Each October the whole automotive industry gathers in Las Vegas, Nevada, for a week-long convention officially called the Specialty Equipment Market Association show, or SEMA for short. We always spend a good amount of time checking out what's new for our market segment. The following is a cross section of new product offerings that should be available by the time you read this.
What is it: Aurora Turbocharger for 6.0L Power Stroke Diesels
What it does: It upgrades the factory variable turbocharger to a higher-durability, higher-output ATS Aurora Charger. It's a complete bolt-on kit.
Why it's cool: More air boost equals more power.
Info: 800/949-6002, www.atsdiesel.com
What is it: Skyjacker Forged Rebuildable Rod Ends
What it does: These new joints offer up to 40 degrees of misalignment angle andare easily rebuildable. They're available in both 3/4- and 1 1/4-inch sizes.
Why it's cool: Forged rod ends are essential for building custom link suspension systems.
Info: 318/388-0816, www.skyjacker.com
What is it: Lowrance iWAY 600c GPS
What it does: It helps you find the way to wherever you need to go.
Why it's cool: It's the first mobile GPS with roads, water, and satellite imagery all preloaded on a 30GB hard drive for automotive and marine use.
Info: 918/437-6881, www.lowrance.com
What is it: TJM Pro Locker for Jeep Dana 44
What it does: An air-operated locking differential that can be operated by the driver at the flick of a switch.
Why it's cool: It's another selectable locker option for the popular Dana 44 axle.
Info: www.tjm.com.au
What is it: XD4000 Air Compressor
What it does: It produces compressed air for inflating tires and running air tools and other pneumatic equipment.
Why it's cool: The world's most powerful on-board air compressor now has a 100 percent duty cycle at 200 psi and 8 cfm at 100 psi.
Info: 949/768-4311, www.oasismfg.com
What is it: Auburn ECTED Locker
What it does: Now available for Dana 44 axles, the ECTED (Electronically Controlled Traction Enhancing Differential) represents a revolution in traction technology by providing the user with a selectable limited-slip or locking differential at the push of a button.
Why it's cool: Lockers allow increased mobility on the trail. Limited slips also contribute traction on slippery surfaces. Combining the two in one user-selectable unit is pure genius.
Info: 260/925-3200, www.auburngear.com
What is it: Rancho RS 9000XL Shock Absorber
What it does: The all-new RS 9000XL features a line of shocks with a massive 2.75-inch-diameter shock body.
Why it's cool: Until now, fullsize truck owners might have overlooked Rancho shocks. Now, with this larger offering, Ranchos will keep a hardworking fullsize fully damped.
Info: 734/243-8000, www.gorancho.com
What is it: Steel Core Security Tie-downs
What it does: Holds a load in place and prevents theft.
Why it's cool: These lockable tie-down straps have a high-strength steel core that resists cutting by would-be bandits.
Info: 877/594-7360, www.steelcore.com
What is it: Pro Comp HID Motorsport Series Lights
What it does: These 9900-series high-intensity discharge lights provide four times the output of the benchmark 130-watt, 8-inch lights, and draw 60 percent less amperage per light.
Why it's cool: HID lights are required hardware for driving fast at night.
Info: 619/216-1444, www.procompmotorsports.com
What is it: F.A.S.S. 95 Series fuel pump
What it does: The 95 series fuel pump removes air, dirt, and water from your fuel before it reaches the engine.
Why it's cool: High-torque diesel pickups demand high-volume-flowing clean fuel to function properly. This pump ensures just that.
Info: 866/769-3747, www.dieselpp.com