The Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC) is in its third year of operation and has surpassed all expectations. AXC is part of classes offered by The Learning Centers at Fairplex in Pomona, California, and boasts a beautifully maintained shop, a full-time teacher and four levels of automotive curriculum. What started as a dream of bringing more highly trained individuals into the automotive aftermarket is now a reality. AXC has graduated 40 students thus far and is proud to say that every one of them was hired into the aftermarket before graduating. This is a huge step up for the car hobby, and what was once a dubious subject is now met with enthusiasm and anticipation!
On Dec. 18, Class 103-2013 hosted the second annual AXC Engine Start event. The entire class shares the semester-long engine build experience and they aren’t allowed to “test” their handiwork beforehand. While class 103 was double-checking for compression, spark and fuel, onlookers patiently waited with fingers crossed. Class 103, not to disappoint, lit the supercharged small-block Chevy to the delight of all in attendance, a sweet moment indeed! Kudos to all involved, it was really a fun time. The occasion has grown into an annual “competitive” event that I hope will continue for many years to come. It’s fun stuff to watch!
The Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts is in its formative years and certainly needs all the help we can muster. For more information regarding classes and how you can become a sustaining donor member, go to the AXC website Fairplex.com/ctec/.
Bob Kolmos was driven until the moment he passed quietly with family by his side on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015. But enough about passing, unless we’re talking about being passed on Interstate 5 by Bob and his wife Sharon in their silhouette-matching ’32 Ford hot rods, maybe heading north for a weekend in Kernville or Pleasanton. Bob and Sharon and their Deuces have achieved iconic status in the hot rod world, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
I met Bob in 1974 when he and two pals, Ronnie Patitucci and John Buttera, were living in Ronnie’s mother’s duplex in San Gabriel. All three boys grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and when Ronnie escaped the severe winters in 1967, Bob and Lil’ John weren’t far behind. Ronnie went to work for the City of Los Angeles and Buttera worked with Mickey Thompson and started his own race car business, while Bob eventually became manager of the L.A Dealer Auto Auction where he met his wife of 34 years, Sharon, and her daughters, Kris and Dyan.
When Bob and Sharon first met it seems that even though there was the obvious physical attraction, it was the hot rods that Bob so dearly loved that she found interesting. Little did she know that Bob’s appetite for cars and motorcycles would start flowing through her veins much in the same way as her lifetime love for horses. Bob and Sharon found a way to share their interests and built a beautiful horse/hot rod farm in Chino, California where the family could gather and share the love.
In 1985, Bob started a four-year Deuce Tudor Phaeton project with Hot Rods by Boyd, followed close behind in 1987 by a chopped Deuce Tudor sedan for Sharon by Fat Jack’s with a killer front-end designed by Buttera. The sedan was another four-year project, and to date, both cars have combined mileage of 170,000 miles—driven.
What this story is really about is the commitment Bob made to the hot rod car hobby. I don’t think there’s a California hot rodder, north or south, who hasn’t seen Bob and Sharon in attendance at almost every car event rain or shine. It’s crazy, but there they are with good friend Ronnie P. in tow, and maybe even John Corno when things are just right. But the real homerun was in 2012 at the Grand National Roadster Show.
In celebration of the 80th anniversary of the ’32 Ford, Bob came up with the idea of filling Pomona Fairplex Building 6 with 80 “Driven Deuces.” Bob, Sharon and a select group of judges would handpick 80 of the most deserving ’32 Ford hot rods. They not only had to perfect in every way, but they also had to be driven, not hangar queens. Bob and crew spent two years on the project: selecting the cars (then suffering the wrath of fools), taking care of accommodations, designing ceiling/drape banners for each participant, and he did it all from his wheelchair (which is a story for another day).
Bob is survived by his wife Sharon, daughters Kris and Dyan, as well two beautiful and serious rodeo cowgirl granddaughters Jessi and Cori, all following the family legacy.’’
The NHRA World Finals, which is held every fall at the Fairplex, is a big deal for us locals, and so is the pre-race party thrown by Snap-on right here at the SO-CAL Speed Shop World Headquarters in Pomona, CA. Last year at race time the local Snap-on franchisee, Adrian Granados, approached our shop honchos, Dennis Nosworthy and Peter4, asking about having a pre-race party in and around our facility. A meeting was held, a decision quickly made, and it was determined it would be on Thursday night during the races. Time to party!!
The first gathering was so successful, Adrian asked to repeat the process, and of course wanted to enhance the event. Again the answer was a resounding “yes”! So now it seems there’s a tradition in the wind…
That’s how you have the 2nd Annual Snap-on/SO-CAL Speed Shop NHRA World Finals Pre Race Party (or something like that, the title needs a little work).
Thanks to Adrian and Snap-on there was plenty of great food on hand via “Taco Man”, which was really excellent! Take it from me, there is nothing like the Mexican food found in Pomona. There was also a big screen set-up for the gamers trying out their skills on the Xbox Forza Motorsport racing game. It was challenging, to say the least. I don’t know how the kids can do what they do with those games, especially the racing. Personally, I’m a disaster!
Cruz Pedregon dropped by and enjoyed hanging out with the crowd of 250. Likewise, the “Cruzer’s” fans enjoyed the laid back event, and being able to talk to Pedregon up close and personal. The 2-time NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Funny Car Champion currently races his Funny Car for Snap-on.
Gary and Andy Humenik brought out their Hemi-powered Top Fuel dragster and put on a great show by firing the car in two sessions of Nitro-thunder. Cool neighbors, no complaints—and more importantly no cops. The car has been an ongoing labor of love and is absolutely stunning in bare metal!
At the end of the party, Adrian held a raffle that included Snap-on hats, T-shirts, general Snap-on swag and to the lucky attendee: World Finals tickets! The evening was a blast, the food was terrific, and having Cruz drop by a real treat. A great company plus cool cars, need I say more? So keep an eye out for the ads and fingers crossed for the “3rd annual” party!
I can’t remember a Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) when it didn’t rain on either move-in or move-out day, but 2014 was the exception. Attendees enjoyed low 80°F temperatures during the day and comfortable mid 50s°F in the evenings. It was absolutely perfect for the huge crowd that came from around the world to view the finest array of hot rods, customs, muscle cars, race cars and motorcycles on the planet!
I enjoyed several high points this year and one was in building #9, celebrating 100 years of Bonneville Racing. John Buck and the Rodshows.com team did a fabulous of job putting the room together. There was a perfect balance of historical and contemporary race cars placed in perfect symmetry with each other—what a treat!
Like last year, I joined the ranks of the 2014 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) judges team. I’m happy to say drag racing restoration authority Pete Eastwood also joined, along with colleagues Bobby Alloway, Brian Brennan, Troy Ladd, Thom Taylor, Tom Vogele, Jeff Hymann, ISCA judges Gary Moore, Jim Karls, Brian Anderson and AMBR judging coordinator Vic “Lucky” Cunnyngham. Even though 2011 saw rules changes, many still have to be reminded the two most important words in the contest are “Most Beautiful,” that’s where Cunnyngham shines in keeping us on the path to a good decision.
From the 12 AMBR contenders this year, the Troy Trepanier-prepped Wes Rydell ’35 Chevy tub took home the gold. The impeccable maroon and black Phaeton defies description and is representative of what Rad Ride’s by Troy fans have come to expect, a traditional hot rod with just the right balance of contemporary flavor. Congratulations to Wes and Troy, and thanks for all the hard work!
Another high point of the show was the L.A. Roadsters Club booth in building 4. Club member Doyle Gammel and the Roadsters crew have teamed up with the Alex Xydias Center for the Automotive Arts (AXC) in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the L.A. Roadsters Show. The two organizations are building a Deuce Hiboy project tagged Spirit of McGee and will be completed by AXC students and community supporters of the Learning Centers at Fairplex. All proceeds from the project will benefit the Alex Xydias Center for the Automotive Arts. (Note: I’ll have updates from time to time.)
SO – CAL folks just love Palm Springs! It’s a special place for me because when I was in the Marine Corps in the early ’60s that “little” place in the desert ended up being my favorite watering hole. Now the greater Palm Desert area is developed enough to have its own world class car show.
What I’m talking about is the twelfth annual Palm Springs Cruisin’ Association Dr. George Car Show dedicated to the memory of Dr. Sebastian George, who was a nationally prominent oncologist and cofounder of the Desert Cancer Foundation. He started working at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage in 1982, and became a highly regarded, well-liked oncologist and cancer researcher. He often
worked for free to help patients who couldn’t afford medical care. In addition to his work with the Desert Cancer Foundation he founded the first bone marrow transplant program in the Coachella Valley.
Dr. George passed away following a tragic traffic accident in June 2002, and since the car show’s 2003 inception honoring his memory it’s raised more than $555,000, which equates to $4.4 million in cancer treatment services. Yes, that’s correct, unbelievable, congratulations to all!
The 2014 Indian Wells Tennis Garden event spearheaded by Palm Springs Cruisin’ Association (PSCA) President Ross McMullin drew 600- plus cars from surrounding areas and the greater Southwest in general. The entire club works extremely hard on this event, and all involved should be very proud of their accomplishment. What’s really cool is the eclectic display of cars exhibited on the greenest grass in recent memory. Basically if your ride is a clean representative of car culture, then you’re in. This year, along with hot rods, late models, bikes, exotics and muscle cars were an inordinate amount of street semi-customs, really top of the line. Most local car clubs were in attendance and in larger participation than memory serves. I was introduced to PSCA through SO-CAL friend Tom Smith. In fact, if you’ve ever been to a SO-CAL Speed Shop open house, it’s the PSCA who handle the unnerving chore of parking all of the rods and customs that show up for the pre-Father’s Day bash. We’d be in deep trouble without them.
I know this is beginning to sound like a broken record, but compared to the 2014 Hot August Nights, this year was even more amazing. If you’ve never been to the show, put it on your bucket list! The population of the Reno, Sparks, and South Lake Tahoe doubles with several hundred thousand car enthusiasts over the five-day event. Thousands of customized cars of every depiction cruise the streets as far as the eye can see. It’s no wonder that in a 2013 Autoweek magazine feature it named HAN “one of the top three automotive destinations in the world.” That’s why you find some of our old friends from “Shift and Steer” (our favorite blog) there, along with Brad Fanshaw and Aaron Hagar, who were on hand to cause all kinds of havoc at the Barrett Jackson Auction, as usual. There are literally dozens of events offered on a daily basis at every venue for everyone. Time to be bored— I think not!
As if that weren’t enough, add to HAN the already coveted Barrett-Jackson Cup with its combined purse of $105,000-plus in cash and prizes and its unprecedented TV coverage. The Barrett Jackson Cup is more than just an award, it’s a test for the world’s finest custom car craftsmen. Show up with the right hot rod and you “may” get lucky enough to walk away with the goods.
This year judging was a little easier for Bob Millard, Bobby Alloway and I, as the 93 eligible “Cup” cars were parked on 4th street and Virginia between Circus Circus and The Silver Legacy. But the chore of selecting the final 25 was overwhelming, as was the final selection of the top five on Saturday. Without the help of our Reno “minder” Ken DuBois and Judge Emeritus, Bob Johnson, the selection would have been even more tedious. The “Bobs” and I had our work cut out for us this year for sure, and here is how they stacked up, all worthy to say the least:
Ultimate Best in Show Winner—
1962 Chevy Impala, Prize $57,600
Owner: Randy and Lisa Wilcox
Builder: Cal Automotive Creations, Andy Leach
1st Runner Up—
1957 Chevy Pickup, Prize $20,400
Owner: Gary Brown
Builder: Mike Goldman Customs
2nd Runner Up—
1965 Chevy Impala, Prize $11,600
Owner: Don and Elma Voth
Builder: Chip Foose
3rd Runner up—
1956 Plymouth Belvedere
Convertible, Prize $8,600
Owner: Gil and Janet Losi
Builder: Steve Cook Creations
4th Runner Up—
1965 Dodge Dart, Prize $6,600
Owner: Willie Maise
Builder: Big Oak Garage, Will Posey
The event was “killer” and really the choices made regarding the “Cup” were really difficult…as it should be. Can’t wait till next year.
Nothing changes the looks and ability of a truck like a fresh set of wheels and tires. Whether you’re simply looking to replace the factory-equipped OEM wheel and rubber setup for more stylish everyday rolling gear, preparing for show season, or upgrading in the name of better traction in all terrains or handling at the track, look no further. We’ve searched high and low for options that are ideal for all of these relatable scenarios.
While there is never a shortage of wheel and tire options to choose from at any given time, we chose to wait until the conclusion of SEMA 2022 to assemble this year’s rolling roundup. Pickup trucks have proven to be one of the most popular showpieces at this worldwide unveiling of custom builds comprised of the latest products to hit the aftermarket, and every one is sporting upgraded wheels and tires of some sort.
With the growing interest in off-roading and overlanding comes an influx of all-terrain-type tires that not only look far more aggressive than stockers, but also perform much better on non-paved ground. When paired with a set of new ruggedly styled wheels, these combinations serve as ideal additions to trucks still sitting at factory-ride height, but look even better when added to pickups with leveled and lifted altitudes.
For those who prefer to keep their truck looking mean and clean on asphalt, there are also lots of new street-minded wheel and tire options to sort through.
From classic-truck projects to modern daily driven pickups, you’ll be sure to find exactly what you’re looking for here.
The LBTY22 is Liberty Forged Wheels’ newest design that’s being added to the already extensive line of billet wheels ranging in sizes from 20×10 to 30×16!
Liberty Forged Wheels
918-800-1930
www.libertyforged.com
U.S. Mags has a reputation for great-looking, high-quality wheels that fit well with modified classic and modern pickup trucks alike. The Bandera 2-piece wheel is yet another example, as it is available in 17- to 28-inch diameters, with width and offset options to fit many truck types and suspension heights from bone stock to slammed on the ground.
U.S. Mags
831-290-6514
www.us-mags.com
American Force designed this wheel specifically for heavy-duty dually trucks. As part of the Concave Super Dually Series, the 7N13 Derange wheel was engineered to give truck owners the ability to run a concave single wheel on the front of their dual-rear-wheel axle for a matching concave look all around. Available in 22-, 24-, 26-, and 28-inch sizes in standard polished and custom finishes.
American Force
888-367-1728
www.americanforce.com
When it comes to attractive wheel selections that will make your truck build that much more appealing, consider the VF553 wheel from American Racing. It is available in 17- to 20-inch diameters with plenty of width options for that perfect staggered fitment. These particular wheels can be further custom-tailored to ensure they will slip right into place in every build scenario.
American Racing
831-290-6514
www.americanracing.com
The Indy Roadster wheel with lug cover and spinner for the squarebody C10 is a nostalgically styled unit based on an original Halibrand design. The Indy Roadster has been updated to fit with modern tire sizes and tapered seat lug nuts, and has been engineered specifically for C10 squarebody fleetside models with a proven fitment and proper tire clearance with ideal backspacing. Available in 19- and 20-inch sizes in either Anthracite (shown), light gold, or silver finish.
Holley
866-464-6553
www.holley.com
Featuring Icon’s classic Rebound style, the Rebound SLX wheel offers a smooth lip for those who wish to opt out of faux bead-lock styling. These aluminum wheels boast a load rating of 3,200 pounds and are available for most 5- and 6-lug applications in both charcoal and satin black finishes.
Icon
951-689-4266
www.iconvehicledynamics.com
This unique, single-forged 6061-T6 aluminum wheel design features complex design elements that command attention from every angle. The ultra sporty NW104 wheel is currently available in 18-, 19-, 20-, 21-, and 22-inch diameters with a range of widths and offsets for an absolute perfect fit. Just like any Forgeline wheel, this one is also available with fully customizable finish options.
Forgeline
800-886-0093
www.forgeline.com
The Ridler brand is focused on paying homage to the good ol’ hot rod days of the past while updating its timeless wheel designs to fit today’s modern classic vehicle builds. Currently the Ridler 610 is offered as 17x7m 17×8, 20×8.5 and 20×10 with more sizes coming soon. The Ridler 610 wheel is offered in a full polished finish in +0 offset.55
Ridler Wheel
www.ridlerwheel.com
This 20-inch, 8-spoke all-steel wheel option is available in an 8×6.5 bolt pattern in sizes 20×8, 20×9, 20×10, 20×11, 20×12, and 20×14. Finishes available are gloss white (shown), gloss black, matte black, or raw—perfect for any classic-truck project.
U.S. Wheel
714-892-0021
www.uswheel.com
The classic 6-spoke 4P63 wheel is available in four sizes: 20×10, 22×10, 22×12, and 24×14, and offered in both 5- and 6-lug applications. Finished in a peel-resistant, ultra-high-quality gloss black basecoat with a hand-brushed face finished in a beautiful, dark-tinted clearcoat, this wheel (along with the rest of 4Play’s wheel lineup) will retain its rugged good looks for years to come. Select the right size to improve the appearance of your stock, lifted, or leveled pickup truck.
4Play Wheels
844-793-7504
www.4playwheels.com
This classic spoke-design wheel is available in two finishes to jive with your truck just right: full chrome and textured gunmetal with milled edges (shown). Available diameter sizes range from 17 inches all the way up to 24 inches, with width options for staggered front/rear fitments.
U.S. Mags
831-290-6514
www.us-mags.com
Available in 20-, 22-, and 24-inch diameters, the HF6-5 wheel is the latest addition to Vossen’s Hybrid Forged 6-lug series. This wheel is manufactured specifically for the truck and SUV market, and utilizes the same Hybrid Forged process as the rest of the series. Choose from five standard transparent finishes and multiple custom finishes to complete the look for your truck.
Vossen
888-463-7778
www.vossenwheels.com
The DT stands for Dual Tek, which is an innovative technology used by Dirty Life that allows multiple uses from only one wheel. All of Dirty Life’s DT-Series wheels feature the DOT street-legal option to mount the wheel, while also having functional bead-lock ability for rugged off-road use. An optional rash ring or simulated ring further allows you to change up the looks of your wheel of choice in minutes.
Dirty Life Wheels
www.dirtylifewheels.com
Available in a 20×10 size offering in both 5- and 6-lug applications, Impact Wheels’ 904 Series off-road wheel is served in four aggressive finishes including this gloss black with milled windows option.
Impact Wheels
949-932-0945
www.impactwheels.com
Lifted-truck owners will get a kick out of the Fittipaldi’s AF Alpha Series wheels, which include the new FA08 model. This wheel is available in 20×12 and 22×12 sizes with multiple unique finishes to choose from: black milled, mirror coat, gloss black, machined black dark tint, and machined red.
Fittipaldi Offroad
714-463-7229
www.fittipaldioffroad.com
Designed to be used specifically without a covered center cap, the Axle off-road wheel is in company with Black Rhino’s other military-inspired wheel styles but offers the option to be used with an exposed axle hub. This feature allows the Axle wheel to be compatible with manual locking hubs, larger axle swap kits, and trucks with larger hubs. Available in a gloss white (shown), matte black, or a Battleship gray finish and in 17- to 20-inch diameter sizes, this wheel could be the perfect option for your off-road build.
Black Rhino Hard Alloys
www.blackrhinowheels.com
Mayhem prides itself on creating stylish off-road wheels that provide precision quality with a tactical approach. Mayhem’s main focus is constructing radically durable wheels that tout the industry’s highest load ratings for real-world applications and uses.
Mayhem Wheels
www.mayhemwheels.com
Intended for off-road use, the Evolution wheel is designed to deliver the strength needed to take on the toughest terrain with ease and confidence. The stylish design, along with all of American Truxx’s other wheel offerings, helps this wheel stand out from the rolling monotony on the trails.
American Truxx
www.americantruxx.com
Ideal for both the street and the track, the ExtremeContact Sport 02 tire features SportPlus Technology, which provides optimum handling, better grip on wet roads, and extended tread life. This ultra-high-performance summer tire offers sizes ranging from 15- to 21-inch diameters and is widely available as of November 1, 2022.
Continental Tire
www.continentaltire.com
Engineered to perform better in snow compared to most other all-season tires, the Scorpion Weatheractive tire is backed by the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, which ultimately means making the swap from summer to winter tires is a thing of the past. These tires deliver 365 days of driving confidence and performance, and are backed by a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty.
Pirelli
800-747-3554
www.pirelli.com
This lightweight performance wheel is a fraction of the cost of forged wheels out there. Rocket Racing’s Attack wheel is made via dual-direction production, which features a cast center wheel section that can be moved within a wide range of offsets within the spun-forged outer barrel. This wheel also offers generous clearance for performance brake systems.
Rocket Racing Wheels
866-464-6553
www.holley.com
With an initial availability of 54 sizes ranging from 18- to 22-inch sizes on its consumer release, Yokohama’s new Advan Sport V107 tire delivers excellent wet/dry performance with superior grip and precise handling and braking at all speeds. An advanced tread design with solid center ribs provides constant contact to the road surface for enhanced steering and cornering response.
Yokohama
800-722-9888
www.yokohamatire.com
Milestar has built a great reputation among the off-road crowd, but the MS932 XP+ ultra-high-performance tire is a great all-season tire perfect for trucks designed for paved roads. Available in popular 18- to 22-inch sizes, these tires offer performance in both dry and wet conditions at a budget-friendly value.
Milestar Tires
www.milestartires.com
The RAZR HT is the newest flagship highway terrain tire from Maxxis. Its semi-closed shoulder pattern, optimized pitch tread block arrangement, and refined sidewall design combine to make for a smooth, quiet, and capable ride with a modern, appealing look.
Maxxis
800-4MAXXIS
www.maxxis.com
Coker Tire’s new BFGoodrich Silvertown redline radial tire fills a void in the classic-truck market with a new 255/70R15 size. This particular tire offering is ideal for many vintage trucks, but if another size in this style is desired, the BFG Silvertown product line does offer many more options to choose from.
Coker Tire
877-668-9931
www.cokertire.com
This brand-new tire offering from Falken is available in a total of 85 sizes for rim diameter sizes between 17 to 22 inches. The FK460 was developed from Falken’s award-winning Advanced 4D Nano Technology, producing a rubber compound that achieves multifaceted balance of high-performance capability, four-season traction, and extended tread life.
Falken Tires
800-723-2553
www.falkentire.com
Kontio Tyres is a new tire manufacturer from Nokia, Finland, and has included this classic WhitePaw whitewall model in its first wave of tire offerings. The WhitePaw combines the classic look of a vintage-style tire with the performance of a modern radial tire. The Kontio WhitePaw is offered with 2.5- to 3.25-inch whitewalls options in multiple sizes for select classic tire replacements.
Kontio Tyres
www.kontiotyres.com
This all-season mud tire collaboration with TIS Offroad offers sizes accommodating up to a 26-inch wheel diameter, and boasts the appearance and performance that will surely appeal to off-road enthusiasts. The TT1 tire features bolstered shoulder lugs for overall strength, performance-infused tread block elements for prolonged tread life, and a reinforced three-ply sidewall for added security. This line boasts a Q speed rating and a load range of E and F, which will prove to enhance excitement out on the trails.
Hercules Tire
800-677-9535
www.herculestire.com
This all-terrain tire from Atturo features an aggressive sidewall molded after the Quartermaster QSE-5 knife, which gives it one of the most unique and recognizable styles on the market. Large tread blocks, deep sipes, long center rib, and wide channels provide a stylishly rugged functional tire that is ready for action on the paved highway as well as on off-road trails.
Atturo Tire
855-921-0167
www.atturo.com
The Open Country Rugged Terrain tire from Toyo has fused off-road performance with on-road comfort. This powerful 4×4 tire delivers off-road traction on any terrain just as you’d expect from a tire directly inspired by the legendary Open Country M/T. If you’ve been looking for a tire that falls between those lines AND comes with Toyo’s 45,000-mile treadwear warranty, the Open Country R/T may be just what you’ve been waiting for.
Toyo Tires
800-442-8696
www.toyotires.com
For muscle-truck builders looking for a set of DOT-compliant drag radials to throw on the rear axle, Atturo’s AZ850DR tire is ready to rock. This tire is extra sticky and delivers elite agility from start to finish line! The center tread channel takes over to maintain straight-line stability throughout the run, and a specially formulated tread compound provides superior grip from the street to the strip.
Atturo Tire
855-921-0167
www.atturo.com
With two new sizes now available, 35×15.5R24 and 37×13.50R24, the Baja Boss A/T offers the same asymmetrical tread design for less noise with aggressive Sidebiters for bold looks and extreme off-road traction and protection. Most sizes are severe-snow service-rated with 3PMS certification.
Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels
330-928-9092
www.mickeythompsontires.com
Designed to serve light pickups and SUV/CUV models, the Bandit Crossover DX20 tire delivers optimum reliability and durability on many terrain types, from dry to wet to snowy. Choose from 50 available sizes, a strong tread pattern, and the option to choose the desired look with its dual sidewall design, you’ll be sure to get the looks and performance you want from your daily driven/project truck or SUV.
Delinte Tires
305-621-5101
www.delintetires.com
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s new Mastercraft brand has just upped its game with the release of the Courser Trail HD tire, which offers an aggressive appearance with tough, durable performance that lives up to its looks. Get real-world, all-weather, off-road performance in a tire package that just ranked in the top three of SEMA’s new product awards in the “tire and related products” category for 2022.
Mastercraft Tires
800-854-6288
www.mastercraft.com
This mud terrain tire features a new off-road compound with new chemical fillers for maximum tear and chip resistance, as well as extended tread life. An innovative armor sidewall design maximizes sidewall traction and puncture resistance, and a dual-core body-ply technology adds casing strength for superior durability and toughness.
Maxxis
800-4MAXXIS
www.maxxis.com
With an expanded selection of sizes now available, Nitto’s Recon Grappler A/T tire combines versatility and distinctive design right off the bat. The aggressive tread pattern provides exceptional off-road prowess while still delivering a comfortable highway ride, which is the ultimate combination in all-terrain rubber.
Nitto Tire
888-529-8200
www.nittotire.com
Developed for pickups, crossovers, and full-size SUVs alike, the Dynapro AT2 Xtreme tire is an ideal blend of off-road capability and on-road comfort. This tire is designed to deliver versatility and traction no matter the condition, from wet pavement to light snow scenarios.
Hankook
615-432-0700
www.hankooktireusa.com
Whether you’re looking to lift it, lower it, or race it, you can find something for your style over the next few pages.
New wheel styles feature anodized colors, bright powder coat and understated matte finishes completely transform your ride with an updated, fresh look.
New tires feature the latest technology that connect you to the road and the experience.
Find your next wheel and tire upgrade with this special Drive feature.
Continental Tires has always been known for designing high performance rubber, and the release of its ControlContact Sport SRS+ tire only further solidifies that fact. This tire delivers all-season traction, responsive performance and long-lasting tread life—not to mention a great look to boot. The SRS tire also features easy-to-read wear indicators, making it easier to quickly monitor their health.
Continental Tire
www.continentaltire.com
The Terra Grappler G2 is specifically designed to meet your everyday on- and off-road adventures. Whether you’re commuting to work, towing a trailer or headed up to your favorite mountain trail, the balanced off-road and on-road performance of the Terra Grappler G2 will get you to your destination with confidence.
Nitto Tire
www.nittotire.com
The LP2 by Leah Pritchett features a full jacket, closed wheel design. Available in a satin black or simple clear brushed finish, the inclusive design of the LP2 allows it to enhance the look of any muscle car, whether it’s your daily-driver, canyon-carver or track build. With 20- and 22-inch diameters available, the LP2 blends perfect fitment with tried-and-true motorsport performance.
Centerline Wheels
centerlinewheels.com
The Ridge Grappler provides the best of both worlds from Nitto Tire’s mud-terrain and all-terrain product offerings. Featuring two bold sidewall designs, one side features a more traditional pattern while the other side features a new, aggressive block design.
Nitto Tire
www.nittotire.com
The popular “Smoothie” is now available in 17 inches. The wheels fit popular bolt patterns: 5 on 4.5″& 4.75″, 5 on 5″ & 5.5″, and 5 on 6.5”, in 7”, 8” and 9” widths. For an extra deep look, we can mount the centers in reverse position. Wheelsmith makes all their wheels to order. The wheels come in bare steel, chrome or powder-coated to your color specifications. Get that traditional look for larger brake applications.
The Wheelsmith
800-854-8937
www.TheWheelsmith.net
Fuel Off-Road has been capturing the attention of off-road enthusiasts with its cutting-edge designs, fitments and technological advancements. Fuel Off-Road manufactures the most advanced off-road wheels, offering the latest in design and engineering innovations on the market. This latest design is proof that new styles are still coming every year.
Fuel Off-Road
www.fueloffroad.com
The M/T features Falken’s proprietary three-ply DURASPEC sidewall technology developed to sustain the most punishing off-road conditions. DURASPEC also features two high ply turn-ups that provide an additional layer of protection and durability. An aggressive upper sidewall provides additional traction at low air pressures on rugged terrain. The WILDPEAK M/T also features exceptional road manners thanks to an optimized variable three-pitch tread pattern and precision manufacturing technology.
Falken Tire
www.falkentire.com
Sage Speed and Custom of Riverside, California, has created a modern take on the classic Buick Rallye steel wheel in beautiful billet aluminum. The wheels range from 15 inches to 22 inches in diameter and are offered in soft or standard lip design. The valve stem can be placed either on the inside or the outside. They come with polished rim and spokes with black coated inner panels.
Sage Speed and Custom
951-299-8544
www.sagespeedandcustom.com
The Rocket has been specially designed with the latest in custom, durable powdercoated finishes that can now be added as a custom finish. Rocket Racing Wheel custom finishes are made to order and require approximately two weeks to complete.
Rocket Racing Wheel
www.rocketracingwheels.com
WARN Epic Wheels are available in three styles, black or gunmetal gray finishes, and either 5×127 or 6×139.7 bolt patterns. This makes them ideal for Jeep Wrangler JK, JL, and Gladiator JT applications, as well as the new Ford Bronco, Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner, and more. Whether you select the Diamond Cutter, Moonsault, or Jackhammer model (shown here), all wheels are 17×8.5 with a 0 offset. They include a unique centercap with a nod to Warn’s iconic 4WD locking hub history, with optional black centercaps available. Compatible with TPMS and factory lug nuts. Wheels include a lifetime structural warranty.
WARN Wheels
www.warn.com
The Trail Blade MTS is the first tire in Atturo’s new Trail Blade Sport series. Designed as an extension of its popular Trail Blade M/T, the MTS features a pattern borrowing from Atturo’s short-course racing teams, with grooves, sipes and a 4-lug design. Intimidating sidewalls include a tread block modeled after Quartermaster’s QTR-5 karambit knife. Heavy-duty, 12-ply rated construction across many sizes, with increased load capacity making the tire suitable for ¾- and 1-ton trucks.
Atturo Tire
www.atturo.com
A street performance tire that’s ready for the drag strip, the D.O.T. approved ET Street S/S and ET Street R tires feature Mickey Thompson’s R2 drag tire compound, the same proven compound used on Mickey Thompson’s ET Street Radial Pro tires. The R2 compound provides superior traction at the strip with little or no burnout required.
Additionally, the polyester-ply, steel-belted, tubeless radial construction delivers dry traction performance and reliability. The tubeless design provides leak-free seal without the expense and hassle of tubes.
Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels
www.mickeythompsontires.com/drag-tires
The new Vision Wheels 360 design is clean and fitting for your off- and on-road vehicle. Addition finishes include silver/chrome, chrome, sliver gloss with black machined face, and silver with satin black with sizes ranging from 20×9, 20×10, 20×12, 22×12 and 24×12.
Vision Wheel
www.visionwheel.com
KMC Wheels is relentlessly redefining performance on and off the asphalt with innovation and style. KMC is for the barrier-breaking, game-changing individuals who defy conventional thinking in motorsports and use machines to pull off the impossible.
KMC Wheels
www.wheelpros.com/kmc-wheels
Lexani offers an expansive range of custom alloy wheels, Lexani brand tires, luxury automotive grilles and RBP off-road products. The meticulous CAD drawing intensity surrounding each wheel design is performed by the company’s team taste makers and demonstrated through the end results. The new Spike wheel is no exception. Available in sizes 20X9, 20X10.5, 22X9 and 22X10.5.
Lexani Wheels
www.lexani.com
The Kenda Klever A/T2 was developed to offer premium, all-terrain performance for the value-driven consumer. Designed at the Kenda American Technical Center in Akron, OH, this 2nd generation tire delivers a smooth, quiet ride without sacrificing traction. With strong durability, combining aggressive styling and an optimized tread design, the Klever A/T2 is the right solution for SUV, light truck and 4×4 owners on the road, in the snow or in most off-road environments. The interlocking tread blocks offer great traction and are Kenda-optimized to produce exceptional on-road noise results. The Klever A/T2 has a superior all-weather compound for Winter Snowflake (3PMSF) certification on all sizes. It offers a 50,000 mile limited warranty for LT applications and a 60,000 mile limited warranty for P-Metric/Metric fitments.
Kenda
www.kendatire.com
Accelerator d.concave design is a high-tech wheel evolved from the classic kidney bean wheels of the past. Shown here with a three-bar knock-off option and smooth lip rim, which expands the center design for a larger look.
Schott Wheels
951-299-8544
www.schottwheels.com
REV Wheels is a revolutionary wheel manufacturer providing the highest quality wheels through innovation and cutting-edge style. REV Wheels offers a full portfolio of wheels including classic, luxury, off-road, tuner, RWD and OE wheels. No matter what you drive, choose from a variety of finishes to complement your vehicle’s paint job and turn more heads wherever you are with stylish REV Wheels. Choose from anthracite or chrome finish.
REV Wheels
www.holley.com
Featuring an asymmetrical tread pattern that reduces noise while improving handling, and deep and wide voids that enhance off-road traction and forward bite, the Baja Boss M/T is designed to rule every street and trail. Now, 15 new sizing options make it available for an even wider variety of trucks, SUVs and 4×4 applications.
Sizes are available for 15- to 24-inch wheel diameters for a variety of leveled and lifted vehicles. Select sizes are available with load range F. Some flotation sizes carry a reduced load rating specifically for lighter duty and off-road applications. All Baja Boss M/T tires are made in the USA.
Mickey Thompson
www.mickeythompsontires.com
Solid A356 aluminum with T6 heat treatment construction gives these wheels a super strong 2650-pound load rating and hub centric fitments for common applications. They also feature a debossed METHOD logo on the face and a snap-in center cap with embossed METHOD Bead Grip logo. Patented Bead Grip technology engages tire bead for increased grip at low tire pressures. Reinforced inner lip taken from MRW race wheel increases strength.
Method Race Wheels
www.methodracewheels.com
Delinte’s relentless approach to performance tires starts with one of the most extensive staggered fitment lineups of any tire brand. The D7 is an all-season UHP tire engineered with D-Tech Silica Compound for top-level traction. This all-season ultra high-performance tire is designed with speed ratings V, H, W & Y, and the Delinte D-Shield Mileage + Road Hazard Limited Warranty Plan. If horsepower and tuned suspension are your focus, look no further than the D7 UHP.
Delinte Tires
www.delintetires.com
The Baja Legend MTZ delivers legendary Mickey Thompson styling with optimized tread design and geometry to conquer terrain both on-and-off road.
Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels
www.mickeythompsontires.com
US Mags’ Boulevard design is a stylish 5-spoke wheel from the vintage era pushing the modern envelope in wheel design and style. These vintage styled, 1-piece cast wheels will look great on your slammed GMT400.
US Mags
www.us-mags.com
Since 1977, Coys Wheel has been a leading retailer of custom wheels that specializes in the finest quality wheels the market has to offer. They’re available in 18- to 22-inch sizes. Official Chevy caps sold separately.
Coys Wheel
www.coyswheel.com
GroundSpeed’s Voyager HP High-Performance tire is manufactured with specialty materials such as V3 Silica-Compound, which delivers enhanced handling and traction.
This tire has been tested for all-weather performance and carries a mud and snow rating (M+S) that gives drivers the confidence they need in all types of weather.
The Voyager HP also comes with a 40,000-mile GroundSpeed Road Hazard Warranty.
GroundSpeed Tires
www.groundspeedtires.com
This luxury truck and SUV tire is the successor to NT420S, designed as the perfect complement to your vehicle’s aesthetics. The NT420V is available in many popular OE and plus sizes, including LT-metric sizes for ¾ to 1-ton trucks. The eye-catching asymmetrical tread pattern creates two distinct zones for both dry handling and wet performance, while also enabling cross-rotation for longer tread life. The result is a high-performance, attention-grabbing tire that is a great choice year-round.
Nitto Tire
www.nittotire.com
The “professional fun-haver” himself, Formula D drifter Vaughn Gittin, Jr., has named the Hammer wheel his signature off-road flow-form wheel of choice. Available in a satin charcoal or satin black finish, this classically styled, texturized 5-spoke wheel comes standard in 17- and 20-inch diameters, blending perfect fitment with tried-and-true motorsport durability.
Centerline Wheels
www.centerlinewheels.com
For years, Chevy truck owners craved a version of American Racing’s classic Torque Thrust II wheel in a larger size. It has been available in 18- and 20-inch sizes for years, with a 22-inch update of polished and chrome versions in early 2020. Now, the Torque Thrust is available in the updated 22×9- and 22×11-inch sizes in two new finish options—gloss black and mag gray with machined lip (shown). No more shopping around for a wheel that has a comparable look to the TTII. Get the real thing right here in the size and finish you’ve been dreaming about forever.
American Racing
www.americanracing.com
Designed to compliment the existing Addictive Desert Designs (ADD) wheel lineup, the Pro wheel model has been specifically crafted to fit 6-lug ’04-’20 Ford F-150 trucks and ’10-’20 Raptor models. The 17×8.5-inch matte black wheel features a 2,600-pound load rating and is built to the toughest strength and safety standards in the industry.
Addictive Desert Designs
www.addictivedesertdesigns.com
If you’re shopping for a Jeep Wrangler, you’ve likely come across the three core trim levels: Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon. While they may look similar to the untrained eye, these trims represent different personalities of the same legendary platform. Whether you’re building a custom crawler or just looking for a dependable trail-ready daily, knowing the differences can help you choose the right foundation for your Jeep journey.
The Sport is the most affordable way into Wrangler ownership. It comes with manual windows, basic interior trim, and standard four-wheel drive, making it a favorite for off-roaders who want to build from scratch. Because it’s free of fancy electronics and heavy trim, the Sport is ideal for custom builders who plan to swap axles, regear, or add lift kits without paying for features they’ll end up removing anyway.
With its lightweight build and budget-friendly price, the Sport trim remains a go-to for DIY modders and trail-first drivers.
The Sahara trim is where daily drivability and comfort meet Jeep attitude. Available only on four-door Unlimited models, the Sahara brings body-color fenders, 18-inch wheels, upgraded interior materials, and available tech packages like a larger touchscreen and premium audio.
It’s less aggressive off-road than the Rubicon, but still includes full-time 4WD (on newer models) and an upgraded suspension. For customizers who want a Wrangler that looks clean on the street but can handle mild trails, the Sahara is a strong contender—especially when paired with all-terrain tires and a mild lift.
The Rubicon trim is Jeep’s factory-built off-road machine. It features heavy-duty Dana 44 axles, front and rear locking differentials, a disconnecting sway bar, and 33-inch tires right from the factory. With Rock-Trac 4:1 low-range gearing, it’s tailored for crawling, climbing, and pushing your Jeep’s limits off-pavement.
If you’re serious about trail abuse but don’t want to build from scratch, the Rubicon offers the most capability right out of the box. That said, it’s also the heaviest and most expensive trim, so keep that in mind if you plan to upgrade even further.
Choosing between Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon comes down to how you drive—and how you plan to build. Sport gives you a blank canvas. Sahara is perfect for those who split time between city streets and fire roads. Rubicon is the weapon of choice for hard-core wheelers who want capability now and mods later.
Whatever your pick, each trim gives you a solid platform rooted in Jeep’s legendary heritage—and a blank slate to make it your own.
My differential education began one fall day when I went to an automotive swap meet in my new muscle machine with its big V-8 engine. Parking was on the wet grass across from the event. After walking around, visiting with vendors and buying a few goodies, I returned to my car, started it up and proceeded to pull out of the space. Of course one rear wheel spun on the grass and the other wheel didn’t do anything, so the car didn’t move.
Once I got free, I drove up to see Dan Sudul, owner of Dan’s Gears in Sherwood, Oregon. I asked him about the differential I currently owned, and what my options were. I knew there were different types of differentials available, and I figured Dan’s Gears was a good place to start.
“Well, first of all, you have what is called an open differential,” Dan said. “What that means is that when one wheel has some traction loss—like being on the wet grass—with an open differential all of the power is shifted to the spinning tire.”
He went on to say that with an open differential power is transmitted to the axles via a set of simple gears in the differential/ring gear housing. These gears allow for one axle to spin at a different speed from the other, which is necessary when negotiating tighter turns. When driven-wheel traction is more or less equal, like on a paved road, power is distributed equally to both wheels.
“If one wheel loses traction significantly enough to cause the wheel to slip on the road surface, power will then be transmitted wholly to that wheel until even grip is restored,” he said. “Getting off the gas, which reduces power to the drive wheel, is the quickest way to stop the wheel spin, but it doesn’t do much for getting the vehicle going rapidly again in a forward direction.
So which is the best differential? Dan told us that it depends on what you want to do with the vehicle. Let’s start with the differences between locking, torque sensing, limited slip and positraction (posi) differentials.
The difference between the various designs is that a limited slip, or posi-traction differential, sends power to the non-drive wheel based on input torque, which is power coming to the axle from the engine. In some respects, limited slip and positraction are very much the same. They may be a clutch disc or clutch-cone design, but they engage when one wheel has more traction than the other. The differential diverts power to the wheel with less traction, but they are limited.
In contrast, locking and torque-sensing rear differentials equalize the gripping and slipping wheels together based on different wheel speeds, regardless of engine power input. This is accomplished through gears that engage as wheel speeds differ.
The difference is subtle, but it means that with a limited slip unit, when high torque is applied to the differential and transferred to the axle, the spring-loaded clutch pack clamps the gears to the differential cage. This may happen through a ramp or the natural tendency of gears to want to separate under torque. The clamping action is in proportion to the torque delivered, which means that the higher the torque, the higher the clamping load. With a locking or torque-sensing (Torsen T-1 or T-2) differential from Torsen, Eaton Truetrac or Quaife, it’s not the torque, but the difference in wheel speeds that does the clamping.
One point to keep in mind is that the smaller Eaton posi or limited slip, such as the type that is fitted in the Ford 8.8 rearend, is a clutch type, whereas the Detroit Locker is a gear type. Dan went on to explain that one way that the Detroit Locker is different is that when it locks in, it won’t release until you let off on the pressure, like getting off the throttle. A Locker is positive; when it locks in, both tires will respond equally when the vehicle is accelerated. Once the wheels are locked in, then that’s it. In fact, you can take one axle out, or if you break an axle, it will still drive, whereas a torque-sensing differential will not. A Detroit Locker is a true locking differential.
It’s worth mentioning that you can also find viscous coupling differentials in many late-model cars; these simply use thick fluids to encourage both wheels to turn at the same speed regardless of traction conditions. There are also modern differentials that use electronic inputs from the wheel speed sensors to actuate clutches while the traction control system applies the brake on a spinning wheel to equalize torque distribution.
Lastly, we should mention the spool, or welded differential. They are available in two sizes, the mini spool and the full-size spool. The mini spool is considered the “poor man’s spool;” however, they are both considered inexpensive compared to the others. Both of these are locked up solid. There is no give. For all intents and purposes, the axles are locked together at all times. These units are mainly preferred for straight-line maximum traction; they pull a tremendous amount of power out of the car during cornering because one tire must be dragged around at the wrong speed.
“These [welded differentials] are ideal for drag racing,” Dan said. “You can’t take a curve effectively because one axle is not free to turn faster than the other one, causing the rearend of the car, that is to say the outside rear wheel of the car, to chirp or hop around a curve.”
There is a lot of competition in the differential arena, which means there are a lot of choices. Eaton has become a big player in producing performance differentials. Many of its differentials feature a patented carbon friction material originally designed for racing brakes and clutches. Made from high-temperature carbon fiber wrapped with carbon anti-wear coating, the discs are virtually indestructible, according to Eaton. Despite repeated hard use, there is no loss of performance. Eaton’s warranty says that the patented carbon material provides smooth, quiet operation over the life of the vehicle.
If you are putting out a lot of power and you are running a 9-inch differential, you might want to consider a beefier or specially built housing. There are a number of good models on the market, but we examined two examples here.
Dan’s Gears
P.O. Box 1338
Sherwood, OR 97140
503.692.1547
Nitro Gear & Axle
509.888.2953
Nitro-gear.com
Dana Axle &
Spicer Drivetrain
800.621.8084
Spicerparts.com
Auburn Gear
260.925.3200
Aftermarket.auburngear.com
Wavetrac Differentials
949.362.8700
Wavetrac.net
Eaton Performance Products
800.328.3850
Eatonperformance.com
OS Giken USA, Inc.
310.986.6620
Osgiken.net
Torsen
585.464.5000
Torsen.com
Yukon Gear
888.905.5044
Yukongear.com
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