1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ - Project Teal-J II, Part 13

The Warn Premium kit also requires a pair of modified 1982-1986 CJ-7 front rotors. We sourced them from Quadratec (PN 56215.01) and had our friends over at Fabtech machine them down to Warn's specifications. A lathe was used to remove material from both the outermost diameter and innermost surface of each rotor.

Next we attached the new modified CJ rotors to the Warn 1/2-ton internal hub mounts. An arbor press was used to install 10 lug studs, which securely attached each internal hub to each rotor.

Meanwhile, the guys at Fabtech gutted the axleshafts from Teal's front axlehousing. And no, Fabtech doesn't do this type of work for the general public--they just happened to be upgrading Teal J's suspension for a photo shoot at the same time.

Next up were the bearings, races, and seals--all of which were included with the Warn Premium Hub Conversion kit.

For U-joints we chose CTMs simply because they rarely (if ever) fail. Virtually indestructible, these U-joints are milled from a solid chunk of 300M tool steel. They are cryogenically treated and are completely rebuildable. Plus it gave me an opportunity to sneak down to CTM's manufacturing facility in San Juan Capistrano, California, for a glimpse at how these things are made. Stay tuned for more on this in a future issue.

Superior Super Alloy Axleshafts and CTMs -- now that's a combo that can stand up to abuse. Hmm, I wonder where the weak link is now? The pinion? I guess with Teal's newly acquired Hemi, we'll find out soon enough.

Project Teal-J II, Intro
Project Teal-J II, Part 1
Project Teal-J II, Part 2
Project Teal-J II, Part 3
Project Teal-J II, Part 4
Project Teal-J II, Part 5
Project Teal-J II, Part 6
Project Teal-J II, Part 7
Project Teal-J II, Part 8
Project Teal-J II, Part 9
Project Teal-J II, Part 10
Project Teal-J II, Part 11
Project Teal-J II, Part 12
Project Teal-J II, Part 13
Project Teal-J II, Part 14