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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

LS swap exhaust build

myjeep3

TJ Enthusiast
Original poster
Joined
Jul 4, 2019
Messages
657
Location
MA
I build the exhaust this weekend for my ls swap project on the 04 unlimited.
The left side exhaust pipe looks like it may hit the front driveshaft. I don't go off road if that will help. Not sure if it wll hit with just regular street driving.

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I cut the driver side and rerouted a little differently. I think it will be okay the way it is now. Will see.

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Use a tape measure from the exhaust to the driveshaft. Then use a tape measure from the axle pad to the steel cup the bumpstop is in.

The first measurement needs to be more than the second. It isn't a guessing game. It is easy to figure out
 
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Use a tape measure from the exhaust to the driveshaft. Then use a tape measure from the axle pad to the steel cup the bumpstop is in.

The first measurement needs to be more than the second. It isn't a guessing game. It is easy to figure out

Generally true , except for the different arc along the radius from the rear control arm mounting point. Still I agree it's knowable , and pulling the spring and full cycling the axle will tell him if there is enough clearance.
 
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Definitly cycle suspension to verify any interference. Mine does and I have 2in of bump stop extension. Had to notch the down pipe. Mine just on the street would hit the exhaust when I hit the brakes. Slowly it self clearance but I ended up taking the pipe out and notching.

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Generally true , except for the different arc along the radius from the rear control arm mounting point. Still I agree it's knowable , and pulling the spring and full cycling the axle will tell him if there is enough clearance.

Trust my guts there should be enough clearence now.
 
Definitly cycle suspension to verify any interference. Mine does and I have 2in of bump stop extension. Had to notch the down pipe. Mine just on the street would hit the exhaust when I hit the brakes. Slowly it self clearance but I ended up taking the pipe out and notching.

View attachment 566763

I
Definitly cycle suspension to verify any interference. Mine does and I have 2in of bump stop extension. Had to notch the down pipe. Mine just on the street would hit the exhaust when I hit the brakes. Slowly it self clearance but I ended up taking the pipe out and notching.

View attachment 566763

I routed mine upward to create more space between pipe and shaft.

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Last edited:
Definitly cycle suspension to verify any interference. Mine does and I have 2in of bump stop extension. Had to notch the down pipe. Mine just on the street would hit the exhaust when I hit the brakes. Slowly it self clearance but I ended up taking the pipe out and notching.

View attachment 566763

How much space do you have between the shaft and exhaust? Cant really see how mmuch gap you have from this image.
 
How much space do you have between the shaft and exhaust? Cant really see how mmuch gap you have from this image.

At full compression, maybe 1/8”. Its stupid tight but part of my problem is the engine mounts got welded too close to the driver side. Had the engine been centered better this would be way less of an issue. Im going to replace the Novak rubber isolators with C5/6 engine mount isolators which should raise the engine a tad and give better clearance.
 
At full compression, maybe 1/8”. Its stupid tight but part of my problem is the engine mounts got welded too close to the driver side. Had the engine been centered better this would be way less of an issue. Im going to replace the Novak rubber isolators with C5/6 engine mount isolators which should raise the engine a tad and give better clearance.

What about before full compression, how much room is there?
Am using camero ss exhaust manifolds which drop at the rear of the block, so had to be creative to swing the pipe to right.

I am about 4.5 inch between where the driveshaft boot is to the exhaust pipe.
 
What about before full compression, how much room is there?
Am using camero ss exhaust manifolds which drop at the rear of the block, so had to be creative to swing the pipe to right.

I am about 4.5 inch between where the driveshaft boot is to the exhaust pipe.

Not sure but my guess is close to 5-6in. I have about 5-1/2” uptravel from ride height.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts