roll cage

Just wanted to get everyones opinion. I know a number of you have built cages that incorporate the seats into the cage and I like that idea. I guess my question would be.....Should the Cage be tied to the frame. I bought a 6 point tie in kit for my cage but I am not sure if I need or if I should use it. My tub has been a weak link but I have improved it alot last year. I was going to tie the cage to the frame to give the tub more support but I don't think it is nessesary for that reason. I am planning on installing my front hoop this summer and I am debating on the tie in kit.

Should I tie the cage into the frame? Pros? Cons?

 

I thought about tying into the frame but ended up not doing it. I attached my cage to 3/8" plate at the six points so that the cage wouldn't go through the body very easily. After looking at it it seemed like a whole lot more work and I didn't really see the point since my seats and belts are tied to the cage

 

Just so you know, mine is not tied into the frame and my seats are not incorporated into the cage.

I plan on tying it to the frame once the bodywork is complete. I just don't have the room to tie the seats into the cage. I will feel a whole lot better with it tied to the frame.

 

just a reminder.... when using the bolt to body method, be sure to use two plates. the one welded to the cage and one on the other side of the body. as well one plate should be larger then the other one, othe wise they act just like a sissor.

 

While your at it tying the seats to the cage, make sure your seatbelts are also attached to the cage. That way if the cage and seats seperate from the body your not cut in half.

I tied my cage in to the frame and it cut down a lot of the frame flexing. The clutch pedal no longer goes to the floor when crossed up. Now the suspension does the work. Of course the body is junk in most places so I didn't trust it all.

Kevo

 

Kevo: Remember, in these old Jeeps, the frame IS part of the suspension!

 

True, but I think thats one reason why the frames wind up cracking. Although, in these old jeeps thats just par for the course. R)

Kevo

 

welded everything to the frame, the cage at 8 points and the seat frames, i even made body mounts that are welded to the frame and cage. could care less if the frame and body flexs, thats why i paid good money for springs. to me its worth it and if you dont think a frame being so stiff wont 4-wheel good just look at any tube buggy there is no body just cage, this is the idea i went with when i did mine, jason.

 

Check with your insurance company. Some offer discounts for a frame mounted cage. Personnaly, I'd mount to the frame for the added security and to intentionally stiffen up the frame. Let the suspension do the work. That's what it's there for.

 

Thanks guys for the advice.

I will tie the cage to the frame as well as the seats and belts. I want everyone who rides with me to be safe and feel safe too.

I do agree with streagthening the frame and letting the suspension do the work.

Thanks again.......

 

I have come to the conclusion that what Boyink stated is true, my frame had not 1 single crack in it after 34 years, but my frame was completely 100% stock, I won't put an aftermarket bumper on the front or rear because I believe that stiffening this area up to much from ridgid bumpers is what breaks most of the spring mounts. If you watch most of the frames that have problems in these areas, someone has put a nice tough bumper on them or reinforced them and the frame will not give there like its suppose to and something has to give, the designed weak link is now the frame horn and not the body mount or "C" channel on the rear. I have kinda leaned toward not tieing the roll bar into the frame on at least these old Jeep, more modern ones I say YES!!

 

Queation here,
The newer jeeps do not tie the rollbars into the frame. Don't they have to pass roll over tests? I know manufactures cut corners as they can,I just dont see Y.J's or T.J."s with frame tie in done even aftermarket.

 

Sounds like I might need to box the frame also...........

 

The newer jeeps cages are not even close to sufficient in a rollover. The front spreader bars that attach to the windsheild collapse in a mild roll. If your seats and belts are not part of the cage, the cage had better be tied in to the frame, or you could get a big suprise when you roll it. My seats and belts are a part of the cage, which is tied to the frame in 6 spots.

 

Not really sure whats better for not cracking frames, a frame that doesn't flex causing spring mounts to rip off or a frame that flexes causing cracks in the frame rails and or crossmembers. Who knows. :?

However, for the wheeling I do I have a fairly soft suspension that can flex alot on its own. The frame has been boxed and the mounts for the front springs have been beefed up and designed to hopefully distribute the bending loads better. I have to say I like the idea of a cage being like a truss and adding strength to the frame.

I suppose it all depends on the jeeps intended use. Whatever your intended use is just make sure the cage is structuraly good and whatever you mount it to is sound. You could allways mount it to the body and then tie it in later.

Kevo

 

I was thinking race car when I started my JEEP. I had the frame completely boxed. I figure a good strong foundation is a good place to start. I just never got around to tieing in the cage. I'm not real sure how to do it at the back, in the fender well area. I don't want some huge hunk of pipe there for my tires to rub on. Been thinkin on this for some years now. Still blank.