No More Droop
For years, we've used just about anything at hand to keep the suspension from drooping when changing a tire or reseating a bead. A 4-foot farm jack frequently won't lift the tire off of the ground, especially if the antisway bar links have been disconnected. Rimrock Mountain Supply has come up with the perfect solution: the Jackstrap. The Jackstrap offers a way to restrain the suspension and allow you to actually get the tire off of the ground without jacking up the rig to unsafe heights. This product is great for Jeep TJs and other rigs with soft, pliable suspensions or long-arm kits.
For more information, contact: Rimrock Mountain Supply, (425) 430-1445, www.jackstrap.com.
Steer With Confidence
Flaming River Industries now offers a replacement steering shaft for the popular '97-'00 Jeep TJ. This new shaft assembly eliminates the play that is common in many factory shafts. The new assembly uses a slip shaft, which provides 3 inches of end travel to help minimize vibration from tires and chassis flex. The slip shaft features a grease zerk fitting for extended service life, and a protective boot keeps dirt/debris from entering the joint. The shaft assembly utilizes Flaming River's new pinch-bolt-style universal joint that is stronger than the OEM joint to connect the shaft to the steering box. It also uses the factory floor seal/support bracket for easier installation.
For more information, contact: Flaming River Industries, (800) 648-8022, www.flamingriver.com.
Safety First
If you have spent time watching some of the popular rock racing events or have ever found yourself around some big-horsepower machines, you know how important protecting your hearing is. SureFire, the same company that brings you some of the best flashlights in the world, introduces new passive hearing protection with its EP-3 Sonic Defenders. Sonic Defenders are designed to help prevent hearing damage from noise above 85 dB while facilitating conversation by permitting passage of lower-level sounds. In addition to being more comfortable than common foam plugs, Sonic Defenders don't muffle ambient sounds or compromise directional hearing, nor do they require a visit to a specialist for a custom fitting. The low-profile design of the Sonic Defenders makes them comfortable to use even when wearing a mask, helmet, or hat.
For more information, contact: SureFire, (800) 828-8809, www.surefire.com.
No More Slippage
If you're running a Turbo 350, 200-4R, 700-R4, or 4L60 automatic, the lockup converters were designed to be fully locked-up for maximum efficiency. Full lockup allows no slippage with much less transmission wear, and gets better mileage. The converters were made to be locked-up by the factory's ECM, and Ron Francis came up with a solution that takes about 30 minutes to install. There is no need to remove the pan or modify anything. Your vehicle's speed is read through the speedometer cable adapter, and you can set the lockup speed anywhere you want it - it's all electronically controlled. The converter unlocks whenever you go below the lockup speed or if you hit the brakes. It comes preset at between 42 and 47 mph, but you can adjust it to your favorite cruising speed. Adjustments can be made for rearend gears and tire sizes.
For more information, contact: Ron Francis Wiring, (800) 292-1940, www.ronfrancis.com.