Building a truck usually includes a suspension mod, whether in the form of a static-drop or with airbags, for a ground-scraping stance. When we decided to lower our '07 Chevy Colorado Crew Cab, we took the moderate approach to bring the truck closer to Earth. We contacted Belltech and told them we wanted our truck as low as possible but with a better than factory ride. We were told that this could be achieved rather easily by using Belltech suspension components. So, to bring the Colorado down a total of 5 inches in the front, Belltech's 2-inch drop ball joints were used with its 3-inch adjustable coilovers. In the rear, all that was needed was Belltech's 3-inch lowering leaf springs with a set of performance shocks-valved specifically for the Colorado.

Installing an adjustable suspension is never quite as easy as some people believe it to be. This is probably why major suspension modifications should be left to real fabricators and professionals. Whether it's hydraulics or airbags, a suspension is not something that should be taken lightly. The Cool Cars crew in Louisville, Kentucky, has been installing and selling quality adjustable suspension systems, both pneumatic and hydraulic, for years. Most reputable shops will tell you that a lot of their daily work comes from repairs that have been done at home or by some "would be" fabricator. Most repair work is messy and generally ends up costing the customer more money than if they had the work done professionally the first time around.

Keyless
Flaming River Industries introduces an OEM-based keyless electronic ignition system that delivers convenience and security for all vehicles-modern as well as street rods, muscle cars, and light trucks. The system uses a small security fob that interfaces with on-board electronic circuitry to identify the user and release the vehicle's start and accessory circuits. A lithium watch battery powers the compact, keyless fob. The security fob activates when the driver is within close proximity to the vehicle, allowing the system to power up. To start the vehicle, the driver pushes the illuminated start button, which is installed wherever convenient. In event of loss of battery power in the starter fob, simply place the fob adjacent to the starter button, then microwave codes from the card will activate the system and allow it to start the vehicle. Walking away from the vehicle shuts off the ignition. For more information, call (800) 648-8022, or visit flamingriver.com.

This month, we present a bevy of hot new suspensions and components designed for most any minitruck. Every product featured is built with the utmost quality by a reputable company. In addition to the suspension kits, we also included some popular aftermarket accessories that will complement any suspension setup. Enough said. Enjoy the guide!

Toyota Power From The Pros
LC Engineering is proud to announce the release of a new budget turbo kit for the 22R/RE motor. They used the Steedspeed CNC-machined manifold as a foundation, then added a custom-spec T3/T4 ball-bearing turbocharger, Tial wastegate, stainless steel downpipe, and all of the supporting hardware, like oil feed and drain hoses, fittings, silicone connectors, and piping to the throttle body. The manifold was coated with a 1,200-degree graphite gray ceramic coating, and the downpipe and wastegate blow-down tube were both coated with 1,200-degree shiny silver ceramic. This kit is best suited for use with out LCE Pro fuel injection kits and aftermarket injectors. Kits are offered in either high- or low-boost applications, depending on your needs. For more information, call (877) 505-2503, or check out lcengineering.com

Whether you are static-dropping or 'bagging a truck, we minitruckers will do anything to get a couple of inches closer to the ground. The proper way of accomplishing that task is to install a set of lowering control arms or drop spindles. But sometimes these parts can get costly. At times like this, when gas prices are at an all-time high, we'll do what we can to save a buck or two. If you have some decent fabrication skills, you can get a similar result for less coin by chopping your factory A-arms. This '01 Ranger had cut coil springs on it, which made the ride horrible, and it was also wearing the tires quick because it had more negative camber than a door layin' Nissan. Follow along as we show you a money-saving trick that will help out while you save up for all the parts to lay your truck out properly.

SOURCE:
The Custom Connection
(270) 860-1103
thecustomconnectiononline.com

Whether you are static-dropping or 'bagging a truck, we minitruckers will do anything to get a couple of inches closer to the ground. The proper way of accomplishing that task is to install a set of lowering control arms or drop spindles. But sometimes these parts can get costly. At times like this, when gas prices are at an all-time high, we'll do what we can to save a buck or two. If you have some decent fabrication skills, you can get a similar result for less coin by chopping your factory A-arms. This '01 Ranger had cut coil springs on it, which made the ride horrible, and it was also wearing the tires quick because it had more negative camber than a door layin' Nissan. Follow along as we show you a money-saving trick that will help out while you save up for all the parts to lay your truck out properly.

SOURCE:
The Custom Connection
(270) 860-1103
thecustomconnectiononline.com

Drop 'Em Wear?
The '08-'09 Drop 'Em Wear? line is here and hotter than ever! T-shirts are now in stock and available to order on the website. Also, if you attended the ECBN and didn't get a shirt, you're in luck, because there just happens to be a few left. However, if you attended Blood Drag and didn't get a shirt, you're out of luck, because they just sold out. Drop 'Em Wear? is proud to be printing some of the hottest event shirts for the best shows in the country. If you'd like to inquire about them designing and printing shirts, or building trophies for your event, call today for your custom estimate. For more information, call (336)-774-9612, or log onto dropemwear.com.

When it comes to simple mods that can increase not only your gas mileage but a lso the performance of your ride, a header and exhaust combo is the big one for the largest immediate gains. JBA is the leader in full exhaust systems for all types of vehicles and makes a great set of headers and exhaust system for the Chevy Blazer 4.3L V-6. With the ever-increasing hike in gas prices, it was definitely a well-needed modification.

When it comes to modifications to put your truck in the elite class, the body-drop is definitely the Holy Grail of minitruck mods. The body-drop is the one modification that separates the men from the boys, as it's a huge commitment and undertaking. But don't let that scare you! With a little planning and some basic knowledge, this amazing mod can be done in your garage one weekend at a time. Sit back and follow along to see some of the ways you can avoid potentially devastating mistakes. For more information, contact the company listed in the source box.

For a minitrucker, the garage is the most important room in the house. It's a haven where we can get away from all of our worldly troubles, just be with our tools, truck, and maybe the garage fridge with a buddy or 10. So, who wouldn't want a quick and easy solution to that ugly concrete floor that generally resides in one's home? Now, with Snap Lock's RaceDeck Modular Flooring, it's literally a snap. Check out the quick and painless process, then contact the company listed in the source box to order your own.

This simple mod can really make your truck scream. The cost of supplies, plus a little skill, can really bring your truck to life. The keys to a good metal-flake paintjob are to make sure you prep the roof properly, mix the paint right, then buff, and cut the roof to a smooth finish. For this quick project, we didn't finish it off with a buff and another clearcoat, due to our Forbidden Fantasy show deadline. For more information, contact the companies listed in the sources box.

Taco Power
Designed exclusively by LC Engineering for the 3VZ Toyota V-6, these quality high-performance headers will breathe new life into your Toyota engine. These headers are built in the USA with 16-gauge 304 stainless steel tubing, 1-1/2-inch primaries, 2-1/4-inch collectors, and 1/2-inch thick steel flanges, with internal TIG welds and externally heli-brazed for crack-resistance. The headers are then ceramic- coated for lower under-hood temperatures, as well as great looks. All LCE header kits come complete with all the necessary components to bolt right up, and are 49-state smog approved. For more information, call (877) 805-2501, or visit lcengineering.com.

When it comes to the inception of a custom concept, the big ideas are the easiest to envision. However, once you see how a vehicle's mechanics were manipulated for the right custom aesthetic-without eliminating its function-you'll gain respect for the time people spend in design and ingenuity.

This is the second segment of Project Kustom. To recap where we left off: Kustoms Inc. tackled a new project for the SEMA 2007 Line-X booth with a buildup time of only 45 days. With big help from Chassis Tech, airbagit.com, LMC Truck, Line-X of Huntington Beach, and IMZZ Industries, this S-10 received a full Kustom Inc. old-school treatment. Of course, the major challenge was the time line, and as ou'll see, it came down to the very wire!

The last installment of project STK TRUK has finally arrived. Look for a full feature on this truck in an upcoming issue.

Last month, we narrowed the frame on the Mitsu. This month, we're going to wrap that up. The drag link needed to be narrowed and we turned our strut-rod setup into an A-arm setup. The truck still needs the oil pan sectioned to clear the crossmember and some basic plumbing to be back on the road.

Looking at past MT magazines, we realized an old-skool theme issue wouldn't be complete without painted logos. So, we contacted my friend, Kevin, who's been painting logos for my truck club for more than seven years now, and asked if he could paint one for us to check out the process. Kevin does logos for a handful of clubs in the Southern California area. He's an artist by trade and knows how to use a paint brush really well, but his specialty is the air brush gun. Kevin took a couple of hours on a Monday to sit with me and paint this logo, which I'll put into project STK TRUK. You need a knack for creativity and know your way around paints to be able to do one of these by yourself, but this will give you a good breakdown of the process -the Kevin way.

When we caught wind of a minitrucker who had purchased Last Look to restore it, after it's been through its share of "uneducated" owners, we were ecstatic. We got with Uncle Fester and the dedicated crew that have been helping with the restoration to put together a little repair story in honor of one of the most commemorated minitrucks ever built. The talented team consists of Uncle Fester, James Strassner, and James Cummins from IIGW, www.ifitsgotwheels.com. Together, they vowed to bring Last Look back to life, and trust us, this was no easy task. The truck had obviously seen much better days. For this story, we're showcasing the roll pan repair, as it was in pretty bad shape and needed some attention.

Getting Hectic
The newest edition to minitruckin' clothing comes in the form of Hectic Clothing. Our friends north of the border have developed some shirt designs to compliment the individuality of minitruckers worldwide. If you're anything like we are and can't get enough minitruck gear, then be sure to pick up a few of these shirts to expand the black shirt section of your closet. With more designs being added often, see what's new at www.hectic-clothing.com.

While sitting in the shop one day, working on what was supposed to be a quick garage build, Steve told me the truck needed to be Z'd, and since we were going to be cutting the front frame clip off, we might as well narrow it a few inches to help stuff those 20-inch rims. Once the frame was stripped of the wires, brake lines, and the motor itself, it came out pretty quick and easy. Once it was out, Steve actually had it narrowed in less than 10 minutes, which was the easy part. Once the frame was narrowed, the motor mounts needed to be moved, in order to bolt the motor back in place. Also, in order to ensure we cleared the stock hood, we lowered the motor mounts. Check out what we did below.

Turn Key
Introducing the new Turn Key Engine Supply LSX Series of High Performance Engines. It's available in naturally aspirated, tubocharged, and twin screw supercharged applications, with output ranging from 650 to a whopping 1,400 hp, there's no other lineup of engines that matches Turn Key in power, torque, and variety of applications. Displacement of the new LSX Series ranges from 427 to 486 cubic inches, with engine packages designed for street, strip, and sand. Since every Turn Key engine is custom built to your specifications, you get exactly what you want. This includes the crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, cylinder heads, camshaft, and compression ratio. Other choices include whether the engine will be naturally aspirated, turbocharged, or supercharged. Each engine package includes an electric fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel regulator, complete serpentine system, pre-wired computer, harness, and much more. In addition, each engine package includes the patented Turn Key Engine Supply Five Wire System that insures an easy installation. Also a plug-and-play harness that includes a state-of-the-art Delphi ECM with Turn Key precision engineered calibration. The result is easy installation matched with incredible performance. For more information, call (760) 941-2741, or check out the website at www.turnkeyengine.com.

When it comes to air suspension, there's a few absolute must-have components, no matter how limited of a budget you're working with. One of the easiest upgrades to improve your control over your air suspension system is to install a switchbox that meets your needs, style, and budget, while still maintaining usability and control. AVS makes tons of unique switchboxes that are compact and super user-friendly. One of the cool features they offer are locking switchboxes. So, if it falls while driving, the switchbox won't go off and cause you to veer across the road into oncoming traffic. We decided to meet up with the pros and show you how they put together their switchboxes in-house, before they get shipped out to you. For more information, contact the company listed in the Source box.

Chevy has always been one of the United States' most popular trucks, and when it comes to the custom side of things, it's no different. The S-10 has been a staple in the custom-truck scene for decades and when Chevy first introduced the Colorado, of course, there was skepticism from S-10 fans. But, all of that has subsided and the Colorado is quickly becoming one of the coolest-looking trucks to lay flat on the ground. We hooked up with the GTC fab guys to show us just how easy their new Colorado/Canyon rear 'bag setup kit is to install. Just follow along, and if you have any questions, contact the company listed in the Source Box.

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