Specialty Products Company

SPC’s fully forged steel arms provide strength and durability for the most demanding environments. Featuring an upgraded greaseable ball joint and rubber isolated xAxis™ bushing, this arm is designed to correct alignment angles while maintaining factory ride quality. Features „ Get more droop travel: With 80° of articulation in the upgraded ball joint and free pivoting cross axis bushings. „ Get your drivability & tracking back: When you lift your truck you affect caster and camber. SPC’s arms have the most adjustment on the market so you can put your alignment angles back to spec. „ Get your tire where you want it in the wheel well: Move oversized tires forward in the wheel well to minimize or avoid fender trimming.

OFF-ROAD Plus MAGAZINE FEB/MAR 2020 may pinch and swipe to their heart’s content, and update software wirelessly, over-the-air.

Three trims are available. The base is a single-motor/rear-wheel drive configuration, capable of traveling 402 kilometres on a single charge and getting from 0 to 100 km/h in about 6.5 seconds. The next spec up is dual-motor/allwheel drive, and the top-of-the-line model is a tri-motor/all-wheel drive setup, the latter possessing a total range of 804 kilometres and a quarter-mile time of 10.8 seconds.

Topping up the battery is a simple affair: plug-in at home, or at any of the brand’s 15,000-plus Superchargers.

Those wanting to get the Cybertruck a little dirty should be pleased to hear each one can handle a 3,500-pound payload, and tow up to an estimated 7,500

pounds (single motor), 10,000 pounds (dual motor) and 14,000 pounds (tri motor). Variable ride height yields a maximum ground clearance of 16 inches.

Tesla Autopilot driver assistance features are standard. Buyers wanting to bundle an optional fully self-driving package need to cough up an extra $9,200 (approximately) on top, advertised as a pre-sale price likely to increase in the future.

Interested? Pre-orders are being taken now on the website (www.tesla.com) for a $150 refundable deposit. Production for the two higher grades is slated to commence in late 2021, with the single motor pickup due a year later. More information is expected closer to the official launch date.

BUYERS’ GUIDE PRODUCTS: SUSPENSION

Alloy USA 2.5-inch Lift Kit With Fox Shocks, ‘1 8-’19 Jeep Wrangler JLU 4 DR Description: The 2.5-inch Lift Kit for ‘18-’19 Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited is a complete suspension system that is designed specifically for the new Wrangler JL. The basis of the kit is new coil springs that are location-specific with spring rates calculated to deliver a level stance while providing additional clearance for larger tires. Specifications: The kit also features four Fox 2.0 IFP nitrogen-charged shocks capable of smoothing out the roughest of terrain. All-new extended-length sway bar end links and compression-stop spacers keep the suspension travel safely in check for reliable off-road performance. Application: 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler JLU 4-Door models Website: www.alloyusa.com

Alloy USA Front Leveling Kit 1.5-inch, ‘1 8-’20 Jeep JL/JT

Description: Alloy USA Front Leveling Kit raises your Wrangler JL or Gladiator JT’s front ride height by 1.5-inches, correcting the factory rake for a more balanced ride height and enhanced performance. Specifications: Each kit includes a pair of Kevlar®-infused polyurethane coil spring spacers and shock absorber extensions for an easy installation that requires no cutting or welding. Application: 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler JL/JLU and 2020 Jeep Gladiator JT Website: www.alloyusa.com

BDS Suspension 3-In. Suspension Lift Kit for Wrangler JL

Description: BDS Suspension’s new 3-in. Suspension Lift Kit for the Jeep Wrangler JL has been designed to improve on-road ride quality while also greatly increasing off-road capability with clearance for up to 37-in. tires. Replacement JL-specific ProRide coil springs are used to mimic the factory ride and spring rate and also provide additional ride height and increased suspension travel. A heavy-duty, pinch bolt-style adjustable front track bar is used to re-centre the front axle and eliminate any side-to-side movement. Specifications: Kits include front and rear bump stop extensions to properly limit suspension up travel. Applications: Available for the 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler JL 4-door models. Website: www.bds-suspension.ca

Clayton Off-Road OVERLAND+ Lift Kit

Description: Clayton Off-Road’s new 3.5-in. OVERLAND+ Lift Kit features a bolt-in design with eight fully adjustable control arms in order to allow users to set up the system to best suit their needs. The system is made to optimize on-road performance while also offering the off-road flex and performance that is needed during challenging off-road driving situations. Specifications: Kit features 3.5-in. coils, bump stops, adjustable end links and can clear up to 39+ in. tires. Applications: Available for the 2018+ Jeep Wrangler JL. Website: www.claytonoffroad.com

Daystar ¾-in. Lift Kit for Wrangler JL

Description: Daystar’s ¾-in. lift kit for the Jeep Wrangler JL is designed to raise your vehicle while leveling the factory stance. The kit includes heavy-duty, progressive rate, polyurethane spacers. The spacers allow for you to run larger tire and wheel packages while maintaining the stock factory ride quality. Specifications: Manufactured from high-density, progressive, polyurethane. Applications: Available for the 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler JL. Website: www.daystarweb.com

Description: Eibach’s PRO-LIFT Kit Springs for the Jeep Wrangler JL provide both increased ground clearance and more fender clearance in order to run larger wheels and tires. Available for both the front and rear, the springs are precision engineered for better off-road capability while also maintaining excellent on-road stability and handling. Specifications: Front kit lifts 1-in. while rear lifts 0.6-in. Applications: Available for the Jeep Wrangler JL. Website: www.eibach.com

Hellwig Rear Sway Bar for Jeep Gladiator

Description: Hellwig’s Rear Sway Bar for the Jeep Gladiator with stock ride height offers a quick, bolt-on installation, larger-than-stock diameters, and precision-engineered components to optimize handling and reduce body roll. The bar will provide increased stiffness over stock and will therefore improve handling, comfort and safety. Specifications: Re-uses factory end links. Made from solid, heat treated chromoly. Applications: Available for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. Website: www.hellwigproducts.com

ICON Vehicle Dynamics Ram 1500 Suspension Systems

Description: ICON is now offering a full lineup of suspension systems for the 2019+ Ram 1500 trucks, which are available in several pre-staged configurations with each delivering a unique level of on- and off-road performance. The systems are made to provide improved vehicle performance and also allow for the fitment of larger and more aggressive tires. Specifications: Adjustable coilovers provide 0.75-2.5-in. of front lift height. Applications: Available for the 2019+ Ram 1500. Website: www.iconvehicledynamics.com

JKS Manufacturing J-Flex Rear Upper Control Arms

Description: JKS Manufacturing J-Flex adjustable rear upper control arms allow for correct positioning of the rear axle while correcting pinion angle at a wide range of heights from stock all the way up to 4.5-in. The upper control arms are able to join with the rest of JKS’ J-Flex products to allow users to upgrade all eight control arms for a significant improvement to the stock JL control arms. Specifications: Constructed from 1.5 OD x .120-in. DOM tubing and robotically welded ends. Applications: Available for the 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler JL. Website: www.jksmfg.com

Pro Comp 6-In. Lift Kit with Pro Runner Rear Shocks Description: Pro Comp’s new 6-In. Lift Kit for the 2019+ Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 is engineered for use with 20-in. or larger diameter wheels and clears room for up to 35-in. tall tires for all-terrain use. New high-strength extended steering knuckles are used to retain factory steering geometry, while front lower crossmembers and a differential skid plate provide added strength. In the rear, lift blocks, U-bolts and Pro Runner rear shocks provide a level stance. Specifications: Skid plate constructed from 3/16-in.-thick steel plate. Upper strut spacers retain the factory-tuned struts. Applications: Available for the 2019+ Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 with the factory base suspension packages only. Website: www.procompusa.com

ProRYDE Ram Power Wagon Adjustable Front Lift and Leveling Kit

Description: ProRYDE’s Ram Power Wagon Adjustable Front Lift and Leveling Kit features patented ride height technology built in to every kit. The adjustable nature of the kit allows for height increases from 1.5-in. to 2.5-in. or anywhere in between. The lift will create the fender clearance necessary to add up to 35-in. tires and wheels. Specifications: Adjustable anywhere from 1.5-in. to 2.5-in. Applications: Available for the Ram Power Wagon. Website: www.proryde.com

Description: ProRYDE’s Adjustable Front Sway Bar Relocator for the GM mid-size pickups is the perfect complement to a ProRYDE adjustable front lift and leveling kit, or can be used with any other brand. The relocator is able to relieve sway bar stress and poor handling characteristics after front lift and leveling kit installation. Specifications: Features a heavy-duty steel construction. Applications: Available for the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Website: www.proryde.com

Rancho Expanding Coverage for 201 4-2020 Ford F-150

Description: Rancho’s suspension lineup now includes a new 3-in. suspension system for 2014-2020 Ford F-150 pickup trucks that features a 100-percent bolt-on design and provide the truck with an aggressive, leveled stance. The system includes a set of durable, tubular upper control arms that are engineered to allow the ball joint to perform in its normal operating range plus two sway bar spacers and 1 ½-in. rear blocks. Specifications: Allows the truck to run up to 35-in. tires. Applications: Made for the 2014-2020 Ford F-150. Website: www.gorancho.com

ReadyLIFT SST Lift Kit for GM AT4/Trail Boss 1500 Trucks Description: ReadyLIFT has now made an SST Lift Kit for the GM AT4/Trail Boss half-ton pickups that come factory equipped with a 2-in. front lift. This kit is made to work with the factory lift and includes a top mount strut spacer and a pre-load spacer to limit droop as well as premium grade upper control arms. OE-style 3-in. tall cast iron rear lift blocks and rear bump stop extension cups provide leveling and lift of the rear. Specifications: Clears room for 305/55R20 tires on Sierra AT4 and 295/65R20 on Silverado Trail Boss. Applications: Made specifically for the 2019-2020 Silverado 1500 Trail Boss and Sierra 1500 AT4 models with the factory 2-in. front lift. Website: www.readylift.com

Revtek 3-in. Coil Spring Lift Kit

Description: Revtek’s 3-in. Coil Spring Lift Kit for the Jeep Wrangler JK features new longer front and rear shocks and offers full travel with new springs. The new longer front sway bar links with serviceable bushings allow your sway bar to maintain the proper angles. The kit also features front axle alignment cam bolts, and a rear track bar relocation bracket provides better adjustment and axle positioning. Specifications: Provides a factory-quality ride while allowing full suspension travel. Applications: Available for the 2007-2016 Jeep Wrangler JK. Website: www.revtek.com

Rubicon Express Super-Flex Suspension Kit for Wrangler JL

Description: Rubicon Express Super-Flex Suspension kits for the Jeep Wrangler JL provide the Sport/Sahara models with 4.5-in. of lift and 3.5-in. for the Rubicon, both of which clear room for up to 37-in. tires. The Super-Flex arms, in combination with an adjustable front track bar, rear track bar bracket and front sway bar disconnects, provide great on- and off-road performance. Specifications: Features a front high-clearance adjustable track bar with OE-style bushings, while the shocks are tuned specifically to maximize ride quality and suspension travel. Applications: Available for the 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler JL. Website: www.rubiconexpress.com

SPC Jeep JK Front Adjustable Upper Control Arm

Description: SPC’s adjustable, direct-fit control arm adds both strength and articulation flexibility to your stock height or lifted Jeep Wrangler JK. It utilizes SPC’s xAxis sealed flex joints to provide bind-free twist between the frame and axle during articulation. The DOM steel construction and forged link provide strength for larger wheel and tire packages and aggressive gearing. Specifications: The dual-threaded adjuster and jam nut makes caster/pinion angle adjustments quick and easy without the need to disconnect the arm or mess with cams and slotted hole knock-outs. Applications: Available for the Jeep Wrangler JK. Website: www.spcalignment.com

Description: SPC’s heavy-duty cam-bolt kit was specifically designed for the extreme Ford F-150 and F-150 Raptor users who find that the OE bolts slip or that a single cam option does not hold alignment. The upgraded cam kit featurs two cams and bosses per bolt and 12.9 grade hardware. The two cams will keep your bolt square and make adjustments easier while the 12.9 grade bolt and low friction finish achieve 25-percent more clamp load than the OE hardware. Specifications: Some drilling is required to accommodate the second boss plate. The kit is sold per wheel. Applications: Available for the 2004-2014 Ford F-150. Website: www.specprod.com

Superlift 6-Inch Lift Kit, ‘19 Chevy/GM Silverado/Sierra 1500 4WD Description: This 6-inch suspension lift kit has a strong, modern die-formed design made with the strongest materials to give you a suspension kit that can withstand the most challenging terrain. The uniquely engineered design adds strength and durability, along with bonus features and add-ons that others do not offer. This kit is available with Superlift Shocks or your choice of optional Bilstein 5100 series Shocks or Fox® 2.0 Shocks. Specifications: This kit includes front knuckles, front strut spacers, ¼-in. plate steel control arm cross-members, differential drops, differential skid plate, fabricated rear blocks, U-bolts, and rear shocks. All required parts are included to make sure your Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra handles and performs in all conditions. Application: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD & GMC Sierra 1500 4WD models Website: www.superlift.com

TrailFX Mid-Lift Suspension Kits

Description: Whether you are escaping to the great outdoors or headed to the city, TrailFX has the accessories to outfit your vehicle for any occasion. Increased ground clearance, visibility, and a smoother ride are all benefits of a TrailFX mid-lift suspension kit. Specifications: Kits contain all required, ready-to-install components in one box, under one part number. Applications: Available for GM, Ford, Ram, Toyota and Jeep Website: www.TrailFX.com

Tuff Country 2-In. Leveling Kit from Toyota 4Runner

Description: Tuff Country’s new 2-in. Leveling Kit for the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Model features billet aluminum lower coil seat spacers that maintain your factory ride quality, and a simple, bolt-on installation that is designed specifically for lifted vehicles to maintain proper steering geometry and alignment. Specifications: Kit provides clearance for use of 31x10.5 tires. Applications: Available for the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Model. Website: www.tuffcountry.com

Warrior Products Jeep JK/JKU Lift Kit With Shocks

Description: Warrior Products 3-in. liftcoil springs for the Jeep Wrangler JK/JKU are built to stringent standards for strength, performance and durability. Each system comes with four H60.5 mm shocks that feature a nine-stage valve system and self-lubricating chrome piston. In addition to the shocks, durable coil springs help to provide a great ride. Specifications: Kit comes with all necessary mounting hardware for installation. Applications: Available for the 2007-2017 Jeep Wrangler JK/JKU. Website: www.warriorproducts.com

Zone Offroad 5-In. Lift Kit with FOX 2.0 Shocks

Description: Zone Offroad’s 5-in. lift kit with FOX 2.0 Shocks maintain the factory ride quality and handling characteristics while also improving ground clearance while correcting suspension-steeringdriveline geometry. It allows for up to 37-in. tires to be installed and features CNC-machined ductile iron steering knuckles and a Zone Offroad-branded front skid plate and torsion bar relocation brackets. Specifications: Features high-strength ¼-in.-thick steel crossmembers and differential skid plates. Applications: Available for the 2020 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 2500HD/3500HD. Website: www.zoneoffroad.com

First Bronco The prototype

Nothing fancy inside.

White flares have been bolted on the rear fender. It doesn’t get lots of attention until people understand what it is.

Story and photos by John Gunnell

In 1966, Ford dove into the fast-growing off-road vehicle market with its all-new sports utility vehicle, the Bronco. The Bronco was a clean sheet design and shared little with any other Ford product at the time. It was equally unique in the marketplace.

With its trim proportions, advanced coil spring front suspension and available Pickup, Wagon and Roadster body styles, plus a myriad of factory options, the Bronco was the first sports utility vehicle to truly offer sportiness, a fact not overlooked in Ford’s marketing of the day.

With its 92-inch wheelbase and a scant 34-foot turning circle, the Gen 1 Bronco was an ideal off-road machine. Those same attributes also made it just as entertaining on a highway. It was exceptionally well suited to either plowing snow or plowing through it to get to the ski resort.

Early Broncos found great success in off-road racing events, conquering everything from the Mint 400 to the Baja 1000. More importantly, the early Broncos produced from 1966 to 1977 had soul. People loved them for their charm, their pluck, their ability to constantly punch above their weight and their ability to do these things in ways that made every minute behind the wheel a fun experience.

Early Broncos looked tall and narrow.

lakeside car show included special interest models and historically significant Broncos.

Tim Hulick of Indianola, Iowa, brought a turquoise-coloured 1966 Bronco Roadster to the event. Referred to as the U13 model (the last three digits of the VIN number) Hulick’s Roadster features many first-year-only items such as unique hub caps and bumpers, a distinctive tailgate, silver upholstery, a gray painted dashboard and more.

The very early Bronco Roadsters used bodies made by Budd Body Company and had unique touches like an “eyebrow” grille, transfer case shift levers topped with a patterned knob, front The prototype is certainly no show-condition truck.

transaxle covers fitted with a square fill plug, and forward-facing rear shock absorbers. Only 4,090 Roadsters were produced by Ford for model-year 1966.

The first Bronco ever built was a 1966 “Half-Cab” model that now belongs to Seth Burgett, the owner of Gateway Bronco. This timeworn, unrestored truck is the first Bronco built. It was constructed in Ford’s pre-production plant in Michigan.

Burgett’s Bronco has been verified to be the one that Donald Frey used. It appears in Ford’s original literature for the Bronco and was the first Bronco to feature Sport trim. Eventually, Carroll Shelby came to own the prototype Bronco.

The first Bronco has not been restored