
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured

Firewall Mayhem
Crankshaft trigger mechanisms have been used in racing applications for a considerable length of time. In truth, they’ve actually been in service for decades. It’s a simple known fact that one of the best ways to improve engine performance is to ensure that the ignition timing is stable. That’s the whole purpose behind such a system, and that’s why racers regularly use them.

Superior Braking
There’s no denying the popularity of Camaros; they have been a rodding favorite since their initial release in 1967. The first-generation Camaro has always been an enthusiast car because it is small, lightweight and had a sports-car-design feel to it. Underneath, the early Camaros were based on a Nova platform and featured many good mechanical attributes. Right from the start, they became a popular choice for teenagers and young adults, and most of the performance enthusiasts wanted the SS model that came with a choice of a strong-running small- or big-block engine. Things haven’t changed much, because they are still a popular choice for enthusiasts to restore or modify.

BIG BLUE
When Ford introduced the Galaxie nameplate in 1960, the reasoning behind the new name was obvious. At the time, bigger was better, and short of GM introducing a car named the Universe, what could convey a greater sense of size than Galaxie?
Spotlighter
POPULAR READS
-
Product Spotlight: Bill Mitchell Products Aluminum LS Engine Block
-
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: 60-66 Chevy C10 Fresh Air Vent Block Off Plate
-
Product Spotlight: Pyramid Optimized Design Sequential Aurora Taillight for 1964½–1966 Mustang
-
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Cam Covers for GEN/3 Coyote from Pyramid Optimized Design
Product Spotlight: Artec Industries APEX Axle Truss – Strengthen Your Jeep’s Foundation
Beef Up Your Jeep's Axles with Artec's APEX Truss
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




