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 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 13: Cutting and Rebuilding
Sometimes you need to tear things apart before you can build them. That is the case this week as we cut into the front of the Jeep to remove the stock metal bumper, making room for some custom tube work.
Continue Reading5.2 Magnum Swap Part 12: Custom Exhaust & Driveline
We knew we would need a custom exhaust and after looking around for some pre bent kits, we couldn’t find one we liked. All of the kits came with a lot more pipes and bends than we needed. We only needed bends from the headers to the Y collector, then it would be a straight shot to the muffler and it will dump out before the rear axle.
Continue Reading5.2 Magnum Swap Part 7: Cutting and (not) Fitting
Welcome to part 7 of our 5.2 magnum swap, we are shooting to be out testing for Halloween. Although we keep finding parts we want to upgrade so Halloween is a soft goal with the real goal of building it right and building it strong. Read The Rest Part 1: It’s Finally Happening Part 2: […]
Continue Reading5.2 Magnum Swap Part 1: It’s Finally Happening
It has been a long time coming and we are finally ditching the trusty i6. We have been wanting to do a v8 swap for years but it's hard to throw away a perfectly good 4.0 i6 with less than 70K. These motors are reliable and with proper maintenance can last 300,000. Our i6 has never let us down, but it is time for more power under the hood.
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