JL-JT APEX Front Axle ARMOR KIT

While we're working on the detailed instructions, here's some tips on installing your APEX truss. Refer to online pictures for orientation of the truss.

Warning:  Installing this product requires Welding and Fabrication skills, If you are not confident in your abilities to complete this task please have this installed at an qualified off-road shop .

Step 1:

Inventory all parts to ensure you have all of the correct pieces. If you are missing parts Contact Artec Industries Immediately at (855) 278-3299  M-F 8:30-5pm MST If outside of those hours Email us at Sales@Artecindustries.com (Please include picture of part number label on box as well as your invoice number   Per our Shipping service if box is damaged Keep all packaging if box is damaged aswell as photograph the box to ensure any shipping claims can be honored )

STEP 2.

Unpack contents of shipment. Remove axle from vehicle for best results and easiest installation. Prior to mockup make sure axle is clean and uninstall any oem and aftermarket bolt-on accessories that may conflict with truss installation. Remove axle breather hose and uninstall any electric locker wires from casting. This area will be welded so care should be taken to prevent these components for melting.

STEP 3.

Using a marker or paint pen, indicate the areas on the axle where the truss touches the axle to prepare for welding. Remove truss pieces from axle. Using an angle grinder with either a flapper disc or wire wheel brush, clean the surface of the axle tube, casting, upper control arm mount, and coil perch until bare steel is exposed. Clean surfaces on drivers side casting, tube, and coil perch in a similar fashion. Repeat step 2 and place all truss pieces back on axle.

STEP 4.

Prior to welding, ensure that the bottoms of all the truss pieces are in a straight line all together. The long truss can sag a little near the UCA mount so push down on the part over the casting and it'll straighten out. Place tack weld on truss pieces to hold all in place. Double check all truss pieces are straight.

STEP 5.

Begin welding small strips of truss that touch the axle tube. You want to move around to different parts of the axle as you weld so you don't heat up areas too much. Place a welding blanket over welds so they do not cool too quickly.

STEP 6.

To weld truss to cast section with best results, preheat casting evenly around where truss contacts to approximately 400 degrees. DO NOT HEAT UNTIL GLOWING RED AS THIS MAY DAMAGE THE CASTING. Once preheated, weld truss to casting before it cools. For best results, use a needle scaler or peening hammer to relieve the weld directly after welding. Post heat the area to approximately the same temp you used to preheat. Wrap axle in a welding blanket to slow the cooling process, the cooling should be slow (18-24hrs.) and uniform. (The idea behind this method is to relieve the stresses in the materials prior to welding, and ensure that the plate steel does not cool quicker than the cast resulting in stress cracks.)

STEP 7.

When completely cooled, check for any cracks in weld especially around the casting. If cracks are discovered repeat the necessary steps above, grinding out any cracked welds and prepping the area.

STEP 8.

 Remove the hub/axle shaft from Jeep as a unit  With the hubs and axle shafts removed stuff some rags in axle tubes.

 Remove the knuckles from the Vehicle .  Now Remove your ball joints from the axle the Heat caused by welding the C gussets can damage the ball joints.  Once the ball joints are removed weld the C gussets into place (The JL4405-3 is Driver Upper  JL4501 is Passenger side upper   The JL4505-2 is driver side lower and Jl4405-4 is passenger side lower)  Then wrap in a blanket to cool slowly  Once the C's are cool you can Install the ball joints we suggest freezing them before you install and apply a thin layer of grease to help install them    Once the Ball joints are installed install the knuckles onto the axle and Remove the rags from the axle tubes .   Place some grease on the splines of the axle shafts  an carefully slip the axle shafts and unit bearings into place . all of the knuckle and hub bolts to factory specs.

(Make sure you support the axle shaft as it passes into the housing and do not force it into place this could risk damaging the axle seals )

STEP 9.

Use a grinder or wire wheel to clean the surface of the LCA mounts to remove any paint, rust, or debris to ensure it is  ready for welding .

STEP 10.

Place the Control arm skids on the LCA bracket and weld them into place .Weld the  open seam on the LCA skid and leave the little round holes open for Mud and water to drain from.

STEP 11.

Once axle is ready, paint truss and axle where bare steel is exposed to prevent rusting. After paint is dry, reinstall axle breather hose, electric locker wire, and any other components. Install axle according to manufacturers specs.