Photos and Story by: Jody Campbell and Rick Webster

2007 SEMA Show - Las Vegas, NV

As the saying goes, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas…" Fortunately for you, our readers, it's our job to make sure that that does not happen. It our job, our responsibility, our duty even, to expose those high quality nuggets, so you wont have to gamble on your next aftermarket purchase. It's a rough job, but someone has to do it. This year proved once again that companies are listening, more, now than ever, to the needs of the consumer and building the products that will last. Follow along as we give you a glimpse of some of the products that caught our eye.

Warn VTC / SPI Compressor and PullzAll- http://www.warn.com Warn introduced a few new products that we drooled over. The new compressors from Warn will produce the pressure and the volume you need to get the job done. The VTC compressor and SPI compressors both boast long duty cycles, continuous PSI rates along with integrated intercooling. The Pullzall will let you retire your old com-a-long forever. It can lift 1000 lbs horizontally or vertically with the simple push of a button. Features like variable speed control, forward and reverse, 15' of cable and a weight of only 15 lbs, puts this little gem at the top of our wish list.

Hi Lift Jack Co. - www.hilift.com The Handle-All by HiLift is the all-in-one tool that no trail rig should be without. With a shovel, axe, 6 lb. sledge, and a utility pick, there is no trail job too tough for this portable workhorse. The collapsible, two-piece DOM tubing handle breaks down for easy stowage as well.

Skyjacker Suspensions - www.skyjacker.com Skyjacker pulled out all the stops to get two of the hottest trucks on the market elevated to new heights. The 8.5" lift for the 2008 Ford Super Duty utilizes a new captured-bushing design that can support the stress of the diesel engine and provide years of trouble free service. The Super Duty kit is also 100% bolt, on so the do-it yourselfer can now save the installation cost for new wheels and tires. Skyjacker also introduced a sweet lift for the new line of Toyota Tundra's. With adjustability of between 5.5" and 6.5" you can set the front end to compensate for aftermarket bumpers and winches. The lift is designed to keep the CV angle and plunge the same to eliminate wear and tear on the front end. This well thought out suspension system will also accommodate stock wheels, which means you won't have to sell your left kidney to buy those new 22" blings.

Tuff Country - www.tuffcountry.com Tough Country is also first to the game with a great new lift for the Toyota Tundra. Sporting 6" of lift, retaining the stock struts, and a 3/8" thick front skid plate this lift sounds like just the ticket for the hot new Tundra.

Toyota Motor Sales - www.toyota.com Toyota nabbed the spotlight this year with a stable full of the hottest concept vehicles to grace the show. The FJ Cruiser convertible brings back the open air feeling of the original FJ-40 with a twist. The rear manual convertible top built by Bestop saves weight, and cargo space, while still providing quick up-and-down functions. The new FJ Cruiser also sported front-mounted point-of-view cameras with a small on dash screen. The new Trail Team FJ Cruiser Special Edition is a slight departure from the TRD version built for high speed racing, as it was built with the rock crawler and trail runner in mind. An over-the-top, one off concept of a Tundra truck was definitely the star attraction. With an 8.0 liter turbo diesel built by Hino in Japan, and sporting a 1-ton Dualy rear end, this Tundra could very well be the new dream hauler… Build it Toyota, build it! Last but definitely not least was the FJ Runner concept that blended an FJ Cruiser and a 4-Runner for the best in sport and utility. Again, build it, build it!

Smittybilt - www.smittybilt.com Smittybilt has stepped up to the plate in a big way this year and hit a home run. The new line of bumpers are truly stout and should be at the top of any new Jeep JK owners shopping list. Smittybilt was also awarded the Popular Mechanics Editors choice award for 2007 for their new G.E.A.R. line of seat cover / storage systems. The G.E.A.R. seat storage system is in a word: Genius! Modeled after the military Molle system used on rucks, this system allows for multiple pockets in any configuration you can imagine.

Dynatrac - www.skyjacker.com This year Dynatrac introduced a new line of axle assemblies engineered for the new Jeep JK. These assemblies are designed as a direct replacement for the stock axles. With tone rings for the ABS sensors, and bracketry for the stability control system, it doesn't get much more complete than this. In a departure from the norm, Dynatrac introduced the StowEdge cargo system. This ingenious system allows cargo to be stacked secured and organized in any manner you want, and it also provides a great spot for your canine companion. With scratch-resistant Lexan dividers and rugged aluminum supports, the Stowedge system will no doubt live up to the Dynatrac reputation for durability.

Mars Global Imports Inc.: - martin@marsglobalinc.com A newcomer, Mars Global Imports Inc introduced a simple and effective solution to add more space to any vehicle, called the Carpod. With rugged welded construction and a fold down space saving design, the Carpod will hold up to 500 lbs safely behind your vehicle using your existing tow receiver mount.

Bestop - www.bestop.com Once again Bestop introduced a whole slew of new products that customers. New Jeep JK fender flares provide the coverage and protection that Bestop is famous for. Bestop also introduced a Soundbar cap for the JK that looks and works great. New Slider Steps are both rugged and functional. These ingenious steps slide in for protection of vital body panels, and slide out to allow easy entry into the Jeep. Bestop also introduced a new line of Element doors for the Jeep JK providing both protection and storage for your Jeep.