Custom Storage Tub Enlargement
02-14-2008, 08:04 PM
#1
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Custom Storage Tub Enlargement
We just finished fabricating and installing a custom rear storage tub that is 3 to 4 times bigger than the stock tub. Many of you don't remember but my jeep was in a pretty bad wreck last year so I took this opportunity to build a larger storage tub while the jeep was getting worked on at the body shop. The guys at the shop were jeepers so took this on as a project while repairing the rest of the jeep.
We started with a simple design trying to copy some of the ideas seen in this forum, then came up with the idea of fabricating a tub out of a gas tank skid plate from the previous TJ model. We had to chop down the skid plate and form parts of it so it fit the space as tightly as possible. I was trying to get as much storage as possible. We also cut out the jack storage box (the factory jack is worthless anyway) and built the tub into that space. We verified that this was not impairing any of the crash crumple zones on the back of the jeep. We installed a 2" by 4" steel cross member so that we didn't loose any structural strength from cutting out the jack storage box. It is probably twice a strong now than before the mod.
Overall size of the tub is 29" by 17" by 8" deep. I do need to still finish a lid for the tub. We made it so large that is does effect the brackets that the stock lid attaches at. The plan is to modify a Tuffy security lid but I just haven't got around to ordering one yet.
It looks like a factory install but I would caution anyone from trying this. While it looks great and I'm very glad we did it, it took forever to build the tub due to the amount of customization needed. Don't try this if you going to pay some one to build it. I had the benefit that the insurance company was paying for repairing the rear of the jeep and the guys at the shop worked a lot on their own time.
I also installed Expedition One front and rear bumpers at this same time but won't be ready to show pictures for a few weeks. I'm working on modifying the front bumper to accomodate my Blue Ox tow bar bracket. Their rear bumper looks great, is rock solid, and their design that hinges the rear tire with the tailgate works great. I was concerned the front bumper would look to big but it really came out looking good. Pictures in a few weeks....
We started with a simple design trying to copy some of the ideas seen in this forum, then came up with the idea of fabricating a tub out of a gas tank skid plate from the previous TJ model. We had to chop down the skid plate and form parts of it so it fit the space as tightly as possible. I was trying to get as much storage as possible. We also cut out the jack storage box (the factory jack is worthless anyway) and built the tub into that space. We verified that this was not impairing any of the crash crumple zones on the back of the jeep. We installed a 2" by 4" steel cross member so that we didn't loose any structural strength from cutting out the jack storage box. It is probably twice a strong now than before the mod.
Overall size of the tub is 29" by 17" by 8" deep. I do need to still finish a lid for the tub. We made it so large that is does effect the brackets that the stock lid attaches at. The plan is to modify a Tuffy security lid but I just haven't got around to ordering one yet.
It looks like a factory install but I would caution anyone from trying this. While it looks great and I'm very glad we did it, it took forever to build the tub due to the amount of customization needed. Don't try this if you going to pay some one to build it. I had the benefit that the insurance company was paying for repairing the rear of the jeep and the guys at the shop worked a lot on their own time.
I also installed Expedition One front and rear bumpers at this same time but won't be ready to show pictures for a few weeks. I'm working on modifying the front bumper to accomodate my Blue Ox tow bar bracket. Their rear bumper looks great, is rock solid, and their design that hinges the rear tire with the tailgate works great. I was concerned the front bumper would look to big but it really came out looking good. Pictures in a few weeks....
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Superchargedrubi2012 (05-28-2021)
Awesome!!!
02-14-2008, 08:49 PM
#6
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Thanks. After seeing what is involved I would buy Woods kit unless you have lots and lots and lots of free time plus good metal fabrication skills.
02-14-2008, 08:55 PM
#7
JK Super Freak
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That is what I was thinking! 
