LS Swapping a Classic Jeep CJ
October 19, 2023
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THE AUTO BUILDER
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The Best of the Best
Taking home a win at the Triple Crown of Rodding? That’s a big deal. This event isn’t your run-of-the-mill car show—it’s where the best of the best go head-to-head, and the judging is no joke. You’ve got to bring something truly exceptional, both in design and craftsmanship, to even get a nod here.
NO NOMAD FOR ME
The year 1954 was a big one for the Ford Motor Company. That was the year that Ford’s new Y-block V-8 replaced the long-serving Flathead V-8, and it was also the final year before a major styling redesign. Thus the ’54 models are somewhat unique.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Borgeson’s Performance Steering Shaft for G-Body, F-Body, & S-10
If you’re all about upgrading your ride’s steering game, then the Borgeson G-Body, F-Body, S10 Steering Shaft is your ticket to automotive nirvana. Designed to fit snugly into 1979-1988 GM G-Body, 1982-1992 GM F-Body, and 1982-1993 S10 pickup models, this bad boy brings a whole new level of performance to the table.
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.
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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
