tire and going through the side so I need to leave some space for that.


Option 1 - add vertical



Option 2 - add a slant forward



Option 3 - add a slant backward, from top of cage



Option 4 - add a slant backward, from lower on cage



A couple more pictures of the cage for reference. The top will get a new bar down the middle.


The new side bar will be bolted to the plate that's welded to the side of the tub and wheel well.

 

I like slant backwards but in the event of a rollover I don't think it is going to help nearly as much as a forward slanting bar. I could be totally wrong since my knowledge of roll cage building is all of about 5 minutes long.

 

If it were me, in addition to option 2, I would X brace the top of the cage over the boys head rather than the single bar. Also, I would add a couple of diagonal braces behind the driver / passenger seats.

 

what in the heck are you plannin to do with that thing enter a demo derby?

 

I am thinking safety. That being the case, the slant forward (2nd pict) will give the most support for the rest of the cage in a roll. And I'd X the top and run short triangulation at most intersections. Even if it is one of those little .25 plates with the little designs.

 

Who, me or 45es?

 

i'm thinkin your center posts are going to carry the weight in a rollover so i would slant back from the ceterpoint posts, cut those curves and intersect the center post then reattach the curves to the angled piece then do the same on top triangulate back from center window to the center posts. then take those center posts to the frame.

 

that is pretty stout looking the way it is for a 2000 lb rig

 

It was 3,300lbs when it was an MB. Now at the CJ6 length it's gotta be pushing 3500. You bring up a myriad of things to change in the previous post, but the other post suggests that it's over-built, so I'm not sure what your opinion really is. All opinions are welcome or I wouldn't have started the thread, but at this point the only thing that is on the table is options 1 through 4. Not that I can't or won't make changes or improvements to the cage in other areas, just that today I'm working on making a decision regarding adding some tube to the side. Thanks.

 

i guess it depends on what you want it for,thats why i had two ideas if average wheeling then i voted dont change it, if you want to improve it then my option is number 2 moved forward to the center post the load in a roll over will be on the front and center post so they need to carry the weight also triangulated from the center front window would help twisting. then even better a cross member behind the front seats.

 

I gotcha Chuck. It's a balancing act, like most things. I don't do risky stuff when the kids are along. Anything questionable and they are out of the Jeep until I'm past the obstacle. The kink in it is that I want to leave room for access to the rear seat via the side. I can see that option 4 is really just an oversized gusset, but I like it. Option 2, but to going to the top of the B pillar is the strongest I'm sure, but it completely cuts off the access.

Nearly all the CJ6 cages I've seen, unless they were totally spider webbed, had nothing beyond what I already have. After adding 20", it just looks so much more open compared to the MB. That's why I'm wanting to add a little something. Thanks all for the input.

 

I found this poking around on the net:


I could install a clevis pin removable bar from the top of the B pillar to the bottom of the C pillar. Just more brainstorming. It would be an extra step getting in and out, but when we are wheeling we are never in a hurry.

 

How about a combination of 1 and 3? A vertical to support the middle of the back section and a slant back to the top rear corner of the cage where it doesn't have much? Would still leave space to get in and out.

 

I like the look and my perceived strength factor on opt. 2. opt. 3 looks more conducive to entering/exiting the rear seat via the tire.