Rear Suspension: Introduction to Trailing Arms
After years of trying to tune our rear suspension based on a stock WJ design it was time for for a much needed upgrade. Since we already had a modified 3-link suspension we crossed off all of the leaf spring options and focused on designing a new 4-link suspension.
Continue Reading5.2 Magnum Swap Part 22: Brakes and Wiring
Welcome to part 22 of our 5.2 magnum swap, follow along as we swap a 5.2 magnum from a 1993 ZJ into our 2004 4.0 TTB WJ. With the long Thanksgiving weekend quickly approaching we have been spending some long nights in the shop getting it ready to finally go out. Read The Rest Part […]
Continue Reading5.2 Magnum Swap Part 21: It Lives!
Welcome to part 21 of our 5.2 magnum swap, follow along as we swap a 5.2 magnum from a 1993 ZJ into our 2004 4.0 TTB WJ. The last 5 months have lead up to this moment. After a few frantic and long days in the shop we were finally able to start it up […]
Continue Reading5.2 Magnum Swap Part 20: Still Assembling
The days of mocks up are gone, from this point forward everything we bolt in is considered final assembly and is being covered in lock-tight and torqued to spec. Five months into the swap and we are getting very close to being able to turn it over and see how it all comes together.
Continue Reading5.2 Magnum Swap Part 19: Extending The Engine Cage
We really liked the way our simple tube bumper looked and didn't want to add anything else to it. This would not only keep a very clean looking font but would also maintain some of the sleeper look we have been trying to keep for as long as possible. The only downside with this design is the radiator is now the highest point and would not be protected in the event of a roll or crash.
Continue Reading5.2 Magnum Swap Part 18: Starting Final Assembly
Welcome to part 18 of our 5.2 magnum swap, follow along as we swap a 5.2 Magnum from a 1993 ZJ into our 2004 4.0 TTB WJ. This week we started final assembly! With everything coming together we broke out the paint, heat shielding and bolted the motor in place for the last time. Read […]
Continue Reading5.2 Magnum Swap Part 17: A Real Firewall
Ever since the initial cage was built back in 2008 our firewall has been questionable. There were multiple holes left from the heat and A/C, cabin vents, and a number of other small wires and accessories we had removed. We added to the problem when we tied the engine cage into the main cage. But with nothing to burn and plenty of space to route wires we haven't been too worried about it.
Continue Reading5.2 Magnum Swap Part 16: Driveshafts
No one expects 5 days of over 90 degree weather in the middle of October, but there are just something we cannot plan for. This week was slow in the shop. After a week of cool weather and rain we were excited for Fall and looking forward to some reasonable shop temperatures. But our excitement was short lived as summer made a comeback. Due to the weather and a member of the shop crew using his entire weekend to move, it was a slow week at Three Thirds Fab.
Continue Reading5.2 Magnum Swap Part 15: Custom Tube Bumper
This week we sent the 5.2 to the shop for some much needed cleaning and rebuilding. With the motor out we had ample room to finish weld some plates, motor mounts and start building our bumper. We ended last week with the lower radiator mounts complete but not much else up front. After getting the stock lights and grill aligned how we wanted, we started with a tube across the front just under the lights. We had planned to...
Continue Reading5.2 Magnum Swap Part 14: Giant Radiator in a Little Jeep
At 15% larger, 80% thicker, and a 3” electric fan shroud attached to the back our cooling system quickly became a massive unit to squeeze into the front of the TTBWJ. This week we mount the radiator, mock up the intake, and get up close and personal with our transfer cases.
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