SEMAs Best: From Bolt Ons and Tools to Performance and Power

Whichever way the economy turns, you'll have to pry the truck keys from our cold, dead hands. We know you share the feeling--a meteor could be barreling toward earth, and you'll be busy looking for quick ways to make more horsepower or searching for an expandable panic room to set up in the bed of your pickup. So we view this group of cool new products we've got here, compiled from the most recent SEMA show in Las Vegas, as a simple way to stimulate the economy -- and stave off that meteor. Locked H3 sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools hummer H3 Arb Air Locker   |   sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools hummer H3 Arb Air Locker ARB's Air Lockers are legendary in the off-road world. So is the HUMMER H3. Put the two together and you've got an H3 with an air-locking differential. The traction device is activated by a dash-mounted switch, and an onboard air compressor engages the locker. For now, the kit is available for the rear locker only and costs less than a grand. ARB says the H3 front Air Locker is being developed.

ARB 4x4 Accessories; 425/264-1391.
www.arbusa.com




Better Fuel Economy sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools auto Meter Mpg Gauge   |   sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools auto Meter Mpg Gauge It's difficult to argue with the ecometer's appeal: Auto Meter's newest device can save fuel (which saves you money at the pump) and the CO2 emissions it would have released. This "eco-gauge" can be mounted anywhere, thanks to E-Z View, a dial face that rotates 350 degrees. It's easy to install, too--a single wire runs from the gauge to the OBD port--and in mere moments you can see real-time mpg, plus there's an eco-graph for improving your skills at driving efficiently. It runs about $70.

Auto Meter Products; 866/248-6356.
www.autometer.com




Here's the Scoop sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools banks Gm Duramax Diesel Super Scoop   |   sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools banks Gm Duramax Diesel Super Scoop This Super-Scoop from Banks is for 2007-and-later applications. By improving airflow, you can actually get better fuel economy. The Super-Scoop brings cool, dense air into the engine and is compatible with Banks' ram-air intake system: Together, they're said to boost air density by 46 percent. It works in all seasons and costs about $160.

Gale Banks Engineering; 800/601-8072.
www.bankspower.com




Innovative Bedliner sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools bedrug Bed Liner   |   sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools bedrug Bed Liner BedRug/Wise has just the ticket for those who want a liner that installs as easily as a drop-in, but provides the functionality of a spray-in. The five-piece BedTred--tailgate, sidewalls, floor, and bulkhead sections--is made from 0.25-inch-thick rubber mat, with a textured, nonskid surface bonded to a layer of water-resistant foam, bonded to a layer of nonwoven carpet. That setup serves as an insulator toward heat and noise. Pricing has not yet been announced.

BedRug/Wise Ind.; 800/462-8435.
www.bedrug.com




Power Stroke Intake sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools bd Diesel Power Stroke Intake   |   sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools bd Diesel Power Stroke Intake BD Diesel Performance's Super Air Scoop 6.4-liter intake kit promises better fuel economy and turbo response, power increases, and reduced EGT and emissions. The kit includes a ram-air-style scoop and ducting with reduced bends, increased diameter and smoothed-out corners to allow for cool ambient air, plus a washable air cleaner. MSRP is $365.

BD Diesel Performance; 800/887-5030.
www.dieselperformance.com

New Wheels sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools black Rock Wheel   |   sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools black Rock Wheel Looking for a new wheel? The slick Black Rock line might be what the doctor ordered. There's a complete line of steel wheels, plus aluminum alloy, in various 15- and 17-inch sizes. And if you want even more options, check out the finishes--matte silver, matte black, or tungsten with satin black center. The wheels start at around $140.

Black Rock/Carlisle Companies; 800/827-1001.
www.carlisletire.com




Frontal Protection sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools go Rhino Extreme Front Guard   |   sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools go Rhino Extreme Front Guard The Xtreme Guard from Go Rhino! features an impact-resistant urethane exterior, a reinforced frame, and halogen driving lights, and it's lightweight, too. There's even a built-in step. It's designed for compact pickups, SUVs, and crossovers. This grille guard will probably run $375 to $400.

Go Rhino! Products; 888/427-4466.
www.gorhino.com




Extreme Lube sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools jigaloo Graphite Extreme Lube   |   sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools jigaloo Graphite Extreme Lube Jig-A-Loo is expanding its line of wrenching sidekicks with Graphite Extreme, a graphite-based lube. Its job is to adhere to components exposed to high heat--header/exhaust bolts, clutch and transmission linkages, belt pulleys, or anywhere friction and heat cause lubrication issues. It can also work as a layer of protection on areas such as camshaft surfaces, roller rocker arms, and brake-caliper pistons. And there's another other giant bonus: Preventing rust formation and freezing. All that for about $3.99.

Jig-A-Loo USA; 704/871-0308.
www.jigaloo.com




Cat Lock sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools catclamp Cat Converter Guard   |   sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools catclamp Cat Converter Guard Catalytic converter theft is on the rise--thieves want the platinum, palladium, and rhodium metals from inside. Here's a simple solution: CatClamp. As the name implies, it's a catalytic converter lock. Avoiding getting too technical, in a nutshell it locks to the frame of a vehicle, working like a giant cage around the converter. It features heavy-duty aircraft wire rope, which is nearly impossible to cut without an industrial machine. It costs $149; replacing a stolen converter will probably set you back four figures.

CatClamp; 419/478-1313.
www.catclamp.com




EZ Does It sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools ez Connector 7 Pin Connection   |   sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools ez Connector 7 Pin Connection If you tow, you'll appreciate this new offering. The EZ Recreational 7-Pin (EZR7) electrical towing connection is available in various models, including traditional and fifth-wheel. It's a universal device that uses spring-loaded face-to-face contacts. If you've experienced arcing and socket/pin abrasion, you're probably happy to read about this. It's also waterproof and corrosion-resistant, and neodymium magnets hold the plug and socket together versus use of a latch, for a sturdy and strong connection over bumps and whatever driving/road conditions you encounter. It'll cost you less than 100 bucks.

EZ Connector; 559/686-5889.
www.ezconnector.com

Hybrid Air Suspension sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools firestone Air Hybrid Suspension   |   sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools firestone Air Hybrid Suspension Now you can replace the factory leaf-spring suspension with Firestone's R4Tech, an air/leaf system with Firestone's Ride-Rite air spring and Sanluis Rassini suspension technology. This setup can adjust to different loads--it stiffens when the vehicle is loaded and softens when unloaded. Ride comfort is improved, and the axle can be better controlled during acceleration and braking--and if you're always dealing with wheelhop, well, we probably don't need to say much more. MSRP hasn't yet been announced.

Firestone Industrial Products; 800/888-0650.
www.ride-rite.com




Jack Mounting Solutions sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools hi Lift Jack Adjustable Tube Mounts   |   sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools hi Lift Jack Adjustable Tube Mounts These Adjustable Tube Mounts allow you to put a Hi-Lift jack on round or square tube bumpers, bull bars, roll-cages, and roof racks. There's no longer an excuse for simply throwing the jack in the back of your vehicle, which is sloppy and dangerous. The mounts are manufactured from 6061-T6 aluminum and stainless-steel hardware. Choose from a large set for 2-3-inch tubing and a small set for 1-2-inch tubing--and the small set will also work on an ATV or UTV. The sets start at $75.

Hi-Lift Jack Co.; 800/233-2051.
www.hi-lift.com




Yours for the (In)taking sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools kn Duramax Diesel Intake   |   sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools kn Duramax Diesel Intake Let's talk horsepower improvements: 19.67 at 2900 rpm. That's what K&N says comes with adding its High-Flow intake system for 2007-2008 Chevy/GMC HDs with the 6.6-liter Duramax engine. K&N's kit replaces the factory intake assembly--the air box, air filter, and intake tube--with a completely new design that increases airflow and filtering capacity. There's also a powdercoated heat shield to protect the oversize air filter--which never needs to be replaced. MSRP is $499.

K&N Engineering; 800/858-3333.
www.knfilters.com




Secure Your Goods sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools anchortrax Bed Kit   |   sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools anchortrax Bed Kit Got cargo to secure? The Anchortrax 6-Foot Universal Truck Bed Kit is designed for ATVs, motorcycles, toolboxes, air compressors, generators, furniture--you name it, Anchortrax will keep it in place. The track is 0.5-inch high by 1.25-inch wide, and the bar length is six feet. Two sections of black-powdercoated track, eight aluminum backing plates, four sliding loops, and stainless-steel mounting nuts and bolts are included. While it works on a pickup's bedrails, floor, or tailgate, it also can be used in most motorcycle and car trailers on sidewalls and floors. It has a 1000-pound working load limit and 3000- pound break strength. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Anchortrax/Mr. Gasket Performance Group; 216/688-8300.
www.anchortrax.com




New Rubber sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools maxxis At771 All Season Tire   |   sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools maxxis At771 All Season Tire The AT-771 from Maxxis is an all-season tire that loves to tackle off-road terrain. The staggered shoulder lug design is the secret to extra bite, while the U-shaped circumferential grooves minimize rock retention (and resist hydroplaning on slick streets). These all-season tires aren't at home only in snow and winter weather--they're ready for dirt and rocks, too. Sizes range from 16 to 20 inches. Pricing hasn't been released.

Maxxis Tire; 800/462-9947.
www.maxxis.com

Winch It Good sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools warn Endurance 12 Winch   |   sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools warn Endurance 12 Winch Warn has unveiled a brand-new winch, the Endurance 12.0. Pulling capacity is 12,000 pounds and there's a forced-air cooling system. There's also a high-speed, three-stage planetary geartrain. A special sealant keeps out water, while most of the hardware is stainless steel to stay protected from the elements. The cooling fan (mounted remotely under your truck's hood) will turn on automatically when the winch motor hits a certain temperature, but it also can be activated manually. It then sends air through a hose that runs into the winch-motor housing to cool the motor. MSRP is $1899.99.

Warn Ind.; 800/543-9276.
www.warn.com




Get More Shocked sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools rancho Rs9000xl Shock   |   sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools rancho Rs9000xl Shock For 2009, Rancho is expanding its line of RS9000XL shocks to include the new Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram, the 1972-2003 Toyota Land Cruiser, and the 1989-1999 Land Rover Discovery and 1994-2002 Range Rover. Rancho says these shocks are a good upgrade if you've made the jump to bigger tires and wheels; the shocks are available for tow rigs, and lowered or lifted trucks. The shocks have a 2.75- to 2.38-inch body diameter and 18mm piston rod for adjustable damping, greater oil capacity, and cooler, consistent performance. Shocks start at $99.99 each.

Rancho; 734/384-7804.
www.gorancho.com




The Need for (Proper) Speed sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools nordskog Gps Driven Speedometer   |   sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools nordskog Gps Driven Speedometer If you've modified your truck--tires, wheels, gear ratios, or aftermarket transmission--you probably know your speedometer has become inaccurate. Nordskog's kit converts nearly any electronic (pulse count) speedo into a functional GPS-driven speedo. All the pulse generators get replaced, so the speedometer uses the GPS satellite system to calculate the accurate speed. GPS signal is lost in tunnels, but the software catches up when it is reacquired. MSRP is $199.95.

Nordskog Performance Products; 714/991-9999.
www.nordskogperformance.com




Ready-To-Run Distributor sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools professional Products Powerfire Distributor   |   sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools professional Products Powerfire Distributor From Professional Products comes the Powerfire, a distributor with an external knob for finite timing settings; every click advances or retards timing by a half degree. If you've tried in vain to get exact timing, you understand what a massive benefit that is. And super-hot spark is provided to 10,000 rpm. It starts at about $160.

Professional Products; 323/779-2020.
www.professional-products.com




Riding the Rails sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools american Rack Systems   |   sema 2008 Best Aftermarket Parts And Tools american Rack Systems Truck Covers USA introduced a line of racks to make your full-size pickup or SUV even more functional. The American Rack Systems are built strong, meant to carry everything from sports gear and equipment for outdoor enthusiasts to off-road lights, tires, and ramps. The rails are infinitely adjustable, allowing for multiple attachments (including those from Yakima and Thule) and easy configuration. The rack and optional slider seen here start at about $1000.

Truck Covers USA; 858/622-9135.
www.truckcoversusa.com