SOCAL SAYS: Here is Toyo’s latest commercial. What’s eerily missing is a lifted truck. We know it’s not for a truck tire, but really Toyo, every commercial would look better with a big truck in it. No one cares about an overpriced Range Rover…we want to see big trucks in TV advertisements. We hope Toyo will listen
Gibson’s Single Swept Side Exhaust is perfect for improved acceleration, maximum hill climbing, towing and passing power. This is Gibson’s best performing exhaust system and it exits behind the rear tire. It’s quieter in the cab than any other performance exhaust and dyno test results show it makes maximum torque and horsepower at 1800-3000 RPM’s. You should gain 10-15 HP and 15-20 lb-ft of torque with this exhaust. Not only that, but it’s hassle free, bolt-on installation with no welding required makes this an easy choice if you are looking for an exhaust. This model runs $500-750. You can find it for sale at AutoAnything.com
SOCAL SAYS: Gibson is a great company and when they say that this is their “best performing exhaust” then you should believe them. If you need HP and torque gain, this exhaust should be right up your alley.
President Barack Obama, speaking at a town hall in forum in Minnesota, said that Ford, Chevy, and Dodge should change the way they do business. “You can’t just make money on SUVs and trucks. There is a place for SUVs and trucks, but as gas prices keep on going up, you have got to understand the market. People are going to try to save money.”
Apparantly the President has never driven a Ford Focus or a Chevy Malibu, otherwise he would know why the big U.S. truck makers can’t compete in the car market. U.S. automakers sell almost 60% more trucks, SUV’s and cross-overs than cars. Why? Because the Accord, Camry, Maxima, and Sonata are all better looking and more reliable than U.S. cars.
There are still plenty of people willing to buy trucks and lift them, even in this high gas price environment, because big trucks are functional and look great. These companies should focus on what they do well, which is build great trucks and SUV’s.
SOCAL SAYS: Obama should encourage U.S. truck manufacturers to export more trucks and SUV’s. Just think about what Africa, Australia, or Central America would be like with a bunch of lifted Ford and Chevy trucks. Imagine thousands of pre-runners flying through Africa, a huge Excursion on the streets of Dubai, or an F150 with a 6″ lift on the icy streets of Norway. People don’t want our cars, but they love our trucks. If we can export music, art, and style, we should be able to export some sick lifted trucks. What are the odds we’ll see Hilary Clinton promoting U.S. trucks on her next international tour?
KICKER is continuing its long relationship with Chrysler Group LLC and Mopar, now providing high-performance audio upgrade kits for its 2009-11 Ram trucks. Upgrades are available through Mopar at Ram dealers across North America and online at www.mopar.com. By the way, Mopar is short for Motor Parts and they are the parts and service arm of Chrysler, which owns Dodge.
Ram truck enthusiasts may now enjoy the newest high-efficiency amplifiers, the live-concert realism of KICKER coaxials and component speakers and the unmistakable thump created by 10-inch powered subwoofers. Upgrade kits may be ordered with the vehicle or separately at the dealership. The Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) on the upgrades varies. Check www.mopar.com for details.
These true plug-and-play audio kits vary from ground-pounding, 200-watt powered subwoofer upgrades featuring a patented KICKER square woofer in a custom-fit molded enclosure to those that include front-stage 6-1/2-inch coaxials, 6 x 9-inch woofers with 3-1/2-inch tweeters, and rear-stage 6 x 9-inch coaxial speaker upgrades. Finally, 4.1-, 8-, or 12-channel amplifier upgrades provide all the power required to run the system in a Ram Quad Cabs and Crew Cabs. Each KICKER component has been precisely tuned and balanced to match the superior performance and tough attitude demonstrated by Ram vehicles. They cosmetically integrate into the Ram for a clean, factory-installed look.
“Through Mopar, KICKER is proud to offer the newest, most innovative audio equipment to this important core group of Ram owners,” said Chuck Jones, KICKER Director of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing). KICKER has served as the official mobile-audio supplier for Mopar since 2003.
SOCAL SAYS: Another great product from Kicker, making your life as a lifted Dodge Ram owner that much easier.
The Ford F150 is one of the most dependable light duty trucks on the road today, which is why K&N developed this intake for the F150 (part number 63-2575). It allows the 2009 and 2010 Ford F-150 and 2010 Ford F150 SVT Raptor models with a 5.4 liter V8 power plant to breathe easier and achieve its true capability. The estimated 12 horsepower gain and 14 ft./lbs. of torque produced by this K&N air intake system is a definite advantage when towing big loads on long hauls.
The large K&N air filter provided with the 63-2575 intake utilizes 4 layers of cotton gauze media which offers outstanding protection against harmful contaminants. The depth loading technology of the K&N filter allows the K&N air filter to collect dirt for up to 100,000 miles before cleaning is required depending on driving conditions.
Besides the power gain another benefit of running K&N’s 63-2575 intake on your Ford is that you will never need to purchase another air filter for your vehicle. Over time K&N products can save you a substantial amount of money. All you need to do is wash and re-oil the air filter as directed. Cleaning is easy with a K&N Recharger Kit. K&N realizes a tough truck or SUV requires tough components. That’s why the air intake also comes with a limited million mile warranty.
The K&N 63-2575 air intake system also fits 2007 through 2011 Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition models with a 5.4L engine. All of the necessary factory electrical components and vent lines removed from the factory intake system are utilized with the K&N intake system. Simple hand tools are the only items required to install this K&N intake system on your truck or SUV.
Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.
SOCAL SAYS: Ford’s are very reliable, when they are not having parts recalled. Regardless of what you think of Fords, if you are a Ford owner who needs more horsepower (“HP”) for towing or hauling, this could be a great intake for you. It’s nice to see a company standing behind their product, which K&N does with a million mile warranty. Okay, so a million miles may be excessive, but that says something in how confident K&N is in this intake.
Has anyone seen these 17″ street-wheels from Walker Evans? If not, they are beautiful. They’re 17×8.5 and you can customize with bead lock rings, powdercoating, or fully polished. You have a ton of options on the ring color, width, and powdercoating color. Walker Evans really allows you to create the customized rim you want for your lifted truck. The base price is $350 for the 17″ and $450 for the 20″ wheel. You can also get 15″ wheels for a little less.
SOCAL SAYS: Walker Evans is a great company with great products. If you are thinking about getting new wheels, consider ordering a set and have them built to exactly the size, color, and style you are looking for. Customizing your lifted truck with great wheels is always a good idea.
SOCAL SAYS: Oklahoma? Who knew? Not only is Cody a killer FMX and ATV rider, he also builds amazing trucks. All this from a guy who’s in the Midwest. As he points out, there aren’t many people in the Midwest with his jumping ability (or probably his lifted truck style).
This just goes to show that you can find Socal-minded people across the U.S. who love bikes and lifted trucks. Cody, keep flipping and keep building lifted trucks, because you do them both phenomenally well!
Always a leader in big bass, Memphis Car Audio announces two subwoofers with new voice coil technology: the CM and the C3. The “C” in CM represents the cast aluminum basket, of course, but the “M” stands for Mojo.
“The Mojo has always been the heavy hitter in our line.” says Tanner Wilson, Senior Director of Product Development. “Now our Mojos can handle more wattage so you can get your bass booming more than ever before with high powered amplification. The C3 is analogous to Mojo’s younger brother, not quite as big, but just as tough and strong.”
The voice coil in the CM is now made with aluminum instead of copper. Aluminum is better at dissipating heat, and therefore able to handle more power. Where previously a 12” woofer was only able to accept 1,000-2,000 watts of power, the CM can now receive 1,100-2,200 watts. That translates to up to 10% more heart-stopping bass potential.
“I’m proud to say that the CM is our biggest, baddest, bassiest woofer ever.” continues Mr. Wilson.
Both the CM and the C3 now have 4 bolts attaching the basket to the motor for more strength, and the surround is now made of butyl rubber instead of foam for durability. Cosmetically, these subs really shine. The black wrinkle finish of the signature Memphis M baskets feature inset chrome mesh accents and a chrome back plate with laser etching. Gaskets are now rubber for both look and fit, and new, proprietary terminals also feature chrome branding. Both the CM and C3 still incorporate the parabolic reflex cone design that decreases flex, thereby lowering distortion and increasing impulse response and output. Bottom line is that these subs sound great, look great, and feel great. The CM costs around $550 new and the C3 is about $300 new (these prices do not include installation).
SOCAL SAYS: Memphis is so technical and focused on getting the most out of their new products, which is why they have been successful. Their products look great and offer versatility – a deadly combination. A good looking lifted truck should have top-notch audio products. There’s nothing worse than a great truck that sounds like it has a stock Geo Storm stereo! Memphis is a trusted brand, so if you have the dough, go for show.
Mechanical design engineer Dennis Hotson works 8-to-5 daily at the KICKER World Headquarters, researching and developing the planet’s most insane audio gear. On the weekends, he transforms into a crazy, action-sports daredevil that recently had his mind set on breaking the Guinness World Record for ‘longest jump on a pit bike.’
On a Saturday in July, Dennis did his thing at the 7th annual Buffalo Bike Run in Miami, Oklahoma. It’s a two-day event which features two days of motorcycles, music and camping! During the 100cc distance attempt, he claimed what was rightfully his, and set the new record at 139 feet! “I wanted to go farther,” he said. “I’m not done until I jump past the 150 foot mark. I hit the ramp at 61 mph, and without the head wind I should have gone 160+ feet.”
For years now, KICKER has sponsored professional and amateur action-sports athletes around the world, so it’s no surprise how stoked KICKER is to hear that one of its very own accomplished such a huge feat. As for Dennis, he has already started working on plans for the next time he can jump the ramp—oh the possibilities! To see the video, click here or to see a bunch of photos, click here
SOCAL SAYS: This is a jaw-dropping feat, just watch the video. To think that Kicker can continue to produce great products every year and allow their employees to risk their lives at the same time, that is balls! Kicker sounds like a pretty cool company to work for, so if you are talented, a risk-taker, or a little of both, definitely check them out.
Bryce Menzies won the Trophy Truck and 4-Wheel Overall class at the 2011 Baja 500. His win was wire-to-wire, which is a big accomplishment in a race as harsh as the 500. Bryce is sponsored by KMC Wheels, who made it back-to-back wins since Andy McMillin won in 2010.
SOCAL SAYS: KMC builds great products that we love. It’s not surprising that they would have just as much success with the off-road drivers they sponsor. When a company knows how to spot quality, they can usually apply it in other areas. Famous actors become directors and producers, pro skateboarders start their own clothing companies, and so why wouldn’t one of the top lifted truck wheel companies be successful in off-road racing? It’s logical and expected, especially from a company this good.