Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Tworley build

awesome pics and thanks for sharing! Looks like a few crunched tailgates this trip. Are you going to just keep the spare off for good now?
 
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awesome pics and thanks for sharing! Looks like a few crunched tailgates this trip. Are you going to just keep the spare off for good now?

I think so. Whether it's in the bed or the garage, I'm not sure yet. I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner considering how many times my spare has touched the ground.
 
I think so. Whether it's in the bed or the garage, I'm not sure yet. I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner considering how many times my spare has touched the ground.

I bent just the corner of my tailgate a few times and moved it - but I figured the LJ length was a big driver of that being an issue.
 
I think so. Whether it's in the bed or the garage, I'm not sure yet. I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner considering how many times my spare has touched the ground.

I bent just the corner of my tailgate a few times and moved it - but I figured the LJ length was a big driver of that being an issue.

I may be deleting mine too. Bought it back jk wheels. Rather than messing with the snub spacers again, may let that tailgate be free from all that baggage.
 
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I could hear an "pft pft pft" while in Moab. Took a look last night and the JB weld job I did two years ago on the manifold is cracked where it meets the downpipe. I've got emissions testing next month so I placed an order for a cheap (<$90) exhaust manifold from Rock Auto that should be delivered early next week. SKP brand? Two years ago I barely passed emissions with high NOx. after using the JB weld. I think this crack is letting in air and causing a lean condition.

20250514_184110.jpg
 
Why can't you weld it?

Its a 28 year old manifold with 170k miles worth of exhaust gases and slathered in JB weld. Id have to take it completely out to clean and weld and in that same amount of time, I can put in a new one.
 
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I have tried welding cracks by collectors with no success. The weld is harder and thicker then everything around it and after heat cycling it just cracks again. if I I haaaad to try that again I would plate it so the weld is on top of the base material and not filling the crack.

I agree replace that joker. Taking of the manifold is one of my least favorite jobs.
 

I had the same trouble with my tailgate a few years ago. As much as I really liked the High Rock tire carrier, it just created too many issues when I was wheeling the tougher rock trails. I liberated my tailgate and swapped my spare tire over to my trailer. I just bolted my old OE spare tire bracket to the deck and made some spacers for stability.
Trailer.jpg


It also freed up the space on my tailgate to build a custom cooler rack!
Rack.jpg
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts