JK Through-Dash Tie-In
Check out KMA Fabrication's latest cage upgrade for Jeep JKs. This innovative through-the-dash cage bracing system provides an additional margin of safety over the factory windshield frame. The new tubular front down bars attach to the existing underdash A-pillar structure and were designed with ease of installation in mind. The kit features 1 3/4-inch tubing and fully gusseted 1/4-inch-thick anchor pads. Relocation of the factory tweeters as well as some minor trimming on the factory plastic dash is required. The do-it-yourself kit comes in raw steel and is upgradable with options such as grab handles, gussets and additional bracing or cross tubes. Info: KMA Fabrication, 559/493-8314, www.kmafabrication.com
Protect Your Muffler
Mountain Off-Road Enterprises (M.O.R.E.) now offers a bash-proof skid plate for '07-and-up Jeep JKs. The unit was designed as a quick and easy bolt-on to prevent trail damage from rocks and other unseen obstacles. Made from 3/16-inch steel plate that is laser-cut, CNC-formed, MIG-welded and powdercoated, this skidplate is designed to last. Large drain holes are present to ensure water and other debris will not collect around hot exhaust parts. Info: M.O.R.E., 970/625-0500, www.mountainoffroad.com
TJ Stretch Kits
Pure Jeep got our attention in Moab with their awesome new TJ wheelbase stretch kits. The system includes all necessary parts and pieces to lengthen a TJs wheelbase by up to 5 inches. At the heart of the conversion is a slightly-smaller-than-stock aluminum fuel tank. The new fuel tank accommodates a Dana 30, 44, or 60 differential, allowing the axle to be relocated a full 5 inches rearward of the factory location. These steel body overlays are available with or without the optional 4 1/2-inch wide tubular steel flare shown here. The system also addresses both long- and short-arm suspension link arrangements, leaving little more than lengthening the factory rear drive shaft to the consumer. Info: Pure Jeep, 800/255-6464, www.purejeep.com
Beefy Bracket
JK owners rejoice, now you no longer have to rely on the flimsy factory front track bar bracket to keep your front axle located laterally. Thanks to the brilliant minds at JKS Manufacturing, the factory bracket can be made indestructible with this weld-on track bar bracket brace. The ingenious design reinforces the factory bracket and ensures your track bar mount will never fail. It welds directly to the original bracket and axlehousing at multiple points, providing an extremely strong and permanent solution. As a side benefit, the brace relocates the steering damper to a more effective position that improves clearance and protects the damper from impacts. A secondary mounting location for the track bar is also provided to accommodate high-clearance steering conversions. Info: JKS Manufacturing, 308/ 762-6949, www.jksmfg.com
A Watchful Eye On Trailer Wiring
Check out the new Towing Information System designed for trailers with the "four-flat"-style wiring connecters. This device installs on a trailer between the vehicle and trailer connectors. Featuring Thule's exclusive Smart Towing Technology and patent-pending Wireless Communication, the system sends a wireless signal to the receiver unit - which plugs into a cigarette lighter and is powered by the vehicle's electric system - to monitor the trailer lights and notify drivers if there are any problems. The system provides a constant "status check" of all trailer lights while you're driving. A seven-way application is also in development for those of us with trailer brakes. Info: Valley Industries, 800/344-3112, www.valley.us.com
LED Headlamps For Jeeps
Check out the world's very first DOT-legal replacement headlamp. We tested these new replacement lights on our Project Teal Brute while in Moab during Easter Jeep Safari and we can tell you, they emit far more usable light than a standard halogen headlamp. Not only are these new LED lights much brighter than before, but they also pull less than half the DC current, plus they are said to last up to 50 times longer than traditional halogen headlamps. The installation is a simple plug-and-play affair, and the best part is you don't have to worry about the highway patrol giving you grief. A durable polycarbonate lense helps ensure these headlamps will survive even the harshest of conditions. Info: LEDheadlamps.com, 888/664-0634, www.ledheadlamps.com
Trail Gaters Delight
If you've ever opened your factory Jeep Wrangler tailgate while on the trail you probably noticed how a slightly off-camber slope can make accessing the cargo area very difficult. That's why the innovators at HoodLift developed the Tailgate Prop for Jeeps. Essentially, the Tailgate Prop controls and dampens the swing-out motion of a TJ, LJ or JK factory tailgate while in use. It will hold the weight of a 35-inch tire without issue. No longer will the added weight of an oversized spare tire slam your gate shut on a hill or slope. The installation requires only basic household tools, and takes under 15 minutes to complete. At just $69.95 plus shipping, this easy upgrade is great for grocery getters too. Info: HoodLift, 916/206-0309, www.hoodlift.com
Find New Depths
Just when you think you have seen everything, along comes this; a fully functional deep-water snorkel from River Raider Off-Road. This system prepares your Jeep JK for the ultimate unexpected dunking while out in the muck, or for those of you who frequent deep river crossings. The unit allows you to cross with confidence, knowing that water will never get to the combustion chamber. Because this snorkel is constructed of lightweight aluminum, instead of plastic, it won't crush or bend like other snorkels on the market. Its high flow design also means your Jeep will breath better and run cooler than stock. The kit comes with heavy-duty ducting to attach the snorkel to the factory airbox. Also includes stainless steel mounting hardware. Info: River Raider Off-Road, 717/262-3079, www.riverraider.biz
Removable JK Flares
If you drive a Jeep JK with wider-than-stock tires and hate the way mud and road grime always seems to find its way up on the sides of the vehicle, check these out. Now you can convert from street-legal daily driver with flares to nimble, high visibility trail machine in just seconds. These attractive Trailmods quick-removable fender flares offer the best of both worlds, giving JK owners a no-tools solution to DOT compliant tire coverage. Info: Trailmods, 916/596-0902, www.trailmods.com
Super-14 Axle
New from Portal-Tek, this axle design allows 14-bolt owners a cost-effective solution to building a front or rear assembly with ultimate strength. The Super-14 is an innovative redesign of the infamous GM Corporate 14-bolt rearend. The concept incorporates a new aluminum drop-out-style differential third member that utilizes off the shelf Corporate 14-bolt gearsets and lockers. We like it because it employs the awesome 10.5-inch gearset found in the 14-bolt, you know, the one with three massive pinion support bearings. The architecture of the Super-14 is more compact than a conventional Corporate 14-bolt axle. The symmetrical bolt pattern surrounding the third member will allow the Super-14 to operate in either high- or low-pinion applications. The case size of the Super-14 is roughly 1-inch larger in height and width than a standard Ford 9-inch. This means the Super-14 has better ground clearance than a Dana 60. The Super-14 will be available in both front and rear axle applications. The fabricated axle housings will be available in mild steel or chrome-moly to simplify fabrication of trusses, link mounts and other bracketry. Info: Portal-Tek, 801/550-8841, www.portal-tek.com
Electric Trailer Jack
Hooking trailers to tow vehicles just got easier, thanks to the new Electric Tongue Jack from Valley Industries.
Designed to reduce the physical exertion associated with manual jacks, the new Electric Tongue Jack is available in two models. The base model, which fits couplers with a 2-inch opening, comes with a non-telescoping foot that works with a motor to lift the trailer. The Deluxe Model is for use on trailers with a 2 1/2-inch coupler opening and includes a manual telescoping foot, which eliminates the need to carry a block of wood or other object to disconnect the trailer from your truck. Each features a black or white powdercoat finish, an aluminum motor housing cover and an LED work light. They also include a handle for manual operation. These jacks have aluminum gear housings and powdercoated, zinc-plated shaft assemblies and each is rated for a total load capacity of 3,500 pounds. They are available through leading automotive parts and retail stores. Info: Valley Industries, 800/344-3112, www.valley.us.com
Triple Threat Jeep Shocks
Rock Krawler Suspension is proud to release the new Triple Threat line of shock absorbers for the JK, TJ, and LJ lines of Jeep Vehicles. The Triple Threat shocks are an industry first with features never before offered in a consumer automotive shock. The Triple Threat shock absorbers have a remote reservoir for fade-free performance as well as independent rebound and compression dampening adjustment. With these unique features, shock tuning and chassis-specific performance are virtually guaranteed. Info: Rock Krawler Suspension, 518/270-9822, www.rockkrawler.com