Wheels & Tires Your wheels and tires are the only thing connecting your vehicle with the earth beneath, making them a critical
factor in 4x4 performance. Choosing the right wheel is much more than a question of aesthetics; material, construction,
finish, weight, load capacity, size, and backspacing all play a part in how your 4x4 performs. Tires may well be the
single most important modification you make to your vehicle, so it's worthwhile to consider a number of key characteristics
before making your decision. Size, tread pattern, construction, load range, and tread life combine to determine
how a tire performs in various conditions. From a mild all-terrain design to an ultra-aggressive off-road tire, there's
a tire out there to meet your specific needs. The list below contains links to manufacturer sites for some
of our favorite brands of tires and wheels.
Suspension technology has seen some tremendous innovations over the past decade. Dual-rate
springs, adjustable and remote reservoir shocks, hydraulic assist steering, non-disconnect sway bar systems, and coil conversion
kits all help to keep your tires in contact with the ground and rolling where you want them. Off-pavement, traction
is everything and that means a suspension that conforms to the obstacles you throw at it. If your 4x4 is also your daily
driver, you don't want to compromise handling and performance on the street - and you don't have to! Check out the following
links to our favorite suspension manufacturers' sites.
The assortment of aftermarket performance products for your vehicle is truly astounding.
These products are less about speed and more about power, torque, fuel efficiency, reliability, and longevity. Helping
your engine breathe more efficiently is the single best way to increase horsepower and torque production. Add to that
stronger and more efficient spark and fuel delivery, and you'll be amazed at the results. An unexpected but
welcome side-effect from a more efficient engine is cleaner emissions and better mileage. (Who couldn't
use a break at the pump these days?) Exhaust headers, free-flow exhausts, high-flow air filters and intakes, ignition
upgrades, computer chips and programmers all help your engine run at peak efficiency. The list below contains links
to manufacturer sites for a few of our favorite brands of performance products.
The drivetrain is the heart of your vehicle's mobility. Engine, transmission,
transfer-case, driveshafts, axle assemblies; if something fails here you could be stranded a long way off the beaten path.
So it makes sense to perform component upgrades to support the way you use your vehicle. Stronger axles, traction
aids and upgraded u-joints are good insurance for getting you back under your own power. A good rule of thumb
is to replace a failed stock component with a stronger aftermarket part. The links below will direct you to
a few of the top manufacturers' sites for more product information.
A day on the trail can be rough on even the most hardy adventurer.
Products that increase your comfort, protect your interior, secure your valuables, and locate important components close at
hand can help you squeeze the maximum enjoyment out of each trip. The links below will point you to manufacturers'
sites for some functional products.
By installing a few well chosen products on the exterior of your
4x4 vehicle, you can significantly increase its capabilities. Utility racks, skidplates, rocker protection, tops,
bed rails, side steps, hitches, lighting, bumpers and brushguards all contribute to safety, protection, and utility. If
you have a need, chances are there's a quality aftermarket product to satisfy it. Check out the manufacturers'
links below for a sampling some proven products.
In a perfect world, if you build your 4x4 properly you'd never get stuck.
Truth is even the most well-built vehicle gets stuck if you venture often enough into the backcountry. For self-recovery,
there's no substitute for a potent winch to extract yourself or a fellow adventurer from a nasty "stuck". A good winch
can also be a very practical addition, especially for vehicles employed in farming, ranching, construction, or emergency services.
There are a few other invaluable recovery tools as well, such as a Hi-Lift jack, snatch strap, tree-saver strap, D-ring
shackles, shovel and winch anchor. The links below will connect you to our favorite manufacturers' sites for product
details.
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