Top Truck Challenge could just as easily be called Waterboarding for Wheelers. Events such as the Twister, the Trap, and the Mini-'Con wreak havoc on axles, drivetrains and gearboxes, and nearly every competitor will cart home a boxful of broken parts by the end of the competition week. We can't fix every component that breaks on their rigs, but fortunately, we can make sure that all TTC competitors go home with plenty of cool aftermarket parts and products that they can bolt onto, or buy for, their rigs. This year, some two-dozen sponsors and manufacturers contributed goodies (thanks to all), ensuring that all who competed at TTC XVII were suitably rewarded for their sacrifices. Here's what they got for their efforts:
Spidertrax Spider 9 Axle Housing
What It Is: A super-strong yet lightweight alternative to conventional Dana 60s.
Why It's Cool: You can custom-build it with a variety of shafts, knuckles, bearings, and brakes.
More Info: 800/286-0898, www.spidertrax.comGift Certificates from BDS
What It Is: $150, $100, and $50 worth of goodies for our top three finishers.
Why It's Cool: They can use it to lift or level a truck, or to purchase a new Jeep bumper.
More Info: 517/279-2135, www.bds-suspension.comWarn Pullzall Portable Winch
What It Is: A handy shop helper that can hoist 1,000 pounds for up to 15 feet.
Why It's Cool: Either electric or rechargeable battery-powered versions are available.
More Info: 800/912-1122, www.warn.com$750 Gift Certificate from 4Wheel Parts Wholesalers
What It Is: An easy way to cash in at any one of 4Wheel Parts' more than 40 retail stores nationwide.
Why It's Cool: Actually, there are 750 reasons why it's cool!
More Info: 877/474-4821, www.4wheelparts.comGift Certificates from Amsoil
What It Is: $400, $200, and $100 dollars' worth of lubrication goodness for our Top Three finishers.
Why It's Cool: Gearboxes need all the help they can get after spending a half hour in the Trap.
More Info: 800/956-5695, www.amsoil.comLokar One Shifters
What It Is: A performance tranny shifter available in a variety of lengths and applications.
Why It's Cool: You can't get outta Neutral without one.
More Info: 877/469-7440, www.lokar.comSet of BFGoodrich Radial Mud-Terrain KM2s
What It Is: Goodrich's premium off-road tread.
Why It's Cool: A set of free tires? What's not cool about that?
More Info: 877/788-8899, www.bfgoorchtires.comWarn Endurance 12.0 Winch
What It Is: Twelve thousand pounds of pulling capacity at your fingertips.
Why It's Cool: Its cooling fan is specially designed to prevent overheating.
More Info: 503/722-1200, www.warn.comPoly Performance Gift Certificates
What It Is: $150 reasons to shop for new gear for your rig.
Why It's Cool: If it bolts in or on an off-road rig, you'll likely find the part you need there.
More Info: 805/783-2060, www.polyperformance.comHobart Airforce 400 Plasma Cutter
What It Is: An economical cutting system for all conductive metals.
Why It's Cool: It'll handle everything from 1/8-inch copper to 3/8-inch steel.
More Info: 800/626-9420, www.hobartwelders.comSet of 37-inch Pitbull Tires
What It Is: A set of rugged bias-plies from a leader in off-road tire technology.
Why It's Cool: With rim guards and puncture-resistant sidewalls, they're handy in the Mini-Rubicon.
More Info: 314/621-8954, www.pitbulltires.comHobart Handler 210 MIG Welder
What It Is: A portable MIG that can handle 3/8-inch steel down to 24-gauge wire.
Why It's Cool: It packs 210 amps of output in an easy-to-transport case.
More Info: 800/626-9420, www.hobartwelders.com