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 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 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.
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 10: Side Projects and Summer Fun
This week we took a break from the Jeep to work on some side projects and spend a little time at sea. We are stilling progressing with the swap, but can't spend all summer in the shop.
Continue Reading5.2 Magnum Swap Part 6: The Test Fit
This is Part 6 of our 5.2 magnum swap, we had previously set a goal of September 26th to keep us motivated, but now that we have both motors pulled there are more upgrades we want to add into the overall project. We could rush and finish it all by September 26th, but we would […]
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