TURNED-ON, TUNED-IN ECONOLINE
June 17, 2025
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THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
POCKET ROCKET
The very concept of a V-8-powered Ford Focus isn’t as new as it is novel. In fact, we introduced Jerry Kugel’s install kit some years ago and then followed it up with the mod-motor install. But that was then, and now ASE master technician Donny Seyfer, from Wheatridge, Colorado’s Seyfer Automotive, decided to tackle the building of such a hybrid.
Panning For Gold
The world is full of minor inconveniences, and changing transmission fluid is one of them. The job doesn’t need to be complicated, but on some cars it is. When we find the accountant who decided that our 4R70W transmission didn’t need a drain plug, we’re going to intentionally put him on duty at a quick-change oil and lube facility. What were they thinking?
THE INTRUDER
From the first time you see this beautiful ’57 Ford Ranch Wagon, you know it’s special, both in its concept and its execution. You might also know this is the latest creation from one of the Midwest’s elite rod builders, Troy Trepanier, a guy who has been doing it his own way since he first started shaping specialized vehicles back in the late 1980s. Since that time, Troy and his crew have been stopping people in their tracks with fresh, leading-edge designs, and their latest innovation certainly carries that tradition into a new era. After taking possession of another Trepanier creation, the ’54 Plymouth known as the Sniper, George Poteet decided he wanted Rad Rides By Troy to rework another car that he had been thinking about for some time. As with all such projects, it began simply enough, but soon a well-worn Ford station wagon was well on its way to an entirely new life.
Spotlighter
Product Spotlight: Artec Industries APEX Axle Truss – Strengthen Your Jeep’s Foundation
Beef Up Your Jeep's Axles with Artec's APEX Truss
If you’re wheeling a Jeep Wrangler JL, you know the factory axles are decent for the daily grind—but get rowdy with bigger tires or gnarly trails, and they’ll cry uncle faster than you can say “diff fluid leak.” Enter the Artec Industries APEX Truss, a killer upgrade for your front and rear axles that doesn’t just add strength—it revolutionizes the game.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photos Courtesy of Artec Industries
The Big Deal: Front and Rear APEX Trusses
Artec’s APEX Truss system is a CNC-cut, laser-precise, patent-pending chunk of engineering brilliance. Forget the flat-top trusses of yesteryear—this baby has a peaked design for ultimate rigidity, and it bridges the weak points in your JL’s factory axles, including that wimpy Front Axle Disconnect (FAD). Whether you’re crawling over boulders or blasting through the desert, the APEX Truss has you covered.
And it’s not just for the JL! Artec’s Axle Trusses are also available for Jeep TJ, LJ, ZJ, JT, JK, and XJ models, so you can upgrade your Jeep regardless of generation.
Rear APEX Truss Highlights:
- Ultimate Protection: Full-length coverage protects the axle from one end to the other.
- Strength Without Bulk: Those sweet dimpled holes cut weight while stiffening the structure.
- Weld Like a Pro (Almost): 70% less welding than older trusses, reducing warping, saving time, and keeping costs down.
- Perfect Fit: Artec used actual Dana and OEM 3D models to nail the fitment—no “hope and pray” here.
Front APEX Truss Perks:
- Everything you love about the rear truss, plus:
- Reinforces the FAD area, a notorious weak link.
- Handles multiple tire sizes like a champ.
- Contours perfectly around your front diff, ensuring clearance and strength where you need it most.
Why the APEX is Worth It
The APEX Truss isn’t just about slapping steel on your Jeep—it’s about delivering a stronger, lighter, and easier-to-install solution for both hardcore off-roaders and weekend warriors. By eliminating long weld seams and cutting down welding time by 70%, Artec has made axle reinforcement attainable for any competent fabricator. Oh, and it’s American-made, so you’re supporting the home team while upgrading your ride.
What Customers Are Saying
“Exceeded my expectations. No trimming or fitting needed. Fit like a glove.”
— NBT, Verified Customer, Chicago
“I purchased the D30 front axle truss for my 2018 JL. As a long-term traveler on backroads, peace of mind is priceless. This truss fits perfectly, strengthens the axle, and helps ensure I won’t run into issues in the middle of nowhere. The manufacturing and design quality are top-notch!”
— R. Tepper, Verified Customer, Rockville
“Don’t have money for an axle swap? This truss gave me the confidence to know I have more strength underneath my rig without breaking the bank.”
— Jim, Verified Customer, North Carolina
Installation: What You Need to Know
This isn’t plug-and-play; the APEX Truss requires welding to the cast center section, which can be tricky. If your welding skills are more “YouTube tutorial” than “professional fabricator,” leave this one to the pros. Trust us—it’s better than gambling with your axles at 65 mph.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re prepping your JL for extreme trails or just want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your axles won’t fold under pressure, Artec Industries’ APEX Truss is the ultimate upgrade. It’s strong, reliable, and easy to install (by axle-truss standards), all while looking downright badass. Get one for the front, one for the rear, and let your Jeep do what it was built to do—tackle anything.
So, what are you waiting for? CLICK HERE to head on over to the Artec Industries website and grab an APEX Truss, fire up the welder, and let your JL know it’s about to get serious.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Artec Industries
585 N. 700 W, Suite C
North Salt Lake, UT 84054
1-855-278-3299
