Bumpers/Body Armor
What is it: Expedition One Trail Series JK Bumpers
Why it's Cool: These bumpers add beef where it's needed while also maintaining effective approach and departure angles. The rear bumper features an innovative swing-out tire carrier that opens with the OE tailgate.
Where to get it: 801/726-3530, www.expeditionone.biz
What is it: ARB H3 Winch Bumper
Why it's Cool: ARB engineers its bumpers to work with a vehicle's airbags, plus you get to add a winch, auxiliary lighting, and even a CB antenna. Anyone can appreciate the quality of this bumper-it looks as good as it protects.
Where to get it: 866/293-9078, www.arbusa.com
What is it: Kilby JK Gas Tank Skid
Why it's Cool: Kilby Enterprises designed this skid so that end users wouldn't have to fight with the underside of a JK to gain ample protection. Segmented into three manageable sections, this product requires only one set of hands and a single wrench for installation.
Where to get it: 818/565-5945, www.onboardair.com
What is it: Pro Comp JK Dual Sport suspension kit
Why it's Cool: This is the first kit of its kind. Designed to rockcrawl as well as it handles whoops, this kit takes JK performance to a whole new level.
Where to get it: 619/216-1444, www.explorerprocomp.com
Suspension
What is it: Rancho MyRide Controller
Why it's Cool: This wireless controller allows you to adjust your Rancho shocks' ride quality on the fly. We dig the ease of installation and the affordable price.
Where to get it: 734/384-7804, www.gorancho.com
What is it: KORE '08-'09 Tundra Long-Travel Suspension
Why it's Cool: KORE developed a long-travel suspension that doesn't require a wider-than-stock track width to achieve upwards of 12 inches of travel with 4WD.
Where to get it: 760/749-8687, www.koreperfomance.com
What is it: Off Road Unlimited 3/4-ton GM SAS
Why it's Cool: This 100-percent bolt-on conversion kit includes all the necessary components to convert your '01-'08 GM from IFS to a four-link/solid axle with coilover shocks. The system will accommodate a 37- to 40-inch tire. The kit includes all necessary brackets and hardware, a pair of 2.5-inch coilover shocks, a complete front Dana 60 axle assembly, brake lines, rear springs, and rear shocks.
Where to get it: www.offroadunlimited.com
What is it: Specialty Products Jounce Shocks by Light Racing
Why it's Cool: These hydraulic bumpstops offer finite adjustment of compression and rebound while taking up less space than traditional hydraulic bumps. Thanks to their compact size, Light Racing was able to package these units into easy-install kits for vehicles where traditional hydraulic bumpstops simply wouldn't fit before.
Where to get it: 800/525-6505, www.lightracing.com
What is it: Rubicon Express TJ Stretch kit
Why it's Cool: This conversion allows short-wheelbase TJ owners to stretch the rear half of a '97-'06 Wrangler's suspension for better performance both on and off the pavement. Other parts are required, but this kit is where you should start.
Where to get it: 877/367-7824, www.rubiconexpress.com
What is it: Teraflex HD Forged JK Adjustable Track Bar
Why it's Cool: This massive adjustable track bar looks more like a track bar off a 1-ton pickup. Manufactured from a forged piece of steel instead of tubing, this part will not let you down on the trail. It's said to work best with 4-inch lifts or taller.
Where to get it: www.teraflex.biz
What is it: ORE JK Evo Lever
Why it's Cool: The fab gurus at Off Road Evolution designed this rear cantilever-style coilover conversion to work with almost any aftermarket suspension system. The completely bolt-on setup increases wheel travel as well as improving on-road ride adjustability. Unlike anything else on the market, this kit takes JK performance to a whole new level. (Check out next month's issue for a complete review.)
Where to get it: 714/870-5515, www.offroadevolution.com
What is it: JKS Manufacturing ACOS Pro
Why it's Cool: The ACOS Pro combines all the benefits of the original adjustable coilover spacer with a fully adjustable nitrogen-charged bump shock for complete control over suspension compression. Load leveling couldn't be simpler, as the ACOS Pros feature built-in 3.25 inches of ride height adjustment.
Where to get it: 308/762-6949, www.jksmfg.com