Yet another year and another tax bill, right? Well, wait just a minute-it looks like you overpaid, and Uncle Sam has a chunk of tax return money coming your way. So, what should you spend this cash on? Your 4x4, of course! With that in mind, we polled our editors, assigned them a vehicle, and told them to go shopping with the goal of stretching $1,500. Let's see how they did.
1999-2011 Ford Super Duty
Heat Neutralizer
What it is: Keystone Good Hood Heat Extractor Hood
What it costs: $600
Why it's cool: It's cool because its helps keep your engine cool. This high-strength, fiberglass composite-constructed hood is designed to draw hot air from the engine compartment so it can be replaced with cooler, dense air. It's finished in gel coat and easily installs to factory hood hinges. It's available for '99-'07 models.
Where to find it: www.keystonerestyling.com
Bolt-on Coolness
What it is: N-Fab Pre-Runner Bar
What it costs: $327
Why it's cool: If you're looking for a sexy, bolt-on addition for the front of your Super Duty and/or you desire a cost-effective way to add forward-facing lights, the Pre-Runner is a simple, one-piece, all-welded solution. With this bar, you'll be able to mount up to 9-inch-diameter lights.
Where to find it: www.n-fab.com
Truck Camping
What it is: Sportz Truck Tent 57 Series
What it costs: $250
Why it's cool: Your Super Duty can be the foundation of your backcountry lodging with this new two-person truck tent (shown here on an F-150). Some of its features include a patented sewn-in floor, 5.6 feet of headroom, two large windows, two side vents, cab access door, and a 4x4-foot awning. The tent sides fit over the truck bed for protection against water, too.
Where to find it: www.sportzbynapier.com
Easy Winch Mount
What it is: Westin MAX Winch Mount Tray
What it costs: $165
Why it's cool: This winch mount bolts directly to the Super Duty frame, works with most major brand winches, and can accommodate up to a 12,000-pound-rated line pull winch. It's made from mild steel and has a black powdercoat finish. Options include tow hooks and bull bar/light bar as shown here as well as a faceplate. It's available for '08-'10 models.
Where to find it: www.westinautomotive.com
You're Covered
What it is: Mag-Hytec diff cover
What it costs: $260
Why it's cool: This finned aluminum diff cover helps keep your diff oil cooler and helps extend the overall life of your Ford rear axle. Its features include 6-quart capacity, a magnet-filled drain plug, sending unit fitting, O-ring-sealed dipstick, and O-ring-sealed drain plug. Further, the cover itself utilizes an O-ring that is snapped into an inverted V-groove for a positive seal without a gasket or silicone.
Where to find it: www.mag-hytec.com
Total: $1,602