MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust of Rancho Santa Margarita, California, are the performance experts when it comes to automotive exhaust systems, offering bolt-on kits for all common trucks and SUV's. Due to their ease of installation, we opted for a stainless steel cat back exhaust system on Project Truckblog. In addition to this install article, we produced the first episode of our video series, Truckblog TV, covering the full installation of the MagnaFlow exhaust install on our F-150. The following how-to article highlights the steps required for the proper installation of the cat back exhaust.
As if Hearse Con 2008 wasn't bad enough, this would definitely ruin your day. Apparently in Russia, the roads are absolutely horrible during the spring, summer, fall, and you guessed it, winter seasons. They are however, at their "worst" conditions between seasons, when all of the insane amount of snow begins to melt, creating a mudd bogging paradise for most southerners here in the states. According to the original source, the authorities don't give a crap about the conditions either (sounds like lovely Russia doesn't it?). Check out the pictures inside.
You're going to have to check this one out for yourself. Unfortunately, we missed the second annual Hearse Convention 2008, which was held in Englewood, Colorado this month. The rides that showed up are pretty slick though, featuring machine guns mounted on fenders, lots of skulls all over the place, the famous "CARGOYL" Hearse, and blow up dolls. Yes, blow up dolls. Now that I have your attention, check out the video inside.
Exactly one week ago, a category 2 tornado with winds of 150 miles per hour touched ground in Leighton, Alabama. Someone crazy enough to stand near a window during this event, captured some remarkable footage of a group of cars in a parking lot being tossed around, like dead leaves that fell off of a tree. Somehow the trucks on the right portion of the screen were not affected. Check out the video inside.
Daimler AG has signed a large "green" contract with United Parcel Service Inc, whom ordered 200 hybrid electric vehicles and 300 natural gas vehicles. The deal would make the value of each vehicle slightly over $100,000 USD, totaling more than $50 million. The fuel efficient and enviornmentally friendly trucks will be built by Daimler Truck of North America's Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation division.
Building on the huge success of SYNC, Ford Motor Company is moving to the next generation of in-car communications with the introduction of SYNC with "911 Assist" and SIRIUS Travel Link navigation. Ford SYNC – developed with Microsoft – connects people and their portable devices in the vehicle, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones. It is one of the rising stars in the auto industry and is on track to reach 1 million sales in early 2009. Later this year, SYNC will be offered exclusively on nearly every new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle.
Leading truck cap and tonneau cover manufacturer A.R.E. delivers total in-bed organizational solutions that can help fleet owners lower operating costs while remaining productive. "In today's environment of rising fuel prices and a slowing economy, many fleet managers are undoubtedly searching for ways to curb their operating costs, including switching from large, gas-guzzling vehicles to smaller pickup trucks," said Jim Blayne, sales manager for A.R.E.'s commercial and fleet division.
It is that time again! STILLEN is excited to invite all Nissan and Infiniti owners to attend our annual Customer Appreciation day. We have been holding these events for over 10 years and each year it gets bigger and bigger. Last year we had nearly 800 customized cars and trucks in attendance. In the past we have shut down 250 yards of Airway Avenue in front of our headquarters. This year, we have gone to the city of Costa Mesa and extended that an additional 100 yards, over 3 football fields long, plus our parking lot full of Nissan and Infiniti Trucks, SUVs and cars. Make sure you get here early, we are opening the outside lot first and once space is gone, you'll have to search for parking outside of the event.
A hitch-mounted basket cargo carrier is a great solution for transporting more gear outside your vehicle, but then how to protect your valuables from Mother Nature? Valley's Canvas Bag (#91343) is the answer! Featuring durable, water-resistant, coated nylon construction, the attractive black, 10 cu. ft. capacity bag (60"x19"x14") attaches to most hitch-mounted cargo baskets to keep contents dry and shielded from the sun.
A new powertrain lineup, with a more powerful and fuel-efficient 2.5-liter I-4 engine and a new six-speed automatic transmission, leads the list of enhancements for the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner models. Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, the popular compact SUVs, boast better fuel economy, thanks to a combination of the new engine and fuel-saving six-speed transmission. Other fuel-efficiency measures, such as refined aerodynamics and new low-rolling-resistance tires, also enhance fuel economy while contributing to a quieter, more refined cabin environment.
Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 655,000 Ford F-150 and Lincoln Mark LT pickup trucks, because of a problem with a hose that can affect the vehicle's braking system. The recall only affects 2005 to 2006 trucks equipped with the 5.4 liter 3 valve eight cylinder engines. Ford spokesman, Wes Sherwood, said there have been eleven minor accidents tied to the issue, but no injuries have been reported. Owners of the trucks will be notified by the end of June, and the recall will begin in July. For more information, owners can contact Ford directly at 800-392-3673. Reported by Yahoo Finance
First off, we would like to thank everyone for all of their feedback on our first episode of Truckblog TV. If you have not seen our first video, click here. As a continuation of our new series, Chris and I shot our second install this past weekend, this time modifying a 2008 GMC Yukon SUV. Attached is a teaser shot from the installation. Keep checking back this week to see the full version of Truckblog TV Episode 2.
With gas prices exceeding $3.65 per gallon on average, filling up could cost upwards of $50, $60, $70 or more. Goodwrench offers consumers helpful tips to improve vehicle fuel economy and help drivers get every possible mile out each drop of gasoline. One of the simplest ways of doing this is with proper vehicle maintenance and sensible driving techniques.
Just in case you did not get the memo, General Motors Corporation President, Fritz Henderson, announced during an interview yesterday, that there is no question the United States' autmotive industry is currently in a recession. "There have been a lot of questions about whether the U.S. economy is in recession...The U.S. auto industry is definately in a recession". Well thank you for stating the obvious, Mr. Henderson! What is next? High gas prices? As reported by Freep
Mike Levine has posted an analysis of engine configurations for General Motors pickup trucks, equipped with either gasoline, diesel or hybrid setups. Choosing the right power train can be confusing, especially when it comes to fuel efficiency and gas mileage. Click here to check out his report.
ATS Design have released their custom fender flares for the 2007 and newer Toyota Tundra pickup trucks. Made of OEM-approved materials and designed to enhance body lines, the custom fender flares use the factory mounting locations for a clean, custom appearance, and ease of installation. All of ATS' fender flares are available in painted and unpainted versions. For more information visit www.atsdesign.com
Jalopnik has come across a new photo of what appears to be the 2009 Dodge Ram R/T pickup truck, or possibly the 2010 Dodge Ram SRT8. This new photo comes after the leakage of photos appeared on Dodge's website last week. The photo is definately of a mule truck version, what do you think? Larger photo inside.
According to Pickuptrucks, Ford is working on a new F-100 series mid-size pickup truck that would share the new F-150 platform and possibly replace the Ford Ranger. The new pickup is expected to arrive by 2011 and it is believed that the truck will feature Ford's new EcoBoost twin turbo gasoline direct injection V6 engine, or possible 4.4 liter V8 diesel which is expected for the 2010 F-150. Either way, it's all just speculation, as no official word has come from Ford yet.
