2022 AEV Gladiator Rubicon build

[Flyin6]

Then I clamped the new heater lines to the valve cover where the factory hard lines used to reside.

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In this photo, the factory idler is attached to some Ripp bracket extensions, which position the thing further outboard. The Ripp parts were very solid and thick steel, powder-coated and machined aluminum.

 

[Flyin6]

Ripp repositions the tensioner close to the harmonic balancer.

 

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Here is the supercharger-specific tensioner:

 

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This is the point where I was called to hang the drive belt. Before doing so, I allow the belt to hang for a while to straighten out and clean all the pulley surfaces of spilled coolant. Want a nice squeak? Just skip cleaning the pulleys, and you'll get one!
I felt this may be the best time to install the new radiator, so I stopped for the evening. Hopefully, I'm back after it in the morrow.

 

[Flyin6]

We start off today's build installment with a picture of 1- The heater, which at 20F and 30mph wind is literally a lifesaver, and the ever-growing pile of parts that will no longer be needed.

BTW, anyone see something in that pile they absolutely need, PM me.

 

[Flyin6]

I needed more room since the objective for today was to get the 3-row aluminum radiator fitted and sorted out.
It looks like this Flowmaster snorkel and air filter system is doing its job.

 

[Flyin6]

Remember the phrase, "the ankle bone is connected to the leg bone?"
Well, apparently, the radiator bone is connected to the headlight bone!
Yep, finally getting to the radiator. The stocker has those hard lines on either side screwed to the radiator, and the only easy way to gain access is through the headlight opening. So, yeah, the disassembly continues...

 

[Flyin6]

But, having removed those screws and four more on the front of the radiator, attaching the transmission and AC heat exchangers, the radiator can be coaxed out.

 

[Flyin6]

Let's compare the stock radiator with the 3-row aluminum radiators; there are a bunch of differences.
The Aluminum radiator is about twice the thickness. It has welded-on inlet and outlet pipes, and a brass vs. plastic drain petcock. The aluminum feels solid and robust, whereas the stocker feels a bit "wimpy.

 

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Showing difference in thickness:

 

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And just like that, in the magic of this interweb world, it is installed!

 

[Flyin6]

Next, I installed the new belt, threading it around the Alternator mount. Then the Alternator was reinstalled. I am locktiting all the bolts and greasing the electrical connections, "O"-rings and seals as a preventive maintenance measure.

 

[Flyin6]

Intake is back on, and this thing is starting to look like a motor again!

Before reinstalling, I cleaned the intake and especially the throttle body with brake cleaner.

Following that, I cleaned the engine bay between the radiator and the engine. I wanted to splash some fresh paint on the steering box. I have the iron unit, which is prone to rust, and it has been submerged now, in several states!

 

[Flyin6]

The pile of homeless parts on the floor continues to grow...

The assortment of parts to be reinstalled is shrinking and opening up space on the table...

And here is a view into what's up next:

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