Top 40 Gear Hits - TRUCKS RULE!

There's a never-ending flood of new products being made to fill the appetite of truck and SUV owners who want to add something extra to their vehicles--some make your rig look better or improve performance, while others make life nicer. Here are some of the great products out there to make your truck safer, stronger, more stylish, or just plain cool.

In no particular order, here's our Top 40 list. Curt Manufacturing's tow-strap mount ($21) isn't that new, but it is handy. The mount fits standard two-inch receivers and is best used for tow straps with hooks. It comes complete with shackle and solid shank. Curt Manufacturing; 877/287-8634.www.curtmfg.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear01 Z Want to improve your weekend towing experience? Valley Industries has several all-in-one kits that offer everything needed to hook up and tow boats, jet skis, snowmobiles, ATVs, or lightweight trailers. The kits come with a durable, snap-locking, and weather-resistant storage case, conveniently keeping all towing accessory parts in one, easy-access location. Valley Industries; 800/344-3112.www.valleyindustries.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear02 Z Anyone with a trailer knows that having a grease gun handy while on the road can be key to keeping you moving. OMNI Lubricants has a convenient solution with its go-anywhere chrome-plated mini-grease-gun kit. Use it on trucks, cars, boats, trailers, farm equipment, ATVs, RVs, and anything with a greased Zerk fitting, operating up to 500 degrees F. OMNI; 940/455-2800.www.waterproofgrease.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear06 Z Duramax diesels thrive on traditional performance modifications such as improved intake, fuel, and exhaust systems. A good starting point is to replace the restrictive OE intake resonator, factory airbox, and intake system with the high-flow-capacity Fuel Injection Performance Kit (FIPK) intake system from K&N ($340). C.A.R.B. approved and 50-state legal, these kits are backed by K&N's Million-Mile Warranty. K&N; 800/213-4182 (dealer info).www.knfilters.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear07 Z Diesel Dynamics' Jammer high-output fuel injectors for 19981/2-2002 5.9-liter Cummins ISB engines in Dodge Ram trucks and RVs can add up to 100 horsepower while delivering better fuel economy and improved combustion-chamber cleanliness. Jammer injectors are available in five configurations: Stage 1 increases horsepower by 65-plus in Cummins-powered pickups. Stage 2 adds up to 85 horsepower, and Stage 3 increases horsepower by 100. Using ordinary hand tools, the competent do-it-yourselfer should be able to install a set in two hours or less. Diesel Dynamics; 800/628-8111.www.dieseldynamics.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear10 Z The sharp-looking X Monitor digital gauge ($379) from BD Performance mounts to all diesel-powered Ford, Dodge, and GM trucks' A-pillar or dash to display two to three different readouts at the same time. Choose from exhaust temperature, turbo-boost pressure, transmission temperature, differential temperature, exhaust brake pressure, or auxiliary fuel-tank level to display. By setting the alarm values, a visual or optional audible warning will respond if they're reached. BD Performance; 800/887-5030.www.dieselperformance.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear11 Z Superlift's TruSpeed Calibrator ($230) recalibrates the electronic speedometer on any vehicle running larger- or smaller-diameter tires and/or nonstock axle gears. It hooks up in line with the speed sensor located on the vehicle's transmission or transfer case, so all speed-related vehicle systems--including the speedometer reading, ABS function, and transmission shift points--are corrected to work with any nonstock tire diameter. Superlift; 800/551-4955.www.superlift.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear13 S AMP Research makes a heavy-duty electronic runningboard for pickups and SUVs, designed to pop out when you need it and neatly disappear when you don't. For taller pickups and not-so-tall passengers, it's ideal for providing that midlevel support necessary for safe entry and exit. Each step uses a sealed electric motor and can hold up to 600 pounds, with pricing starting at $1250. AMP Research; 888/983-2206.www.amp-research.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear16 Z This wide-angle-view minicam from HitchCAM reduces the average pickup and SUV rear blind spot from 20 feet to a foot and even allows the driver to see the hitch ball, making trailer connection easier. The $699 kit includes a color 3.5-inch LCD screen that can be mounted to the vehicle's windshield. HitchCAM; 800/924-4482.www.hitchcam.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear18 Z This lightweight roll-out cargo carrier, called the Durakon CargoPro ($850), is a tough, maintenance-free unit designed for the Chevy Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT. Special mounting brackets bolt into the vehicle's tiedown holes, so no drilling is required for installation. The tray, which can hold 750 pounds of gear, locks in place at three locations for quick, easy access to the truck's cargo. Durakon; 800/933-4200.
www.durakon.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear20 Z Baer's EradiSpeed +1 for GM half-ton pickups and SUVs increases stopping power while complementing 18-inch-and-larger tire/wheel combos. The EradiSpeed +1 system ($995) relocates the stock calipers outward to allow use of 14-inch-diameter rotors in place of the original 12.5-inch units. Baer says this increase in diameter improves braking and efficiency by 17 percent. The kit uses the factory pads, preventing an increase in noise, harshness, or dust. Baer; 602/233-1411.
www.baer.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear22 Z All Sales Manufacturing offers cool machined replacement parts for trucks and SUVs. The billet fuel door ($89) fits a wide range of models, giving each that race-truck touch. The machined-aluminum filler doors come with brushed or polished finishes. There are locking and nonlocking versions with spring tension for a push-open/close function. All Sales Mfg.; 530/672-6919.
www.allsalesmfg.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear24 Z Custom Cab Coolers from Covercraft Industries keep your pickup or SUV's interior parts protected from the ravages of sun and heat. These covers protect the entire cockpit from UV damage and help reduce extreme heat buildup inside your vehicle. Easy to install and remove, the cover can be stored under or behind a seat. Covercraft; 800/426-8377.
www.covercraft.com   |   ford F 150 Pickup front Left Greenhouse Covered Transfer Flow introduced larger replacement fuel-tank systems for 1999-2004 Ford Heavy Duty F-250/F-350 pickups. The 46-gallon model fits trucks with six-foot beds, while a 57-gallon tank fits those with eight-footers. The aluminized-steel fuel tanks are powdercoated black for a durable finish and come with all parts needed for installation. Prices start at $675. Transfer Flow; 800/442-0056.
www.transferflow.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear28 Z The new four-inch turbo-back dual systems available for the Ford Power Stroke, Dodge Cummins, and Chevrolet/GMC Duramax are the latest exhausts from MBRP. The systems are quality-built using smooth, high-flowing mandrel-bent tubing and jig assembled for accuracy. Available in stainless steel and aluminized, each kit comes complete with all components necessary to install. MBRP Inc.; 888/636-7223.
www.mbrp.com   |   dodge Ram Pickup rear What could make your Hemi-powered Ram hotter than a twin-scoop ram-air GoodHood ($795) from Keystone Restyling Products? The six-pack design draws cold air into the engine for extra horsepower. The gel-coated composite hood serves as a bolt-on replacement for the factory hood. Keystone Restyling; 888/575-3453.
www.keystonerestyling.com   |   dodge Ram Pickup front Now there's a Whipple Industries supercharger for 1998-2004 5.4-liter Ford engines. The 2.3-liter Whipple twin-screw supercharger creates nearly eight psi of boost with virtually zero increase in air temperature. Systems come with a high-flow air intake, high-flow fuel injectors, intake manifold, air-to-water intercooler, air-bypass system, and all the necessary parts for installation. Whipple; 559/442-1261.
www.whipplesuperchargers.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear34 Z If you're looking for multidimensional use from your pickup-bed cover, the Fold-a-Cover hard tonneau could be your answer. With lockable storage-door openings at the front and rear of the bed, the hinged sections stack together like an accordion when you need to carry larger items. Prices start around $700, depending on application. Fold-a-Cover; 800/322-0522.
www.foldacover.com   |   ford F 150 Pickup rear Truckbed Covered ProTorque offers modified torque converters for Power Stroke and Cummins engines. Significant gains in durability, throttle response, acceleration, towing, and fuel efficiency are possible with ProTorque's custom-built torque converters, which lower factory stall speed from 2000-2500-rpm levels to the 1600-1900-rpm range, where maximum torque is produced. ProTorque; 631/218-8700.
www.protorque.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear38 Z Borla Performance Industries' cat-back exhaust system designed for the 2004 Nissan Armada bolts to the factory flanges located just after the catalytic converters and is made from full aircraft-quality T304 stainless steel. It's a split rear-exiting system with a four-inch Borla embossed single oval, rolled-edge, angle-cut tip at each exit. Borla; 877/462-6752.
www.borla.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear40 Z The Safe-Vue washer solvent heater from Rostra Precision Controls is a unique solution to keeping your vehicle's windshield clear year 'round. While its most obvious use is to keep windshields clean and clear of snow and ice in cold regions, during the summertime or in warmer climates it takes care of road tar, grime, insects, tree sap, and other materials that can obscure the view. The system retails for $85 and is easy to install. Rostra; 800/782-3379.www.rostra.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear03 Z Aside from Truck Trend, the next-best read for gearheads is the 2004-2005 Craftsman Power and Hand Tools catalog. Its 182 pages are crammed with 4159 products, ranging from a $1.89 jig-saw blade to a $6250 Craftsman tool chest/roll-away combo filled with a 1202-piece mechanics tool set. The catalog is free of charge at Sears; 800/377-7414.www.sears.com/craftsman   |   163 0407 Top40gear05 Z The E-Z Power Tonno is a remote-controlled, electrically operated tonneau cover. The $1200 sliding fabric tonneau eliminates your having to push, pull, or lift in all kinds of weather. It also provides full use of the truck's bed, opens and closes in seconds, and accommodates large cargo without your needing to remove the cover. It's a simple, one-hour, no-drill installation for most pickups. Comes with a three-year/36,000-mile transferable warranty. Webasto; 810/593-6000.www.webasto-us.comwww.ssbrakes.com   |   ford F 150 Pickup left The SSBC Force 10 Extreme kit for 1997-2002 Ford F-150s and Expeditions has four-piston calipers, large slotted rotors, braided stainless-steel flex hoses, and all mounting brackets and hardware needed for installation. The Force 10 Extreme kit bolts directly to factory spindles and is available for 2WD and 4WD models. Kit price: $1995. SSBC; 800/448-7722.www.ssbrakes.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear09 Z Safety Products, Inc. has taken towing safety and security to a new level with the introduction of the Trailer Guardian. The unique system prevents the accidental decoupling and theft of a trailer. The kit locks and secures the trailer on the ball mount, preventing decoupling even with a mismatched coupler and ball, nonsecured coupler, or loss of the ball nut. Kits fit all hitch-ball applications. Safety Products, Inc.; 800/861-7416.www.trailerguardian.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear12 Z Want a whole new way to look at the sky? The Webasto Hollandia 500 ($1500 installed) features two separate glass panels. Two versions of the Hollandia 500 are available. The first features two electric tilt-sliding glass panels over the front and rear seating areas, and the second has an electric tilt-slide roof over the front seat and a fixed-glass panel. Webasto; 810/593-6000.www.webasto-us.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear14 Z Do-it-yourselfers will find the Craftsman two-ton aluminum hydraulic jack ($200), which weighs only 43 pounds, ideal when working on SUVs and light trucks. The Speedy Lift operation puts the saddle in contact with the vehicle in just two pumps and lifts it three to 18 inches. Handles at the rear of the jack and on both sides make carrying easy. Sears; 800/377-7414.www.sears.com/craftsman   |   163 0407 Top40gear15 Z SportRack Automotive's Upright Mount Bicycle Carrier ($130) allows for the safe and easy transport of all makes and styles of fully assembled bicycles on a vehicle's factory roofrack. The aluminum-channeled upright carrier, which has a locking knob to secure bikes, provides riders with a strong, safe way to transport pedal toys. The corrosion-resistant carrier comes with a one-year warranty. SportRack Automotive; 800/561-0716.www.sportrack.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear17 Z Banks Engineering now offers its Six-Gun Diesel Tuner and Speed-Loader upgrade kit for Ford, GM, and Dodge diesels. Now owners of 2003-2004 Power Stroke 6.0-liter, 2001-2004 Duramax 6.6-liter, and 2003-2004 Cummins 5.9-liter trucks can realize noticeable gains in horsepower and torque. The kit includes intake, turbo, and exhaust upgrades, a heavy-duty intercooler, computer software, and a five-inch polished tailpipe tip. The bundles start around $1800, depending on the application. Gale Banks; 888/635-4565.
www.bankspower.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear19 Z Justice Brothers' Diesel Fuel Treatment for diesel full-size pickups and luxury SUVs helps keep fuel tanks, lines, and filters free of gums, resins, and tars, which can build up and interfere with proper fuel delivery. The treatment also cleans fuel injectors and help keeps them clean for smooth operation and optimum mileage even in cold weather. Justice Brothers; 626/359-9174.
www.justicebrothers.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear21 Z EngineChek makes it easy to keep a close eye on your hard-working diesel engine. EngineChek is a special high-flow stainless-steel screen that's placed on your oil filter prior to installation. The patented engine-monitoring device fits loosely inside the filter gasket and is positioned to trap suspended debris before it can disappear into your filter. Only $9.99. Stewart Development; 800/476-7141.
www.enginechek.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear23 Z Taking cues from Bilstein's line of racing shocks ($100), the 5150 Series light-duty truck shocks are the first ones designed for lifted and custom applications. Each shock has a remote reservoir, for increased shaft/rod travel and better fluid cooling for maximum control on- or off-road. A platinum powdercoated finish also sets these apart. Bilstein; 800/537-1085.
www.bilstein.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear25 Z California Car Cover is offering a custom-painted Flamed Tool Box for those gearheads looking to dress up their garage or workroom and still carry a full complement of tools. The two ball-bearing run drawers have a locking feature for security and are made, like the rest of the box, with heavy-duty 20-gauge steel. California Car Cover; 818/998-2100.
www.calcarcover.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear27 Z Designed for ease of use, with a payload of up to 300 pounds, the Yakima Outdoorsman 300 will fit almost any compact or full-size truck. The Outdoorsman 300 is sold in pairs and will haul gear without compromising the safety, handling, or capacity of your truck. Just pick the length of crossbar that best fits your vehicle. MSRP is $160/pair. Yakima; 888/925-0703.
www.yakima.com   |   toyota Tundra Pickup rear Left Frame Edge Products' EZ Module ($525) is said to give Cummins diesels in 19981/2-2004 Dodge pickups up to 70 more horsepower and 220 more pound-feet of torque. The plug-and-play EZ Module works with the factory drivetrain computer to enhance fuel and ignition curves and increase turbo boost. The do-it-yourself installation takes about 10 minutes. Edge Products Inc.; 888/360-3343.
www.edgeproducts.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear31 Z Bigger vehicles have bigger blind spots, which is why the AllView wide-angle mirror was invented. Made with materials designed to hold up against heavy abuse, the AllView mirror helps eliminate blind spots, allows you to see more of what's going on behind you (in the vehicle and out), and uses antiglare protection to keep it easy on the eyes, day or night. It can clip or screw onto your existing mirror in seconds and costs about $50. AllView; 866/200-8740.
www.allviewmirror.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear33 Z Volant cool-air intakes are available for the Dodge Hemi V-8 and are said to add an average of 10 horsepower across the engine's rpm range. The new intake system ($295) comes with Volant's cold-air box and high-flow intake tube, which eliminates restriction and increases airflow without noise and turbulence. Volant also offers a matching bumper valence that gathers cold air from under the bumper and directs it to the intake system. Volant; 909/476-7225.
www.volantperformance.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear35 Z Owners of 2002-2004 Dodge Ram 1500 pickups can enjoy the handling benefits of air suspension at all four corners without reducing towing abilities. Air Ride Technologies' newest version of the AirBar ($1399) is a complete bolt-in four-link rear suspension system with air springs and shocks. It replaces the stock Mopar leafs and allows the ride height to be dropped by as much as eight inches; add the CoolRide system ($799) and the front can drop six inches. Air Ride; 812/482-2932.
www.ridetech.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear37 Z Rostra's Rear Obstacle Sensing System is a popular $399 aftermarket addition to vehicles, greatly increasing safety when backing up. New quick-connect kits, which make the ROSS installation an easy 25-minute DIY project, are available for all mid- and full-size SUVs with a seven-wire trailer hitch, including the Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, TrailBlazer, Envoy, Durango, Explorer, and Expedition. Rostra; 800/782-3379.
www.rostra.com   |   toyota 4runner Suv rear Toys Faze, manufacturer of performance gauges, introduces Reverse Street Fuzion EL, featuring a black face and blue electroluminescent backlighting. The new Faze gauges give truck and SUV enthusiasts an alternative to traditional white-face gauges. While all instruments come standard with a brushed-aluminum bezel, replacement bezels are available in black, yellow, green, blue, and red, allowing owners to complement vehicle interiors. Faze; 800/228-7667.
www.fazegauge.com   |   163 0407 Top40gear41 Z