Every month, we have a short answer to that question with a page or two of New Products. The creative minds in the off-road industry continue to outdo themselves, so this month we've dedicated a bigger chunk of space to showcase what's new.

In case you missed our October 2009 issue, we introduced our fully-loaded 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland WK long-term loaner, which is equipped with a 5.7L Hemi V-8, GPS navigation, and even Sirius Satellite TV. It also came with a 115V inverter, 12V power points throughout, tie-downs, fold-down rear seating, and other equipment that makes it a vehicle to consider when looking for a backcountry explorer

Missouri 4Wheelers Supply, better known as 4WS.COM, is a major distributor of 4x4 parts and is known for its Jeep conversions. After a trip to the SEMA convention in Las Vegas in 2006 and being inspired by how the aftermarket had already embraced the new Jeep Wrangler JK, 4WS.com owner Kevin Wyas decided to get a JK of his own to show off a few of the parts his company offered. The plan was to keep it mild-at least that was the plan.inline_mediumwraptextrightA quick flick of the throttle cleans out the Pit Bull Rocker tires during a climb up a waterfall.Left Side Angle26492194/tech/0912_4wd_2007_jeep_wrangler_jk_unlimited0912_4wd_01+2007_jeep_wrangler_jk_unlimited+left_side_angle.jpgTrue

Since the all-new Jeep Wrangler JK was introduced as a 2007 model, more and more Jeep Wrangler TJs have come up for sale in most areas of the USA. These Jeeps are great, easy-to-moderate trail runners in stock form and can be easily built using bolt-on parts to conquer more extreme trails. After a short search through the local classifieds, a 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ was discovered for a very acceptable price.inline_mediumwraptextrightTruly transformed, this 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ is now well-equipped for trail use. Along with Skyjacker's Rock Ready I bent-arm long-arm system, the rig is outfitted with body armor from M.O.R.E., 35-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain KM2 tires, and Skyjacker's RockLock sway bar.Left Side Angle30695196/tech/0912_4wd_1997_jeep_wrangler_tj_buildup0912_4wd_01+1997_jeep_wrangler_tj_buildup+left_side_angle.jpgTrue

There's value in knowing what's the latest and greatest on the market. There's also value in knowing what happens after you make that purchase. If there's a single equipment category that's routinely called on to go the distance and then some, it's garage and shop tools. A single wrench can potentially outlast several project vehicles, and sometimes can outlast a generation. In the family garage, we're still using grandad's bench vise, and we'd bet you may have a tool or two with a similar history.

At some point when we apparently weren't paying attention, the Jeep Cherokee got old. It was first introduced in 1984 and enjoyed a lengthy production run that lasted until 2001, which means that there are scads of 20-plus-year-old Cherokees on the roads and trails these days.

A lot of folks we know build their 4x4s one part at a time. Part breaks, fix it; done deal. Others work in segments, addressing suspension then moving to axles and onward. Another group of others simply do it all at once so they can start hitting the trails. George Kane of Long Beach, California, falls into this category. With his "Straight to Ridiculous" JK project, George hit the ground running, determined to achieve his dream of a do-it-all, rockcrawling, desert-racing, 4x4 machine.

There is no end to the different ways of improving your 4x4's steering and braking systems. From high-performance brake pads to custom-built steering gears and pumps, you can upgrade or improve upon every factory-deficient issue to achieve greater results.

We've driven on a lot of BFGoodrich tires over the years, sampling just about every model and new size that comes available. The latest to come our way is the 42x14.50R20 BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2. There are 32 sizes available in a broad range of wheel fitments and load ranges.

It may never occur to you except on the darkest, rainy nights, but it's typically in those instances when you say to yourself, "Boy do I wish my headlights were brighter!" Quite often the addition of lighting equipment comes in the way of auxiliary lights mounted to the bumper or overhead rack that can't legally be used on the highway. Since many of our 4x4s serve as daily drivers we needed something that would address the factory headlamps. IPF had the answer with its plug-in headlamp harness, high-intensity bulbs, and H4 Halogen headlight inserts.

We have to admit that we hadn't paid a lot of attention to the Grand Cherokee the last couple of years. When the Grand changed to an independent front suspension, we had relegated it to the "ho-hum, just another SUV" category. Silly us.

There are many JK Wrangler front bumpers on the market today, all addressing customers' wants and needs. Many are quite large, some not. We like smaller. The Shrockworks stubby JK front bumper is one of the best, in our opinion. It doesn't look bulky on the front of the JK, yet is strong and will mount a Warn PowerPlant in between the frame rails.

The factory skid plates on most 4x4s are rarely up to the task of withstanding repeated trail use and abuse. In most cases they are manufactured from thin material and offer only a limited degree of protection. Sometimes the factory skid plates will even limit ground clearance and actually create a low-hanging nuisance that catches and hangs up on obstacles. One option is to remove the offending "protective" skid plate but that can leave the item it was supposedly protecting even more vulnerable. A better option is to upgrade to an after market skid plate assembly such as that available from Poly Performance.

Warn Industries offers front and rear bumpers for the Jeep Wrangler JK and many other Jeep models. The front tube-style bumper accepts most Warn mid-frame winches using an optional winch plate and has tapered ends for increased approach angles, welded eyelets to mount D-shackles, and pre-drilled holes to mount lights. The JK rear Rock Crawler bumper features welded eyelets for D-shackles and a cutout for the factory hitch. The tire carrier for the rear Rock Crawler bumper is designed to carry a wheel and tire up to 37 inches in diameter. The carrier pivots on a 1-1/2-inch solid-steel shaft pin that comes up through the bumper into the frame carrier. The shaft itself is welded - not bolted. The Warn rear Rock Crawler bumper also features structural T-joint welds and includes frame reinforcing brackets.

Jeep|o|nom|ics (jep-o-nm'iks)
the act of spending a good portion of one's capital on aftermarket products, and/or modifications for one's Jeep, thereby enhancing both the Jeep's job performance and the economic health of companies offering the products and/or modifications in question. Also accounts for the acronym J.E.E.P. Just Empty Every Pocket.

Aftermarket personalization of a new 4x4 is the first order of business for every off-road enthusiast. Based on event sightings and reams of published SEMA metrics, the upgrade list begins with tires, wheels, bumpers, and suspension systems.

Camping is a big part of what we do. Whether we're covering an event along the Rubicon Trail or exploring the mining regions of Colorado, more often than not we're many miles from a bed and a hot meal. After a few too many instances where we found ourselves without the proper gear to sustain ourselves, we decided to make up a short list of some of the items that can make camping life that much more livable. No, we aren't talking about buying an RV and hooking up a satellite dish, but we are talking about improving your camping gear collection to include some basic items that will help satisfy your safety needs, your sleep needs, and your appetite.

We ran the main buildup feature on Blue, our 2007 JK Wrangler Unlimited, in the March 2009 issue. Since then, we've made a few additions and changes.

FZJ80 Toyota Land Cruisers are becoming increasingly affordable as they become older and gas prices rise. While they are not the most fuel efficient vehicles, recreationalists are purchasing these vehicles from their former pavement pounder owners and putting them to use on trails around the country. The coil suspension, optional factory lockers, and stout running gear make it obvious to see why they are so popular. As more FZJ80s hit the trails, it is only natural that aftermarket manufacturers develop new accessories for them. A new player to the FZJ80 market is Metal Tech, of Newburg, Oregon. Rather than rehash products that are already offered, Mark Hawley of Metal Tech decided to use the same innovative thinking that he previously applied to his line of unique FJ40 Land Cruiser and FJ Cruiser parts. Metal Tech started their FZJ80 product line by introducing rock sliders that are different than anything else on the market.

It's been 18 months since we installed our Rubicon Express 3.5-inch Super-Flex suspension system on our 2007 two-door JK Rubicon. With nearly 20,000 miles on the odometer, we've been very satisfied with the ride quality, handling and durability of the kit so far. But after accessorizing our ride with hundreds of pounds of bumpers, winch, and larger spare wheel and tire, we were overwhelming our factory bump stops. Case in point; when you bottom-out your suspension while driving across a rain gutter on a city street, it's time for some much needed help

Just as Dana 60 axles have found their way into small and mid-size 4x4s, heavier-duty transfer cases are also appearing in these vehicles in greater numbers. Heavy-duty, however, is a relative term. For example, some Suzuki Samurai owners upgrade to "heavy-duty" Toyota drivetrain, which is certainly a heavy-duty option when paired with the 1,300cc Suzuki engine. The NVG241OR used in late model Jeep Wranglers is finding its way in to earlier model Wranglers as a replacement for the NP231, and even the Toyota crowd is exploring use of later-model transfer cases found in Tacomas and FJs. Branching even further toward heavy-duty are the many aftermarket transfer case offerings, such as those available from Advance Adapters, JB Conversions, and STaK, to name a few. The new is merging with old and many 4x4s are reaping the benefits. Whether your 4x4 is a Jeep CJ-5, Toyota 4Runner, Suzuki Samurai, or whatever, you can build a competent transfer case to sustain your vehicle through countless trail adventures. Take a look at this overview of some of the more popular transfer cases -- both new and old -- that we see on the trail these days.