The UD80 APEX Rear Axle Truss is Artec Industries' reinforcement for the Ultimate Dana 80 bracketless crate rear axle, the housing of choice for serious 1-ton swaps under the Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT. Cut from 1/4" mild steel and folded into Artec's patented APEX peaked-top profile, it ties the wide housing together end to end to fight the flex and bending that 40-inch tires and hard landings put into a full-width rear axle. Dimpled lightening holes keep it at just 17 lbs, and the low-profile shape leaves room to mount upper link joints directly over the differential.
Features
- 1/4" mild steel, CNC laser cut and precision bent
- Patented APEX peaked top is significantly more rigid than a flat-top truss
- Only 17 lbs thanks to dimpled lightening holes that add stiffness while cutting weight
- Bent long seams need roughly 70% less welding than a traditional multi-piece truss, so less heat and warping
- Two-piece modular design simplifies shipping and installation
- Low-profile geometry suits upper link mounting over the diff, with link or leaf-spring setups
- Designed from Dana/Spicer and OEM 3D data for a drop-on fit; made in the USA
This truss fits the Ultimate Dana 80 bracketless crate housing and is a weld-on part, so plan on a competent welder even though the bent-seam design keeps the bead count low. Building the whole rear end? It comes bundled in the JL 1-Ton UD80 APEX Swap Kit & Truss and JT 1-Ton UD80 APEX Swap Kit & Truss, and it pairs with the APEX Truss Upper Link Mounts for a link build. See more axle reinforcements.
UD80 APEX Rear Axle Truss for Ultimate Dana 80 FAQs
Which axle does this truss fit?
It is designed for the Ultimate Dana 80 bracketless crate rear axle from Dana/Spicer, the housing most often used for 1-ton rear swaps under the Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT. It is shaped to that specific housing, so verify you are running the bracketless UD80 crate axle before ordering.
How much welding does the install take?
It is a weld-on truss, but the bent long seams eliminate most of the joining welds a traditional multi-piece truss needs — roughly 70% less bead overall. That means less heat in the housing and less risk of warping, though a competent welder should still handle the job.
Is this truss included in Artec's UD80 swap kits?
Yes, in the "& Truss" versions. The JL and JT 1-Ton UD80 APEX Rear Axle Swap Kit & Truss packages bundle this truss with the full suspension bracket set, while the standard swap kits are brackets only. Buy the truss alone if you already have brackets or are running a custom link setup.
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