View Full Version : Artec Axle Armor
JeepLab
02-16-2014, 10:16 PM
We caught up with Artie from Artec.
They make the smartest designed axle armor for the jeep jk. We have their front and rear full armor kits installed on Black Betty.
No sleeves. You dont need them with the artec system.
Rexx19
02-17-2014, 07:52 PM
This really is the only game in town when it comes to axle armor,
the parts build a cage on the axles when you weld the truss on. Once you get it on there, the axle is pretty much bullet proof.
Looks cool too.
The best part is that dosent break the bank in comparison to the cost of a new axle.
JeepLab
02-17-2014, 08:22 PM
This really is the only game in town when it comes to axle armor,
the parts build a cage on the axles when you weld the truss on. Once you get it on there, the axle is pretty much bullet proof.
Looks cool too.
The best part is that dosent break the bank in comparison to the cost of a new axle.
Couldnt have said it better. And our trucks have them front and rear. Betty and Jesse's Girl
Here's the moab ejs Artec video
http://youtu.be/Bo0n2UbJQ4o
JeepLab
02-20-2014, 02:36 PM
Here is some shots of our Artec Axle Armor
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JeepLab
02-20-2014, 02:37 PM
Shot of the lincoln electric welder used in installation
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We should weld one of these kits to some pipe and do some crazy tests to see if we can bend it.
Snarf77
02-23-2014, 04:00 PM
We should weld one of these kits to some pipe and do some crazy tests to see if we can bend it.
I doubt you could bend a tube at all with this armor on it. I just don't think it could be done safely!
I just ordered a set for myself after reading all good things. I don't think there is another kit anywhere that is as complete? This picture just gets me going every time I see it. I'll post some pics when I get my install done.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7422/12729478604_c325796451_z.jpg
Can you let us know what the install costs as well? Don't forget LCA skids as well.
Snarf77
02-23-2014, 05:30 PM
Will do Pete. The front armor kit is a bit more involved than the rear truss kit and therefore it costs a bit more to put in, but not too much. I'm working with an off-road shop near me that does all kinds of custom fabrication and welding from basic to rock buggies. They said the welding would be no problem. I should know in a few days.
I'm not sure its 100% necessary, but they were concerned about internal heat with the e-locker and internal wiring with a rubicon's electromagnetic system to go from open to full spool on 12v only.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/12731392944_c720294d6f_z.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2845/12730916565_45835b1756_z.jpg
So the shop doing my install plans to be especially careful with and around the wiring.
JeepLab
02-23-2014, 05:38 PM
Will do Pete. The front armor kit is a bit more involved than the rear truss kit and therefore it costs a bit more to put in, but not too much. I'm working with an off-road shop near me that does all kinds of custom fabrication and welding from basic to rock buggies. They said the welding would be no problem. I should know in a few days.
I'm not sure its 100% necessary, but they were concerned about internal heat with the e-locker and internal wiring with a rubicon's electromagnetic system to go from open to full spool on 12v only.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/12731392944_c720294d6f_z.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2845/12730916565_45835b1756_z.jpg
So the shop doing my install plans to be especially careful with and around the wiring.
Nate from RK welded our rear truss on in a matter of minutes. I swore my gears were soup he was done so fast.
When I asked if he melted the gears, he laughed at me.
If it was at someone other shop and not Rock Krawler, I would have made him open the differential and show me. LOL
At RK you know the guys know what they are doing.
Snarf77
02-28-2014, 04:47 PM
Yeah, I bet they were good at it. Its not the gears so much as the wires in our E-lockers. I bet he'd done it enough to know it wouldn't have a negative effect. My Artecs just going in and painted black.
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JeepLab
03-01-2014, 11:02 PM
Yeah, I bet they were good at it. Its not the gears so much as the wires in our E-lockers. I bet he'd done it enough to know it wouldn't have a negative effect. My Artecs just going in and painted black.
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That truck really got its guts ripped out.
Snarf77
03-03-2014, 12:05 PM
That truck really got its guts ripped out.
Yeah, with the metalcloak gamechanger 3.5, pretty much everything is replaced under your JK. Its an ideal time to install artec's kits as its only a few more steps to pull the whole axle and get the welding done. I think the shop here had it right where they have a nice cart for the axles so you can work on the welding without having to bend over and kill your back.
JeepLab
03-03-2014, 07:47 PM
Here are some shots of our rear truss that was installed at Rock Krawler
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JeepLab
03-03-2014, 08:19 PM
Here are some shots of our rear truss that was installed at Rock Krawler
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You can see the artec spring mounts in the background of the pics
Snarf77
03-04-2014, 01:58 PM
I had to modify my artec rear truss to work with the metalcloak gamechanger lifts Bolt on high clearance track bar bracket. Had to notch the artec and weld the bracket to the truss. This would be more helpful with pics...but I don't have access at the moment.
JeepLab
03-05-2014, 12:28 PM
I had to modify my artec rear truss to work with the metalcloak gamechanger lifts Bolt on high clearance track bar bracket. Had to notch the artec and weld the bracket to the truss. This would be more helpful with pics...but I don't have access at the moment.
Artec also makes a rear track bar bracket, adjustable.
Pznivy
03-05-2014, 03:55 PM
Do these trusses add a lot of weight?
JeepLab
03-05-2014, 04:51 PM
Do these trusses add a lot of weight?
They don't. The sides of each truss is .130 and the top is 1/4 steel. Total weight of the front is under 11 lbs.
The rear is smaller, so will be less.
I didn't notice any difference in drivability with them installed. You don't even know they are there.
Snarf77
03-05-2014, 06:31 PM
They don't. The sides of each truss is .130 and the top is 1/4 steel. Total weight of the front is under 11 lbs.
The rear is smaller, so will be less.
I didn't notice any difference in drivability with them installed. You don't even know they are there.
I concur, these aren't terribly heavy and the benefits are tremendous. Both of mine came in one box and I was able to pick it up easily (was prepared for something heavy). I'm pretty sure that the welds give it the necessary strength.
JeepLab
03-05-2014, 07:58 PM
I concur, these aren't terribly heavy and the benefits are tremendous. Both of mine came in one box and I was able to pick it up easily (was prepared for something heavy). I'm pretty sure that the welds give it the necessary strength.
Those holes do too. The holes throughout the flat pieces are not flat, They are pressed. and make it rigid.
Snarf77
03-08-2014, 06:50 PM
Just a shot of my front Artec kit and Ballistic Fabrication Diff Cover, metalcloak gamechanger arms.
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JeepLab
03-09-2014, 05:36 PM
I need to see this thing flex up close.
We are going to have to take her off road.....Keep a close eye on your keys.....
Pznivy
03-12-2014, 01:27 PM
Just a shot of my front Artec kit and Ballistic Fabrication Diff Cover, metalcloak gamechanger arms.
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This might be the prettiest axle I've ever seen. The gold bars, skull on the diff cover... swoon.
JeepLab
03-15-2014, 12:50 PM
Im going to give snarf a run for his money.
At the end of this month, Im going back to Rock Krawler to do a 3 link front and rear. Then Im going to POR15 every surface under the truck.
Ill also be showing off a new artec bracket on the rear truss for the RK 3 link.
Yoinkers
03-25-2014, 12:40 PM
So are the "dimple dies" all BS?
I was reading that they can actually make the steel weaker.
Have we got a final on this?
Snarf77
03-25-2014, 02:14 PM
Im going to give snarf a run for his money.
At the end of this month, Im going back to Rock Krawler to do a 3 link front and rear. Then Im going to POR15 every surface under the truck.
Just realize that the POR15 effort is much more intense than the 3 link conversion. You should start a POR-15 thread. In my previous life/s as a Fiat enthusiast I'm all too familiar with the prep work essential to POR-15 function. It is extensive!
Looking forward to that three link.
This girl was POR-15'd inside and under.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/7552568306_5174f586b2_z.jpg
JeepLab
03-26-2014, 05:40 PM
So are the "dimple dies" all BS?
I was reading that they can actually make the steel weaker.
Have we got a final on this?
You wouldnt dimple die structural parts, but you would do it with sheet metal. It takes something floppy and makes it stiff.
JeepLab
04-13-2014, 12:04 PM
People talk about sleeves and gussets, and trusses, And Im on board with all that... Except the sleeves.
Ive never understood sleeving the axle. The artec truss makes it so you dont need to sleeve. If you did want to beef the axle up itself, yukon makes a chromoly axle, that is guaranteed not to break. If you can break it, they send a new one.
Snarf77
04-13-2014, 02:29 PM
People talk about sleeves and gussets, and trusses, And Im on board with all that... Except the sleeves.
Ive never understood sleeving the axle. The artec truss makes it so you dont need to sleeve. If you did want to beef the axle up itself, yukon makes a chromoly axle, that is guaranteed not to break. If you can break it, they send a new one.
Axle sleeves are pretty cheap, maybe 15-20% the cost of the yukon axles? I'd kill for a set of yukons but sleeves can't hurt for the budget conscious.
Pznivy
04-17-2014, 02:14 PM
Yukon again. You guys seem to love their stuff. Here's my question...
Has anyone actually broken a stock axle?
DHewes
04-17-2014, 09:56 PM
Yukon again. You guys seem to love their stuff. Here's my question...
Has anyone actually broken a stock axle?
I have. Twice. In my '99 TJ Sahara.
DukeofJeep
04-18-2014, 07:58 PM
It takes something floppy and makes it stiff.
;) signature worthy
JeepLab
04-18-2014, 09:27 PM
;) signature worthy
dimple dies! and yes, it is signature worthy.
Snarf77
05-19-2014, 06:34 PM
I've broken several axles in my CJs and they were no slouches. My JK Rubicon is the first "modern" jeep I've owned and I went with Artec to (hopefully) prevent the ass pain that is a broken axle.
WhiteRavenRR
05-19-2014, 11:26 PM
What did it cost you in having the truss welded to the axle? I've been wanting to do this to my D30 but haven't heard on what the cost is roughly to have it mounted.
JeepLab
05-20-2014, 02:04 PM
What did it cost you in having the truss welded to the axle? I've been wanting to do this to my D30 but haven't heard on what the cost is roughly to have it mounted.
Its going to depend on where you go. I got quoted 1000, for the welding at one place. RIP OFF.
I think i finally paid about 250 or 200 to have it installed.
WhiteRavenRR
05-20-2014, 02:27 PM
Well that's a huge difference. That at least gives me some idea of what I should expect in cost.
Snarf77
05-20-2014, 05:47 PM
Well that's a huge difference. That at least gives me some idea of what I should expect in cost.
I did my artec at the same time my lift went in so I did pretty well with my prices as the axle was already mostly out of the vehicle, and easier to weld.
WhiteRavenRR
05-20-2014, 09:34 PM
Yeah I also need to probably do some ball joints at the same time as well. I'm just worried about having it welded by someone that also knows to do small areas at a time to keep the axle and internals from getting too hot in any particular spot.
JeepLab
05-20-2014, 10:03 PM
I did one out of the truck. Took forever. Second one was done in the truck, seemed like it was done in a blink.
Snarf77
05-21-2014, 07:33 PM
Yeah I also need to probably do some ball joints at the same time as well. I'm just worried about having it welded by someone that also knows to do small areas at a time to keep the axle and internals from getting too hot in any particular spot.
My welder pulled the e-locker when welding for this very reason. Ross will tell you that his guys didn't and his e-locker still works. Guess my guy was being overly cautious.
JeepLab
05-21-2014, 10:52 PM
My welder pulled the e-locker when welding for this very reason. Ross will tell you that his guys didn't and his e-locker still works. Guess my guy was being overly cautious.
Your guy did it right. Better safe than sorry.
If I was ANYWHERE except rock krawler, I'd have made them take it apart.
It's hard to tell the rk guys how to build. They know soooo much about the jk and it's capabilities