Check out the Sleekster Light Bar from Randy Ellis Design for the '07 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Sleekster lightbars mount directly to the frame, hold two lights rigidly, and protect the front of your FJ from wayward cattle. Mounting any two lights up to 8 inches in diameter, the bar is made from 1 3/4-inch-diameter, 0.120-wall steel tube, with CNC laser-cut brackets and light tabs. It comes finished in a three-stage candy chrome powdercoat. No drilling, cutting, or welding is required, and the bar bolts on using factory mounting locations. Info: 602/803-1122, www.RandyEllisDesign.com
Say hello to the new Spidertrax Lightweight 60 Knuckle. Available in two versions, this knuckle setup uses unit bearings like Dodge 1/2- and Ford 1-ton pickups. Weighing in at only 45 pounds per complete knuckle set (inner and outer for both sides), they are 2.6 times lighter than OEM-style Dana 60 knuckles. Because these knuckles hug the U-joint tighter than any OEM or aftermarket design currently on the market, they allow for a more compact setup while achieving an impressive 50 degrees of steering angle. Instead of a weak ball joint, these knuckles use a spherical ball and race combo, which provides a much simpler package than even kingpins. These spherical setups are designed specifically for axial loading (8,000 pounds per side, or 16,000 pounds per knuckle). They use two 3/4-inch shoulder bolts per knuckle, which allow for easy assembly and disassembly. Info: 303/772-0033, www.spidertrax.com.
The EVO Series from Revolution Racing Shocks is said to be the only coilover bypass that is externally adjustable. This five-stage shock eliminates the need for two shocks per wheel. These are pure racing shocks that have been said to provide a superior ride over other racing shocks. Designed by engineers who have been involved in off-road racing for more than 26 years, the EVO Series are expected to make a big splash in desert racing. They are now available in popular 2.5-, 3.0-, and even 4.0-inch diameters for Trophy Trucks and heavier rigs. Info: 619/954-9722, www.rrshocks.com.
Automotive Customizers has a new 2.5-inch suspension lift for the '05-'06 Nissan Frontier and Xterra. This lift includes front coils, rear add-a-leaf or shackles, extended brake lines, and new longer rear shocks. The front lift coils are cold-wound to prevent sagging. These coils replace the factory coils and are said to provide a smooth ride both on and off the highway. Shocks are matched to accommodate additional suspension travel. Info: 954/971-3510, www.4x4parts.com.
Check out this all-new type of air bump. After evaluating them for ourselves, we can tell you that this new design is both bulletproof and better performing. With a much larger-diameter piston and nitrogen cavity than traditional air bumps, combined with a shorter shock length, Light Racing was able to make these the most compact jounce shocks ever built.This new design also enabled Light Racing to develop easy-to-install kits for several vehicles that would otherwise require lots of custom fabrication to add the benefits of secondary suspension. Specific kits are now available for the new Toyota FJ, and all '96-and-up Tacoma pickups. More applications are in the works. Info: 800/525-6505, www.lightracing.com.
Bully Dog Technologies just came out with a new Reverse Backing Alert System that alerts drivers to hazards behind their vehicle. This is the perfect addition for anyone with a large pickup or SUV-no more squashing little Jimmy's bike (or little Jimmy, either) in the driveway while backing out. The system uses four remote-mounted sensors to detect obstacles behind a vehicle when Reverse gear is selected. When an obstacle is detected, an audio alarm is triggered to alert the driver. A wireless LCD screen can be added to the system to add visual assistance while backing. Info: www.bullydog.com.