Art Director Alan Huber
YJ Xmas
Price: $800-$3,000
A running, yet really cheap, Wrangler YJ. People with more luck than I have can find one for a thousand bucks or less, but let's use the more normal (less lucky) price of around a couple grand. I'd like a 4.0L six-cylinder, but since beggars can't be choosers, a four-banger will work (with a five-speed manual transmission, please).
Retreads!
Price: $79-$89
Four or five tires from Treadwright Tires make a great gift. Treadwright has inexpensive retreaded tires that are tailor-made to fit my on-the-cheap Jeep YJ. A set of 31x10.50-15 all-terrain Wardens would be great. If I've been a really good boy, maybe Santa will upgrade them and bring the mud-treaded Crawler or Guard Dog, and throw in some white, eight-spoke wheels too. Hey, they only run about $40 each at Summit.
For more information, contact:
Summit Racing Equipment
800.230.3030
www.summitracing.com
Treadwright Tires
877.439.0759
www.treadwright.com
Economical Suspension
Price: $152-$473
That size tire might need a bit of a lift on my el cheapo YJ, so what can we get out of Santa? Body lifts can be had for next-to-nothing, and a spring-over kit is not too expensive, but then we'd also need some welding, probably a slip-yoke eliminator kit, and a new driveshaft. Let's just keep it short and smart with a 2-inch E-Z Ride lift from Tuff Country. Ooh, and please include some new shocks!
For more information, contact:
Suspension Connection
800.903.2760
www.suspensionconnection.com
Tuff Country Inc.
800.288.2190
www.tuffcountry.com
Lock-Right Locker
Price: $290
Even if I wasn't good enough this past year to get the lift or the tires and wheels, I'm sure my behavior was at least acceptable. And "acceptable" should earn me a Lock-Right locker from Powertrax for the YJ's rear axle. I know everyone will be worried that I'll break an axleshaft in the C-clipped Dana 35, yet we've had no such problems in a V-8 Grand Cherokee with 33-inch tires. Cool, if I get all I've asked for, I could build an entire YJ trail vehicle for Xmas! Info: Powertrax, 864.843.9231, www.powertrax.com
Feature Editor Ali Mansour
Trail Treats
Price: $6.99
If you're looking for an easy-to-carry and filling snack for the trail, check out Off Road Jerky, an affordable and delicious way to stay full off-road that requires no special cooling or prep. The premium cuts of beef come seasoned in resealable bags that fit perfect into your rig's seatback pocket or glovebox. One of my personal favorites is the sweet and juicy Whisky BBQ flavor, but there are half a dozen other mouthwatering varieties to choose from as well. So stay full on the trail and load up your stockings with some jerky goodness! Info: Off Road Jerky, 909.319.0619, www.offroadjerkey.com
Air Pull
Price: $1,599
Wheeling tough trails usually requires at least one winch. And while most off-roaders don't use their winch every time they hit the dirt, many do need an air source to pump up their tires at the end of the day. Since carrying around an air compressor can be a real pain, especially when cargo room is limited, Warn has devised the PowerPlant HP. Created for the ultimate outdoorsman, the PowerPlant HP combines Warn's legendary winch technology with a high-end air compressor. With the winch rated a 9,500 pounds and the compressor capable of airing up four 35-inch-tall tires from 8 to 35 psi in under eight minutes, the PowerPlant HP gives you everything you need without taking up cargo space.
Warn Ind.
800.910.1122
www.warn.com
Road Armor
Price: $1,196
Since most of us use our 3/4- and 1-ton trucks as parts haulers and tow mules, they often receive some tough bumps and bruises. These battle scares are usually most prevalent on the bumpers, especially the rear one. For those looking to upgrade their pickup's light-duty factory rear bumper, Road Armor offers a beefy 3/16-inch bolt-in replacement. Designed for abuse, each heavy-duty Road Armor rear bumper is equipped with shackle mounts and auxiliary lighting ports and is fitted with provisions for a 9,000-pound winch. The hideaway winch mount is our favorite feature, as it will aid tremendously with dragging our dead wheeling rigs and lucky barn finds up onto the deck of the trailer. Backed by a lifetime guarantee against breakage, the Road Armor bumper should take all the abuse we send.
For more information, contact:
Road Armor
877.294.2726
www.roadarmor.com
Stinger Bumps
Price: $109.99 each
Bumpstops are one of the most important tools for tuning your suspension. Acting as a secondary shock absorber, they help soften those final few inches of your suspension's compression cycle. For years Daystar has offered factory-replacement and upgraded bumpstops, and now Daystar has gone even further into the secondary suspension realm with its Stinger line. The Stinger bumpstop combines EVS foam technology with an air-bump-inspired design. Each Stinger bumpstop is adjustable in rate, height, and stroke and doesn't require and special tools or air charge. The Stinger bumpstop is a great tool for those working on a budget who need a compact and quality bumpstop. Weld-on and bolt-on canister mounts are sold separately.
For more information, contact:
Daystar
800.595.7659
www.daystarweb.com