Moab Vice
Need an extra hand during a trail repair? Mac's Custom Tie-Downs revealed its new Mac's Trail D-Vise. This hitch-mounted vise is great for assembling U-joints, holding parts that need welding, and crushing empty cans. It is made of thick steel with an Acme thread that allows an 8-inch opening and a 2x4x1/2-inch anvil to take a pounding. It slides into a standard 2-inch receiver and stores in a carry bag when not in use. Information: Mac's Custom Tie-Downs, 800.666.1586, www.macscustomtiedowns.com
4140 4 UR JP
Alloy USA is offering new chromoly axleshafts for Jeep JK Wranglers. The front axles are dual heat-treated 4340, and they use the factory spec U-joint, have the proper seal surface, and come assembled and ready to install. Alloy's rear axles are made of dual heat-treated 4140 and come with the ABS tone ring and all the bearings, seals, and wheel studs. The rear axles also have dual bolt patterns so either 5-on-5 or 5-on-51/2 can be used. These axleshafts come with Alloy's 10-year, no-questions-asked warranty against failure, including U-joint failure. Information: Alloy USA, 866.35.ALLOY, www.alloyusa.com
Shackle Sweaters
We knew we had seen everything when we saw these shackle booties from Mule Expedition Equipment. We're not the type to be bothered by the clanking of recovery shackles against the bumper while banging down the trail, but if you are, then these are what you need. We wonder how soon the Truck Nutz guys will be selling a similar product covered with hair. Information: Mule Expedition Equipment, 801.540.1300, www.muleequipped.com
Rubicrawler
Advance Adapters gave us an advanced look at its new Rubicrawler gear-reduction box designed to replace the tailhousing of a 42RLE automatic. The 42RLE is the four-speed automatic found in Jeep TJs and JKs as well as Libertys and some smaller Dodge 4x4s. The crawler will have a 2.72:1 six planetary reduction that goes in front of your Jeep transfer case, giving it three or four speeds of reduction. No length change and direct bolt-in mean that driveshafts and mounts stay the same. Expect this patent-pending product to be available by the end of 2008. Information: Advance Adapters, 800.350.2223, www.advanceadapters.com
Boxing Champ
PSC Motorsports offers new hydraulic cylinder-assist steering kits for '07-and-newer JK series Jeep Wranglers. The kit is designed to assist with 35-inch-or-larger tires and consists of an all-new steering gear and pump. No cutting or welding is required and the steering cylinder mounts onto the stock axlehousings and tie rods with special brackets. The only special tools required are a pitman-arm puller and a 15/16-inch socket for the removal and replacement of the pitman arm. Information: PSC Motorsports, 817.270.0102, www.pscmotorsports.com
A Tougher Tank
Expedition One has a new style of thin jerrycans that are made of high-density crosslink polyethylene, hold 4 gallons, and are up to 3/16-inch thick. These tall thin units can be mounted up tight behind a spare tire so rear overhang isn't compromised and in emergency situations could be used as sand tracks. Red or white (for water) versions are available and the design incorporates lots of handles. Expedition One, 801.726.4338, www.exp-one.com
Superior Axle Support
Superior Axle & Gear is offering the Evolution Series line of axle trusses for Dana 35 and 44 axles found under Jeep TJs, XJs, YJs, and JKs. Designed to add strength and rigidity while still being a bolt-on addition, these truss systems relocate shock mounts to work with stock or lifted vehicles. They also have reinforced sway-bar and track-bar brackets, plus a toughened diff cover that can easily be removed for service. Information: Superior Axle & Gear, 909.476.8295, www.superioraxle.com