2006 SEMA Show Las Vegas - The Year Of The JK

The show wasn't a total loss. We did see this skull-and-crossbones tread pattern on the new Dick Cepek Crusher Radial tires. While its likely that this will be noisy as all get out on the highway, with those voids and large blocks it should clean out the loose stuff really well.
Information: Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels; 800/899-9906 (ext. 5511), www.dickcepek.com

This very well might have been Trasborg's favorite JK of the show. After the third or fourth four-door JK we saw, we just started thinking of them as H4s. The hard-door, soft-top versions are the worst ones for evoking images of an inferior mini-Hummer. The Skyjacker JK looked good with its custom half-doors, paint, subtle modifications, and matching trailer, but it will take a while for that H4 thing to get out of our heads.

Currie Enterprises has come up with a unique way to carry trail spares around for your custom-width Ford 9-inch housing. Just buy one of the company's new long-spline, cut-to-fit, 31-spline axleshafts and break out the cordless grinder when the break occurs.
Information: Currie Enterprises; 714/528-6957, www.currieenterprises.com

Thankfully, this wasn't in the off-road area of the show. At some point, this must have been a vehicle that was driveable. While all controls were still there for driving, we can't see why anyone would want to.

We forgot to mention golf carts. These Rhino contraptions were more prevalent at this show than TJs were. Lift kits, billet aluminum this and that, graphics kits, you name it...and it was there taking up space.

After breathing in so many spray-on bedliner fumes and new tonneau cover "smell," we started thinking these cars were cool. Fortunately, once we got back to L.A. we came to our senses but thought our readers would enjoy our brief depravity.

This thing drew more people than a pot full of honey draws bees. All we know is we were drawn to it with the same fascination that a car wreck on the freeway draws the stares of rubberneckers.

We aren't sure what this JK was getting ready for, but with the diamond plate everything (including the cowl and front frame cover), you can be sure that the aluminum polishing business is counting its money now.

Yes, it's technically a Jeep. Yes, it's lifted. No, there is no transfer case to be seen. This is a Patriot with a serious identity crisis. And while it might not look bad, without that transfer case it is still just a lifted station wagon.