Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

An "Endless" Rubicon Build

I would say yes…but this engine has a rod knock so I rebuilt another 4.0 and I’m just waiting to put it in.

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It seems the 4.0 prices are similar to LS prices. Depending on which V8 you are going with it may be the perfect time to go V8 before the tons. Just a thought, plenty have run the 4.0 on tons and perform adequately.
 
It seems the 4.0 prices are similar to LS prices. Depending on which V8 you are going with it may be the perfect time to go V8 before the tons. Just a thought, plenty have run the 4.0 on tons and perform adequately.

I picked up the spare 4.0 for 200$ and have another 500 into it with the header and rebuilding it. I wish I just went with an LS from the start but I dont mind the 4.0. Once I swap the motor I have an ax15 I rebuilt at the same time, so itll have a new engine and trans.
 
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Finished up the stretch this weekend.
Genright stretch corners, Genright aluminum tailgate installed.
Installed bilstein 5125s, 14in travel front and 12in travel rear.
Ford outboarded shock towers.
New dynatrac front diff cover.
New Barnes rear truss
Traded my obnoxious poison spyder comp stinger for a JCR mauler bumper. I like how clean it looks, with the grille hoop.

Still have to get the Genright mini boat side rockers painted and installed.

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Here’s a good throwback. 17 years ago my father got me a 4in lift for my YJ for my 17th birthday. The jeep that started the addiction. I got this when I turned 16. I was never into jeeps before I got this one..and boy was I hooked after 😂 it was a 94 with a 2.5 5sp. I ended up doing a 4in lift and 1in body with 35s and a front locker.
Bottom picture is my current jeep as a 34yr old who lives an hour and a half away from his father, coming back to wrench again 😂 My dad lost his leg in a motorcycle accident in 2011 but he’s the baddest guy I know. He’s an amazing mechanic, amazing welder, and an amazing dad. I’m thankful to get to wrench with him any chance I get. I’m now a world class GM technician and he’s the reason it all started.
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Here’s a good throwback. 17 years ago my father got me a 4in lift for my YJ for my 17th birthday. The jeep that started the addiction. I got this when I turned 16. I was never into jeeps before I got this one..and boy was I hooked after 😂 it was a 94 with a 2.5 5sp. I ended up doing a 4in lift and 1in body with 35s and a front locker.
Bottom picture is my current jeep as a 34yr old who lives an hour and a half away from his father, coming back to wrench again 😂 My dad lost his leg in a motorcycle accident in 2011 but he’s the baddest guy I know. He’s an amazing mechanic, amazing welder, and an amazing dad. I’m thankful to get to wrench with him any chance I get. I’m now a world class GM technician and he’s the reason it all started.
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Good looking Jeep...

Now, can we talk about the upgrade in that garage decor over the years? (y) 🏁



Great share about you and your dad! I hope to pass the bug forward with my boys!
 
Jeep is looking great. You'll notice a big difference with the outboard and rear stretch. It'll feel like a new rig. Congrats!
 
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Jeep is looking great. You'll notice a big difference with the outboard and rear stretch. It'll feel like a new rig. Congrats!

thanks man! let me know when you want to go to rausch or AOAA! im always down, even if I have to take some bypasses on the trails haha
 
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thanks man! let me know when you want to go to rausch or AOAA! im always down, even if I have to take some bypasses on the trails haha

For sure. I plan to hit RC up at least one more time in 2024. I just need to wait for kids sports seasons to wrap up. I will be free in Nov and Dec so hoping the weather isn't to bad. It's usually fine unless we get early cold spells. I'll keep you posted!
 
For sure. I plan to hit RC up at least one more time in 2024. I just need to wait for kids sports seasons to wrap up. I will be free in Nov and Dec so hoping the weather isn't to bad. It's usually fine unless we get early cold spells. I'll keep you posted!

Awesome, thanks man. Ill be at rausch this weekend but itll just be a shakedown run. A couple buddies are going with 35s, 1 has open diffs but it should be a good time. My tom woods rear driveshaft got delivered today.
 
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Took the jeep out for the first time since finishing the stretch. My custom Tom Woods driveshaft finally came in. No issues driving. Took it to the end of my road where they’re doing bridge maintenance so it’s closed. Took some cool pictures. Hop back in the jeep…and nothing. No crank no start. Cycled the key a few times and got a P0463 Fuel Level Sensor High Voltage. Absolutely no idea why it decided to happen when I take the jeep for a drive. I ended up going back home, picking up the truck and trailer and dragging the jeep back home 😂 I’ll dive into it tomorrow or this weekend hopefully.
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Nice shots! Maybe a loose wire from the stretch tank install of the fuel pump?

No idea, I didnt get home until 10:30 after trailering it. Im going to bring my scanner home after work and dig into it some more. Im hoping its not a SKIM key issue, hopefully its a bad fuel pump(which doesnt make sense why its no crank no start or a bad starter.
 
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Ended up being a bad neutral safety switch, dummy me didn’t even think to look. I jumped the starter relay and it started so I knew it wasn’t a fuel pump. Idk why that code was set. I figured it would be an ignition module or skim issue.. but i figured id jump the NSS to see if it did anything and it started 😂

Also finished up the tailgate. Amazon flush mounted compression latches, Genright plate delete. Love the flush look.
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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator