Of course, we like going to Moab, Utah, during Easter Jeep Safari for the awesome wheeling and to see all the cool Jeeps. The other side of the Easter Jeep Safari is the vendor show held at the Spanish Trail Arena at the end of the week. Since this show is huge, there are often products so new that the paint is still drying and they haven't been seen by anyone but the people who made them.
Each year we walk the show, we stop and check out all the cool new things that the companies bring along, and this year was no exception. We happened to have a camera with us this year and figured we'd share some of what we saw with those at home.
Just Add Table
The Torchmate CNC table can work with your plasma cutter, oxyacetylene torch, router, or even your drill for precision control over all kinds of procedures. The unit comes with driver software and a CAD module with full automatic nesting (typically not found in units less than $40,000). The head can be supplied with a manual or automatic height adjustment and is driven from both sides via a driveshaft. Information: Torchmate, 866/571-1066, torchmate.com
More Miller Magnificence
Miller showed up to demonstrate all kinds of cool metal-melting toys, including the company's new Spectrum 625 X-TREME plasma cutter that features 40 amps of power (enough to cut 5/8-inch mild steel) in a svelte 21-pound package. Cutting big metal has never looked so good, yet performed so well. Information: Miller Electric Manufacturing Company, 920/734-9821, millerwelds.com
Yank-A-Flare
If you are tired of mangling your JK flares on trees, rocks, and shopping carts, fret no more. Trailmods has designed replacement flares that can be removed time and again with no tools, and won't pop off at freeway speeds. Each set includes eight flares, which includes four base flares that get attached to the body and four street flares that easily snap in place over the trail flares. Information: Trailmods, 916/596-0902, trailmods.com
Wiring Made Easy
Hotwire Auto now offers a 4.0L wiring harness that is complete from the fuse block out so you can plunk a 4.0L inline-six into anything you want. You can still send the company your fuse block and harness to have them convert it for all kinds of Hemi and fuel-injected GM engine swaps, as well as the 4.0L, but the new thing for Easter Jeep this year was a stand-alone 100-percent brand new 4.0L harness for '00 and up engines. For '91-'99 call and check to see if the old harness is required for verification of connectors. Information: Hotwire Auto, 479/243-9115, hotwires.com
Dynatrac Done It
It wasn't that long ago that you could nab a set of Rubicon JK Dana 44 axles factory direct for just over $3,000. Well, that price has more than doubled, and Dynatrac is stepping up. For just a bit more than the axles with factory JK brackets from Jeep, you can get a pair of Trail Series Dana 44s which are basically JK-spec Dana 44s that Dynatrac has modified to be a bolt-in for your YJ or TJ (complete with correct bolt pattern), geared to your specifications, and come with a Pro Series nodular cover (to name but a few upgrades). Information: Dynatrac, 714/596-4461, Dynatrac.com
Nighttime Daylight
There are many things that headlights and flashlights don't cover. If you need vehicle-powered lighting that can be aimed independent of which way the vehicle is pointing, Lightforce is the best choice. The SL series of handheld spotlights feature a high-tech, lightweight, corrosion and impact-resistant housing in three different sizes (5.6-, 6.8- and 9.5-inch options) that are coupled with a virtually indestructible lens, computer-designed parabolic reflector and a variable focus beam for whatever you are trying to see. Information: Lightforce, 888/64-FORCE, lightforceusa.com
Secure Your TJ
Now for the serious TJ enthusiast, Max-Bilt has unveiled a security console with a max-duty cam-lock, stainless steel hinge and weather-resistant riveted construction in a variety of flavors. The Economy console features a cupholder while the Command Center console offers internal and external LED lights with weather-proof switches and a 12-volt outlet. Both the Economy and Command Center trim levels are available in brushed aluminum or powdercoated steel. Information: Max-Bilt, 715/210-0256, maxbilt.com
Drive It Home
Ever see some new product and wonder why you didn't think of it before? Well, we had one of those moments when we saw these SBS (Shoulda Bought a Sixty) plugs from Off Road Evolution for the JK front axles. After you've busted your front axleshaft and removed the busted parts, this plug gets jammed into the axletube to keep the gear oil in--just top the axle off with more oil, and you can finish the trail and drive home. The O-ring-sealed billet aluminum piece can also double as your T-case shifter knob so you've got it at all times. Information: Off Road Evolution, 714/870-5515, offroadevolution.com
Bombproof Base
If you are looking to build your own bumper/tire carrier, we found the keystone for the ultimate swing-out. Featuring a 3-inch outer housing diameter, a 1 3/8-inch inner shaft, a 1-inch by 4-inch mounting post, the beef is here. The kit includes Timken tapered roller bearings, a cool machined aluminum cap, and all necessary hardware included, this is the base for your next tire carrier build. Information: Summit Machine, 801/576-8424, summitmachine.com
Rubicon Fix
The Rubicon JK Dana 44 front axle is a pretty strong performer out of the box: 32-spline rear shafts, 30-spline front inner and outer shafts, and an easy-to-use locker. The Achille's heal of the axle is the U-joint style shafts that chuck U-joint caps and stretch axleshaft ears just like any other stock Jeep axle. Longfield Super Axles brought along their new 4340 axleshafts which require no grinding of the knuckle to fit and have a grease fitting in the end of the outer shaft for easy grease application. As always, they are backed by the "you break it, we replace it" warranty. Information: Long's Enterprises, 360/893-0235, longfieldsuperaxles.com
IED-proof CJ
Treks Offroad Equipment now has everything you need to armor your CJ. Joining the already available rear corners and rocker guards, the company unveiled tube fenders and bumpers at Moab this year. True to form, the tubular fenders larger wheel opening allows a bigger tire to fit than might otherwise be possible, and the unique styling of both the "shorty" and "standard length" bumpers is sure to make your AMC-era CJ stand out from the crowd. Information: Treks Offroad Equipment, 307/775-9565, gotreks.com
Keep Your Fillings
The Hydraulic Bump Stop Mount System from Rubicon Express replaces the stock bumpstop in a TJ or JK with a nitrogen-charged bumpstop. If you've ever needed to use your bumpstops at high speed, you know how harsh they can be, and they don't do a lot for low-speed control. The Hydraulic Bump Stops soften the blows at speed and provide a gradual slowing to the axle at low speeds. Information: Rubicon Express, 877/493-8697, rubiconexpress.com
Bolt-on Royalty
Offering 25-percent more articulation for front applications and 15-percent more articulation in the rear (thanks to a shorter body), King Off-Road Shocks has hit a home run. Featuring a 2-inch smooth-body shock base, a remote reservoir, CNC billet components and boasting a direct bolt-in for '97-'06 TJs and '07 and up JKs, we know what shock we want to bolt-in next. Information: King Off-Road Shocks, 714/530-8701, kingshocks.com
Favorite Blanket
Like Linus' blanket, have peace of mind with the new Security Deck Enclosure from Tuffy Security Products. Not only can stuff be locked away underneath, but the front panel is removable to haul long items, the weight-bearing hinged lid incorporates a unique storage tray, and it mounts in vehicles with hard or soft tops. As with all Tuffy products, fully welded steel construction is the standard, with the topside trays featuring drain holes and weather seals included in the kit. Information: Tuffy Security Products, 970/564-1762, tuffyproducts.com