Using A Coil Spring Compressor Tool

Many of Performance Accessories Premium Lift Systems require removing the factory coil spring from the vehicle's strut assembly. The only way to accomplish this correctly, is to use a coil spring compressor tool. These tools are readily available, but can be dangerous if not used properly. There are basically two types of coil spring compressor tools; internal and external. Internal tools grab the coil spring from inside the coil. External tools grab the coil spring from two or three positions on the outside of the coil spring. On most late-model trucks, you'll need to use an external tool as the bottom of the coil will sit on a mount that's welded to the strut.

Compressing the coil spring can store lots of energy, that if released quickly, can be dangerous and cause injury. So careful precautions should be made if you attempt to remove the coil spring from any vehicle. Here are some basic safety tips when using a coil spring compressor tool.

1) If you've never used a coil spring compressor before, it might be a good idea to take your vehicle's strut assembly to someone with more experience. Many repair shops have this tool and will remove the coil spring for free, or at a very modest cost.
2) If you have access to a coil spring compressor tool, make sure it's in good working condition. Check the spring hooks to see that they are not overly worn and check the threads on the tool to ensure that they are not bent, overly rusted or damaged.
3) Before installing the tool and removing the coil spring, draw a mark starting from the top bolt plate, then on to the coil spring and finally onto the strut assembly. This will ensure that when you reinstall the coil spring all of the parts can be easily lined up correctly.
4) When releasing the tension of the coil spring from the coil spring compressor tool, do it slowly and evenly on both sides of the tool.
5) Make sure to completely read the instructions provided in  your Performance Accessories Premium Lift System or Leveling Kit before disassembling anything on the vehicle. 
By DS Media Relations

Many automotive shops will have a bench mounted coil spring compressor that makes the job much safer and easier if you don't have access to a tool or have any experience working with one.

2012 Ford F-150 Leveling Kit Increases Ride Height Without Adding Suspension Wear

Trail Master Leveling Kit PN-FL221 For 2012 Ford F-150 Pickups

The new Trail Master leveling kit for the 2012 Ford F-150 adds two-inches of ride height that levels out the front-to-rear stance of the vehicle, and allows the use of larger diameter tires. While some leveling kits simply use a two-inch coil spacer, Trail Master's leveling kit PN-FL221, divides the lift by using a one-inch urethane coil spring spacer, and a one-inch aluminum bolt-plate spacer that sits on top of the coil/shock assembly.

This unique feature prevents excessive coil spring pre-load that can cause a harsh ride and inhibit the spring’s ability to properly oscillate. It also limits the overall length of the coil/shock assembly to keep ball-joint angles within their proper operating range, and eliminates the chance of contact with A-arms or other components when the suspension is under full compression or droop.

The system comes with everything you need, including high-grade hardware and long Zip-Ties, used to secure the steering knuckle while the coil/shock assembly is removed from the suspension. Manufactured in the U.S.A. the trail master leveling kit fits 2WD and 4WD models. For more information, contact Performance Automotive Group, P.O. Box 3450, Chino Valley, AZ 86323, (928) 636-7080. Or visit www.TrailMasterSuspension.com.
DS Media Relations

OR-Fab Vacuum Pump Relocation Kit For 2012 Model Jeep JK Wranglers

OR-Fab’s Vacuum Pump Relocation Bracket kit moves the factory vacuum pump from the front of the vehicle, to the driver’s side engine compartment on all 2012 Jeep JK Wranglers. Relocating the pump adds the necessary room to allow installation of OR-Fab steel-plate front bumpers, and other aftermarket bumpers, that feature a built-in winch mount.

The Relocation Bracket Kit PN-87046 is manufactured from 10-gauge steel and comes complete with hardware, wire leads and wire connectors that make it simple to install. The bracket is required for all 2012 installation of OR-Fab bumper part numbers: 83210, 83210BB, 83211, 83211BB, 83220, 83220BB, 83221, 83221BB, 83222, 83222BB, 83223, and 83223BB. All OR-Fab products are made in the U.S.A. For more information contact, Performance Automotive Group, P.O. Box 3450, Chino Valley, AZ 86323, (928) 636-7080. Or visit them on the web at www.ORFab.com. 

OR-Fab's vacuum pump relocation bracket is required for proper installation of all OR-Fab Steel Plate bumpers on 2012 model  Jeep JK Wranglers. The bracket mounts the pump in the engine compartment and comes with all of the necessary wiring and hardware.

Leveling Kit Facts You Need To Know

A leveling kit is a great way to add ride height to your pickup or SUV, in order to fit larger diameter wheels and tires. While this has an abundance of advantages that include additional ground clearance, use of a higher load capacity tire, and an improved front-to-rear vehicle stance, it's important to know how a leveling kit will affect the the vehicle's ride and other suspension components.

The most important thing you need to know, however, is that not all leveling kits are manufactured in the same way. Many truck owners simply look for the least expensive leveling kit they can find without looking at the overall design and quality of manufacture. Name brand leveling kits such as those made by Performance Accessories, are manufactured to ensure that the kit is properly designed, matched to the vehicle, and is reliable for each application. Here's some other important facts you might consider, if you're contemplating a leveling kit for your truck or SUV.

1) Look for high quality manufacturing techniques. Anyone with a drill press and the right tools can make a leveling kit, but name-brand kits are manufactured using precision laser-cutters, high-quality steel and forged components. Better construction quality prevents component failures (cracking) and a better fit.

Forged torsion bar keys are a must for some 4x4 trucks.

2) If you have a torsion-bar style suspension, never torque the factory torsion bar keys. Use only forged, not cast, aftermarket keys. Cranking the torsion bars can add a tremendous amount of pre-load to the torsion bars causing a harsh ride when you hit a pot-hole or bump. Because of the tremendous spring pressure, cast keys can crack and have been known to break, even during installation. Forged keys are much stronger, lift your truck and are designed to prevent excessive torsion bar pre-load to maintain a smooth, factory ride.

3) Beware of extra thick coil spring spacers. If a 1.5-inch coil spring spacer is good, then a 2.5-inch spacer must be better, right? Not always. Adding a thicker spacer will compress the spring in the coil/shock assembly and make it incapable of properly supporting the vehicle and controlling oscillations. This is why in many instances, Performance Accessories splits the difference between a coil spacer and spacer that fits on top of the coil/shock assembly. This prevents excessive coil spring pre-load and maintains a smooth ride.

Top coil assembly spacer with longer studs

4) Spacers that fit on top of the coil/spring perch should be precision cut and made from high-grade steel. These spacers connect the top perch to the strut tower frame mount and should come with high-grade hardware that replace the mounting studs. This ensures that the bolts are extended properly and seat with the factory bolts on top of the coil/shock assembly perch.

5) There's a difference between a $50 leveling kit and a $200 leveling kit. Look at the quality of construction. Bolts holes should be perfectly cut. There shouldn't be any casting flash or welding splatter. Place spacers on a flat and level surface and see if you see any gaps. Higher quality construction typically costs more because components are created with sophisticated machinery and lots of development time behind them. This gives you better reliability and longevity.

6) Make sure the leveling kit is complete. Many kits are less expensive because they don't include items like shock extensions, longer anti-sway bar end links, a rear add-a-leaf (on some applications where they are necessary), or even shocks; like on some Ford F-250 systems. Do your research on a variety of leveling kits and find out what major manufacturers offer in their systems. You'll quickly realize what the kit should come with, and what those "economy kits" are missing.

2000-'04 Ford Super Duty Leveling Kit

7) Look for leveling kits that come with an extensive set of installation instructions. Manufacturers of high-quality leveling kits have comprehensive installation instructions that show you, step-by-step, now to install the system. Many will also allow you to download the instructions prior to your purchase, which is a great idea before attempting the install yourself.

8) Make sure you have a coil spring compression tool, or know someone who has and knows how to use it. Most trucks and SUV's that will utilize a coil spacer style kit, will require you to remove the coil spring from the coil/shock assembly. So you'll need a coil spring compression tool. These can be dangerous to use if you've never used one before. If you don't have one, make sure you know where you can take your coil/shock assembly to get the coil spring removed and reinstalled safely.

For more information on leveling kits and to find one for your particular application, visit www.PerformanceAccessories.com.
By DS Media Relations

OR-Fab's Front Steel Plate Bumper Offers Solid Protection For 2012 Jeep JK Wranglers

OR-Fab’s steel-plate bumper offers extreme protection with added features that owners of ’07-’12 model Jeep JK Wrangler want. This popular design is manufactured from 3/16-inch thick steel plate that has been laser cut, precision press-bent, hand welded, and ground to fit perfectly into the vehicle’s frame using 1/2-inch thick steel mounting brackets. The bumper can take extreme punishment with its tapered bottom and boxed-in sides that allow it to slide off rocks with ease. The bumper’s short, stubby width also allows for maximum tire clearance and greater approach angles, even with 40-inch diameter tires.

This bumper design features a 2-inch diameter, .120-wall steel tube grill guard that adds more protection, and can be used as a light mount. It also incorporates two reinforced D-ring mounts and comes in a center mount winch design, PN-83222, or an offset winch mount design PN-83223. Both come in a choice of a black or gloss (bicycle black) hard-powder coat finish, and include all of the necessary installation hardware and two heavy-duty D-rings.

All OR-Fab products are made in the U.S.A. and are backed by years of off road experience on and off the trail. For more information on this or any other OR-Fab product, contact Performance Automotive Group, P.O. Box 3450, Chino Valley, AZ 86323, (928) 636-7080. Or visit them on the web at www.ORFab.com.

Lift The 2012 Dodge Ram To Run 35-Inch Tall Tires

Performance Accessories manufactures it’s Premium Lift System for 2012 model Dodge Ram pickups, that raises the vehicle’s ride height to add larger wheels and tires, without the cost and modifications of a full suspension lift. The Premium Lift System fits ’09-’12 Ram 1500 series, 4wd models (PN-PLS600), and 2wd models (PN-PLS602). Both combine Performance Accessories’ three inch body-lift kit with a two inch leveling kit, allowing the vehicle to clear aftermarket wheels and tires measuring up to 35-inches in diameter. Performance Accessories’ Premium Lift system is also a fraction of the cost compared to a full suspension lift, and does not compromise the factory ride or warranty.

The Premium Lift System includes the company’s reinforced nylon body mounts, high-quality hardware, billet front coil spring spacers and a CNC machined billet steering adapter. It also comes with precision laser-cut bumper brackets, high-grade hardware, thread locker, and a set of urethane Gap Guards that extend the inner wheel wells to hide any visible gaps between the body and frame.

This leveling and body-lift combination provides a solid and reliable foundation for attaining the ride height you need for larger tires. It’s also the best way to add a custom, off-road appearance to your truck at an affordable cost. For more information on this lift system or any of Performance Accessories products that are all made in the U.S.A,, contact Performance Accessories, P.O. Box 3450, Chino Valley, AZ 86323, (928) 636-7080. Or visit them on the web at www.performanceacessories.com.

How To Properly Measure Your Vehicle's Ride Height

Before lifting your vehicle with a suspension, body-lift or leveling kit, it's important to begin by properly measuring its ride height. By doing so, you'll be able to see and document the amount of actual lift you've attained. Then you can take that information and determine the correct size and diameter of wheel you can use with the vehicle's new ride height. Here's the proper way to measure:

1) Select a clean, dry and level surface to take the vehicle's ride height measurements
2) Drive the vehicle forward at least 10-feet onto the level surface to settle the suspension. 
3) Park the vehicle and wedge or block to secure the tires so that the vehicle will not roll forward or back.
4) Take a measuring tape and measure the ride height from the center of the axle or hug, straight up (vertical) to the bottom of the fender lip. 
5) Repeat the process for all four sides and record the measurements. 

Once this is done, you've recorded the proper ride height measurement of your truck, SUV or Jeep. After you're lift has been installed, take these measurements again and see the total amount of actual ride height you've gained.
By DS Media Relations

OR-Fab Demonstrates How It's Rear Quarter Body Armor For Jeep JK Wranglers Protects And Fits Like A Second Skin

OR-Fab's video on its Gecko Skin body armor for the Jeep JK Wrangler, protects and tightly hugs the contours of the vehicle's rear quarter panels.

Jeep TJ Essentials Buyer's Guide

Jeep TJ owners seem to get forgotten due to the many new products available for the newer JK models. But there are many true rock crawling enthusiasts that still own and love their TJ and TJL model Jeeps. These vehicles are also abundant and inexpensive, allowing new Jeep enthusiasts to get involved in off-road. But to learn how to rock crawl and drive off-road, Jeep TJ owners will need a variety of components that will increase the vehicle's ride height, improve its articulation over obstacles, and provide lots of body protection.

Grow A Few Easy Inches
One of the first things you'll need to do to your Jeep TJ is add some ride height. If you don't have the budget for a full suspension lift, a three-inch body lift might work well to get you into some larger diameter wheels and tires. Performance Accessories manufactures a variety of complete body lifts for the TJ and TJL, that can give your vehicle one, two or three extra inches of ride height. These body lifts come complete with nylon reinforced body mounts, heavy-duty hardware and laser cut steel bumper brackets.

Fully Suspended
If you want serious traction and articulation from your Jeep TJ, consider a full suspension system. Trail Master Suspension offers a great kit  providing four-inches of lift and replaces the factory control arms with stronger, .250-wall tubular steel arms. The arms are also outfitted with the latest in FlexJoint technology, and heavy duty coil springs.

A Home For Your Winch
Self recovery is a must for any serious off-road vehicle, especially your Jeep TJ. So a heavy-duty front bumper with a winch mount makes a perfect accessory that not only protects the front of your vehicle, but also serves as a place to mount your winch. A high-quality front bumper like one from OR-Fab is made from 3/16-inch steel plate and features a heavy-duty winch and fairlead mount. It also has two 3/4-inch D-ring mounts and an sturdy attachment point for a Hi-Lift jack.

Stay Tough In The Cage
One of the best ways to add some serious rigidity to the Jeep TJ is by adding a sport cage. Popular ones like OR-Fab's sport cage for the TJ, tie into the vehicle's dash. A lower floor mount kit, sold separately, connects everything together from the frame up and greatly strengthens the vehicle when its twisted and under full articulation.

Lighten That Spare Tire
Carrying a full spare tire is a great idea, but finding one that's lightweight and strong seems almost like an oxymoron. OR-Fab's swing away spare tire carrier for Jeep TJ's, has the right combination. It's made from 1.5-inch .120 wall steel tubing and features a heavy-duty hinge with 500-lbs. lockable and adjustable draw latch. This combination makes the spare tire carrier vibration free and allows it to carry a full 37-inch diameter spare and two Gerry cans.

Protect Your Rear
The rear of your Jeep TJ needs just as much protection as the front. OR-Fab's rear bumper for the Jeep TJ is made from 3/16-inch steel plate and improves your TJ's departure angles. It also comes with two heavy-duty D-ring mounts and incorporates a two-inch hitch receiver for mounting accessories, (not load rated).

Rockin' Down Under
A must for any Jeep, is a set of rock rails to protect your TJ's lower rocker panels. OR-Fab rock rails for the TJ feature a .120-wall steel tube rock guard that's tucks in close to the Jeep's body and completely protects the factory rocker panel from the bottom, and side.

A Room With A View
Rock doors not only provide a more open-air experience while driving your Jeep on the trail, it also offers some protection and allows you to easily see where you're placing your TJ's tires to crawl over an obstacle. OR-Fab's rock doors for the TJ offer great visibility and easily attach to the factory hinges. They feature a solid full-loop construction and come with a latch kit and nylon pad kit with a zippered map pouch.



 No matter what level of off-road skills you may have, keep in mind that adding the right accessories to your Jeep TJ will not only increase its value, it will also help you to enjoy your outdoor trail rides to the fullest. For more information on any of these products for the Jeep TJ, visit. www.TrailMasterSuspension.com, www.ORFab.com, and www.PerformanceAccessories.com.
By DS Media Relations

Performance Accessories offers holiday gift ideas for the off-road enthusiast in your family

They put on a happy face when opening a gift bag that contains either socks, a necktie or a dress shirt, but in reality, off-road enthusiasts are often disappointed when they don't get something they can add to their truck or Jeep. If you appreciate the enthusiasm someone has for their vehicle, here are some ideas from Performance Accessories, that will make any off-road enthusiast extremely happy this holiday season.

Keeping It On The Level

Leveling kits are an inexpensive way to raise a vehicle a couple of inches to allow the truck owner to run slightly larger diameter all-terrain or mud-terrain tires for better traction. This also levels out the front to rear ride height of the vehicle and doesn't affect the ride quality. On average, leveling kits for most late-model 2011 trucks run about $150 or less. Some Jeep systems are as low as $40.





Goin' Gap-Less

If your family off-road enthusiast recently added a body-lift to their vehicle, chances are they're happy with the extra ride height for larger tires and greater ground clearance, but they probably don't like the visible gap in the wheel wells, that's between the body and frame. Performance Accessories' Gap Guards replace the factory wheel well covers to hide the gaps. They're manufactured from durable polyurethane and keep water, dirt and debris from entering into the engine compartment. They attach in minutes and give the vehicle the factory appearance they've been wanting from their body-lift. Gap Guards typically retail around $100, depending on the make and model vehicle.


Something For That Old Beater

Love comes in many forms but if the off-road enthusiast in your family has an affection towards an old rusted Jeep or pickup, try giving them a new set of greasable leaf-spring shackles. Performance Accessories shackles are manufactured from 3/4-inch thick, laser cut steel plate and are gold Zinc anodized to eliminate rust. They also feature urethane bushings that can be lubricated through a Zerk fitting. They're available to replace the factory units that sometimes bind, or to add one or two inches of ride height. Performance Accessories leaf spring shackles are available for Ford, Jeep, Suzuki, Toyota, GM and Isuzu applications and most run around $120.

Keep Your Jeep CJ Enthusiast From Breaking Down On The Trail.

Tired of hearing stories about how the old Jeep broke another leaf-spring U-bolt while on the trail? Shut them up for good with a U-bolt skid plate kit. These bolt to the bottom of the leaf-spring U-bolts on older Jeep CJ's to protect them when they come into contact with the rock. Performance Accessories uses 1/4-inch thick steel spring plates and 3/4-inch thick steel skid plates with welded braces that allow them to easily slide over rocks without damaging the U-bolts. Available for a variety of year Jeep CJ's and for front and rear leaf springs. These retail from $65 to $100, depending on the year and model Jeep. 

For additional information on any of Performance Accessories products, including body-lifts and Premium Lift Systems, visit www.PerformanceAccessories.com.
By DS Media Relations

How to install OR-Fab rear quarter body armor on a Jeep JK Wrangler

For serious Jeep owners who love to rock crawl, front-end and body protection is a must. While bumpers and rock sliders provide lots of protection, there are instances where the rear quarter panels can get banged up on narrow passes. It’s for this reason that OR-Fab designed new, rear quarter body armor that fits 2007-’12, Jeep JK Wranglers. It’s manufactured from laser-cut 10-gauge steel, and provides excellent protection while also enhancing the vehicle’s appearance.

The quarter armor installs by simply using it as a template to mark and drill the holes on the vehicle. OR-Fab also suggests using its synthetic liner (an added option), between the armor and the Jeep’s body, to further protect the area from small particles of dirt and moisture. OR-Fab provides nutserts in the kit that are used to secure the bolts to the Jeep’s sheetmetal. They also provide a nutsert tool that properly crimps the nutserts to secure them into position.

The liner and body armor is then placed into position and the stainless steel bolts that are provided in the kit are inserted. The LED taillights tie into the factory wiring harness using crimp wire connectors and a resistor that allows the LED lights to flash correctly with the vehicle’s turn signal indicator.OR-Fab’s rear quarter armor comes in a complete kit that includes LED taillights, stainless steel button-head bolts and a rivet-nut tool. Jeep owners wanting the most protection, can use the OR-Fab rear quarter body armor that is equipped with a 1.5-inch diameter, .120 wall steel rock-slider tube. The armor is also available without the rock slider and in a raw steel version that allows the owner to install their own LED taillights. The OR-Fab armor also fits on Jeep s with aftermarket fenders, as well as with OR-Fab’s spare tire carrier systems. For more information, visit www.orfab.com.
By DS Media Relations 

Installation by:  
Rebel Off Road
20602 Pascal Way, Suite B
Lake Forest, CA 92630
866 900-8841
www.rebeloffroad.com 


Installation Steps (Watch the video below)

OR-Fab's quarter armor kit comes with everything you need to install. It can be ordered with or without the rock slider bar and without the taillight cut-outs.

Remove the taillights, gas filler cap molding and the fenders.

Use the quarter armor as a template to mark and dill the holes. Tape was used to properly position the armor while the holes were marked onto the sheetmetal.

OR-Fab supplies a nutsert tool that makes it easy to install the nutserts into the sheetmetal.

The tool easily crimps the nutsert to secure it to the factory sheetmetal.

Bolt the LED taillights onto the quarter armor before installing it.

The directions indicate which wires to connect the LED light pigtails to. This must be done prior to installing the armor over the Jeep.

Install the OR-Fab quarter armor liner (sold separately) and the armor. Stainless steel button head bolts are included to secure the armor to the Jeep.

With the fenders and gas filler cap moulding on, the Jeep looks great and is protected against trail damage.

OR-Fab's New Light Bar For Jeep JK Wranglers

OR-Fab’s new light bar for the Jeep JK Wrangler offers a solid mounting platform for a variety of lighting options. Manufactured from 10-gauge steel, the OR-Fab Light Bar PN-87024 mounts to the factory A-pillar using the OEM bolts that secure the Jeep’s body-to-window frame bracket. OR-Fab added gussets to the pillar brackets, making them strong, sturdy and able to support a top cross-bar that allows the Jeep owner to mount up to five, eight inch diameter lights, a 60-inch wide LED light bar, or any variety of square or round light combinations.

The high mounted light bar fits all 2007- 2012 model Jeep JK Wranglers, and won’t interfere with OEM or aftermarket tops. It’s also compatible with AEV brand snorkel systems. Manufactured in the U.S.A, the OR-Fab light bar kit comes with all of the necessary mounting hardware, and is available in either a wrinkle, or smooth black powder coat finish. Lights are not included. For more information, contact OR-Fab, P.O. Box 3450 Chino Valley, Arizona, 86323. Or visit them online at www.ORFab.com.

OR-Fab's Light Bar for the Jeep JK shown with a 60-inch LED light strip.

Flex-Joint Technology On Trail Master Suspension Lift Kits

Trail Master Suspension uses flex-joints on many of its lift kits for Jeeps, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. After many miles of testing on the most rugged terrain, Trail Master found that standard polyurethane bushings would eventually wear, tear and distort under extreme articulation and use. Heim-joints provide a more solid and much stronger joint, but will also cause a noisy ride and because there's no vibration absorption properties, the ride is much harder.

Flex-joints provided the best compromise between strength, precision, and a smooth ride. They are also much better at withstanding constant abuse and will last longer than polyurethane or heim-joint bushings. Trail Master's flex-joints are typically used at one of the ends of a sturdy control arm. The joints are in a housing that's forged from chromoly steel, precision machined, and heat treated for greater strength. Then the housings are plated for a high-quality finish.

Inside the housing is a one-piece ball that has been precision machined, made from 52100 series steel, and chrome plated. The races that are used to support the steel ball are made from a quality poly graphite blend that has superior wear resistance, greater longevity, and durability.

Flex-joints like these are the only joints on the market that provide the rated value of misalignment before the housing contacts the mounting brackets. This means that they offer a greater range of movement that is more dependable and precise. This eliminates less stress on the control arm and the joint itself during extreme articulation and provides optimum and predictable control for the driver.

Flex-joints have a forged housing and under extreme rotation, won't make contact with the mounting bracket.

According to Chris Faustmann, who handles the research and development for Trail Master Suspension, other joints on the market can be rated up to +/- 30 degrees of the joint's full range of motion. But in reality it may only have +/- 10 degrees . This means that there's a greater chance that the joint housing may contact the mounting bracket. But Trail Master's flex-joints are the only +/- 20 degree joints on the market that provide the rated value of misalignment before the housing ever contacts the mounting brackets. So the flex-joints are easier to work with, more dependable, and allow the suspension engineers to be more precise in how they set up the suspension's control arms and mounting points. 

Another advantage of the flex-joint, is that it can easily be rebuilt without using any special hand tools. All joints will wear; some faster than others. But flex-joints tend to last longer and when they do eventually need to be rebuilt, they can easily be taken apart so that the ball or the races can be replaced. Once this is done, the flex-joint is as good as new.

Keep in mind however, that flex-joints are not used in every joint location on a Trail Master kit. They're only used in areas that receive high stress and extreme articulation angles. In other areas, it's still best to use high quality, graphite impregnated polyurethane bushings to minimize shock and vibrations from transferring to the chassis, and  ultimately the driver. But the overall effect with the right combination is a very smooth and comfortable ride that doesn't compromise off-road capability or strength. For more information on Trail Master Suspension systems that utilize flex-joint technology, visit www.trailmastersuspension.com

By DS Media Relations

Is A Free Performance Accessories Body Lift or Premium Lift System Right For You?

One of the most important tasks of Performance Accessories' Research and Development department is to update and create new body lifts and Premium Lift systems for new model vehicles. In order to accomplish this, the company looks for certain vehicles that can be used to test fit and engineer new products on. For some, this is an opportunity to get a free body-lift or Premium Lift System on their truck.

As the 2011 calendar year ends, new 2012 models are being released and again, Performance Accessories is looking for several new, and past year model trucks to develop new systems for. For trucks to qualify, they must be in stock condition, without any exhaust or suspension modifications. The vehicle must also be in excellent working condition and free of any body damage. Furthermore, the vehicle must be at Performance Accessories' facility in Chino Valley, Arizona for up to three weeks. Finally, you need to get some cool wheels and tires for the vehicle after it's been lifted so you won't look silly with the stock stuff on it.

Below is a list of vehicles currently needed. For more information on how to participate, click on THIS LINK.

Performance Accessories 2011 3" Body Lift Vehicle List

Vehicle Make/Model Year

Chevy / GMC

2500 / 3500HD Diesel - 2012

2500 / 3500HD Gas 2011 - 2012

1500 non-HD - 2012

Suburban / Yukon XL -  2012

Tahoe / Yukon - 2012

Colorado 2009 - 2012

Dodge

Ram 2500 / 3500 Diesel - 2010 - 2012

Ram 2500 / 3500 Gas - 2011 - 2012

Ram 1500 - 2011 - 2012

Dakota - 2009 - 2010

Ford

Ranger  - 2011 - 2012

F-150 Raptor  - 2010+

F-150 Eco Boost  - 2011+

Jeep

Wrangler 2012

Toyota

Tundra - 2012

Tacoma 2012

Nissan

Titan - 2010 - 2012

Frontier - 2011 - 2012

OR-Fab Gecko Skin Rear Quarter Armor For Jeep JK Wranglers

OR-Fab now offers rear quarter panel armor for 2007 to 2012 model Jeep JK Wranglers. OR-Fab calls this body protection Gecko Skins because of the way it hugs the contours of the vehicle's body to protect it from damage that can occur on the trail. The new Gecko Skin Rear Quarter Armor is made from 10-gauge steel plate and Jeep owners can choose between armor equipped with a 1.5-inch diameter .120 wall rock slider bar (PN84332 2Dr and PN84342 4Dr), or without the rock slider bar (PN84330 2Dr and PN84340 4Dr). Both styles feature the OR-Fab Gecko cut-out and are designed to fit tightly around the contours of the vehicle. The Gecko Skin Rear Quarter Armor can also be used with factory or aftermarket fender flares, as well as OR-Fab’s Rear Spare Tire Carrier. The armor is available in a durable wrinkle or gloss (BB) black powder coat finish, and comes with detailed instructions, button-head stainless steel bolts and a taillight installation kit.

OR-Fab also manufactures the Gecko Skin Rear Quarter Armor in a raw finish without taillamp cutouts (PN84331 2Dr, PN84341 4Dr) for Jeep owners who want to customize the armor with their own lighting. Jeep owners can further enhance the installation and protection by using OR-Fab’s Gecko Skin Liners, made from precision cut 1/16-inch synthetic rubber (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), that fit between your Jeep’s sheet metal and the quarter panel armor. For more information, contact OR-Fab P.O. Box 3450 Chino Valley AZ 86323. Or visit them online at www.ORFab.com.

Trail Master's 6-inch Suspension Lift Kit For 2011 Chevy/GMC 1500 Pickups

Get a full six inch lift with a Trail Master suspension system for 2wd and 4wd, ’07-‘11 model GM Silverado and Sierra 1500 series pickups. This suspension kit (PN-C4721SSV) allows the use of 35-inch tall tires and features laser cut, heavy-duty cross members and brackets that ensure a perfect fit. New cast ductile iron spindles are precision CNC machined and engineered to retain the factory geometry while providing an increased ride height. To reduce flex and add rigidity to the system, Trail Master designed front and rear compression struts to connect the crossmembers so it can withstand serious off-road use.

This six-inch suspension system comes complete with everything you need to install, including Kevlar lined stainless steel brake lines, rear spring leafs and high grade hardware. It also utilizes Trail Master's exclusive, nitrogen charged, SSV front struts and rear shocks that utilize valve sensing technology, designed to give a comfortable ride under extreme off-road or mild highway driving conditions. For more information, visit www.trailmastersuspension.com

By DS Media Relations

OR-Fab Jeep XJ Rear Tube Bumper Installed On BC4x4.com

 

BC4x4.com, one of Canada's leading off-road and four-wheeling websites, recently installed OR-Fab's Jeep XJ Rock Slider Rear Bumper (PN-83209), onto the site's project Jeep Cherokee. The project vehicle already has OR-Fab's front tube style bumper (PN-83203), in which the installation was done in an earlier post on the site. You can see that HERE.

The OR-Fab rear XJ bumper is a modular design that's manufactured using two-inch, .120 wall steel tubing and fits close to the Jeep XJ's body for maximum departure angles. BC4x4.com noted that it worked perfectly with their vehicle's two-inch receiver hitch and liked the fact that the bumper wraps around to protect the rear quarters.

The OR-Fab Rock Slider Rear Bumper fits 1984-2001 Jeep XJ models, and easily installs onto the factory bumper mounts. It also uses 1/4 inch straps that anchor it to the hitch mount, ensuring a solid connection that won’t vibrate or distort under load. The bumper also comes with heavy-duty hardware and is equipped with D-ring mounts and two D-ring shackles.

Available in a gloss black or wrinkle black finish, the OR-Fab Rock Slider Rear Bumper is one of many OR-Fab products for the Jeep XJ. Along with the rear and front rock slider style bumpers, the company manufactures rear quarter panel armor (PN-84400), and rock sliders (PN-84460) to make a complete body protection system that's all manufactured in the U.S.A. You can see BC4x4's installation of the OR-Fab XJ rear bumper HERE. For more information on OR-Fab products for a variety of year, make and model Jeeps, visit www.orfab.com

By DS Media Relations

Body-Lift Facts, Dangers Of Homemade Body Lift Blocks

Some people refer to body lift blocks as  a "puck," referring to their appearance looking much like a round hockey puck. This improper description has led some to drill holes in hockey pucks and install them as a low-buck body lift; something that should never be done. Yet, many people use items such as hockey pucks, stacked washers, steel tubing and other materials to create a home made body lift and save $20-$50 over a real body lift kit from reputable manufacturers.

High quality body lift blocks like these are made from extruded, nylon reinforced, polyurethane that is extremely strong and have the proper characteristics to absorb vibrations, yet create a reliable connection between the body and frame.  

Performance Accessories, for example, has been manufacturing high-quality body lift kits for more than 30 years. The kits use nylon reinforced polyurethane body blocks, that are extruded under extremely high pressure and temperatures, to make them incredibly strong and reliable. When coupled with new, heavy-duty and correct length hardware, a body lift kit from a reputable manufacturer creates a solid and reliable link between the vehicle's body and frame, while still providing the proper vibration and noise absorption properties that can cause home-made body mounts to crack, shear, bend or come apart completely. This is one of the main reasons why materials like hockey pucks, steel tubing, washers, PVC, billet aluminum or any other material does not make good body blocks, and are dangerous to use. 

Here's a photo of a homemade body lift kit from plastic that they cut and drilled. This can crack, and lead to serious damage or injury.

Several of Performance Accessories Facebook fans have commented on seeing some home-made body blocks made from wood, tennis balls, steel tubing and more. Many people also post images of their homemade body lifts which show other off-road enthusiasts how to lift their vehicles for free. Manufacturers of body lift kits agree that you should never put yourself or your passengers at risk using unreliable and untested homemade body blocks. The fact is that making your own kit can actually end up costing you more in the long run, as you'll also have to fabricate bumper relocation brackets, a proper steering extension and more. 

Here is a set of homemade body blocks made from welded tubing and washers. These materials can rust, crack and shear away, leaving nothing to support the body over the frame. Note how large the bolt holes are that won't properly support the frame mount bolt and could potentially shear or bend even a high-grade bolt.

Body lift kits, like those from Performance Accessories, come with all of the necessary bumper brackets, hardware and components needed to complete the lift in 6-8 hours. Some even include items like fan shroud extensions and parking brake relocation brackets when certain make and model applications call for them, and the attention to details are what make a huge difference. Also keep in mind that body lifts also don't affect the vehicle's ride characteristics or the factory warranty, yet allow truck and SUV owners the ability to add larger diameter wheels and tires for greater ground clearance and an improved appearance. Saving a few dollars isn't worth the danger and damage that can occur by making your own lift. Check manufacturer's recommendations for your specific application and for more information on quality body lifts, visit www.performanceaccessories.com.
By DS Media Relations

A body lift kit from a manufacturer like Performance Accessories comes with nylon reinforced body blocks, a CNC machined steering extension, high-grade hardware, laser cut bumper brackets, and even a bottle of thread locker. Everything you need to do the job right, safely and reliably.