Shop Talk

One and Done Sway Bar End Links

Close view of BD Diesel Performance's sway bar

Because of the heavy demands on the RAM 4×4 pickups, the sway bar end links on the 2010-2012 2500 and 3500 are known to wear, pound out, and even break when the truck is lifted on two-post lifts as a result of stress from the axle dropping. This pesky maintenance item can now be replaced once and for all!

BD Diesel Performance’s sway bar end links for these trucks have a dual-pivot design that allows for greater articulation and less stress.

The long-life urethane bushing design allows the links to flex more without breaking and will not pound out or seize as a result of weather conditions, which even the competition would be envious of. All components are made to be easily serviceable, and wearing items aren’t expensive to replace. The kits come complete with all hardware and can be installed in about an hour. (800-887-5030 // www.bddiesel.com)

Three-Piece Specialty Blow-Gun\Assortment

From IPA Tools, here’s an assortment of specialty blow guns for when you’re working on your truck in your garage. The Air Bender blow gun (#8056) reaches those hard-to-access areas with focused, high-pressure 90-degree angle output, making it great for blowing out channels or ports or reaching around obstructions. The Air Scraper blow gun (#8057) features a stainless-steel shaft and scraper tip that combine air pressure and scouring action to remove and blow off stuck-on debris for quicker cleaning than other methods. This one is best for cleaning gasket surfaces, or removing grease, rust and other tough materials. Finally, the BlowBack gun (#8058) dislodges and evacuates debris from the bottom of a bolt hole and out of all threads; it’s great for cleaning head-bolt holes, manifolds and more. Made of anodized aluminum and stainless steel, these robust products are ready to work for you. (888-786-7899 // www.ipatools.com)

The Right Turbo Lubrication

Close view of tube of LIQUI-MOLY's turbocharge additive

Due to their extremely high rotational speeds, the right lubrication is particularly important for turbos, though this is missing if it has been replaced or reinstalled after a repair. Wear and the risk of damage is then particularly high, but it doesn’t have to be so. The Turbocharger Additive from LIQUI MOLY protects the sensitive unit when it’s first used. If a new turbo is installed or the old turbo is repaired, the plain bearings are dry. When the engine is now started and the turbocharger starts for the first time, the oil has not yet lubricated all bearings. This not only causes a sudden increase in wear, but it can also lead to initial damage that drastically shortens the turbo’s service life.

LIQUI MOLY’s Turbocharger Additive prevents this. The active ingredient combination in the tube contains the solid lubricant MoS2 in a very high dosage. This lubricant remains attached to the metal surfaces of the plain bearings and ensures lubrication as the turbo begins to spin. The small tube with Turbocharger Additive belongs to the Pro-Line of LIQUI MOLY. This is the product line that groups together the special chemical tools for professionals. (www.liqui-moly.com)

Insight CTS3 Supports 1998.5-2005 Dodge Cummins

Close view of Edge Product's digital gauge monitor

The Edge Products Insight CTS3 is the top-preferred digital gauge monitor on the market today, used by daily drivers and enthusiasts everywhere, and now it’s available for the 1998.5-2005 Dodge 5.9L Cummins. The Insight is a comprehensive, state-of-the-art multi-gauge touchscreen display. The product’s third generation is smoother, slimmer, faster, more advanced and Wi-Fi compatible. In addition to the new slim-case design, Edge also upgraded to a 5-inch full-color adaptive touchscreen display, creating the sleekest gauges in the industry. They even added an all-new high-speed processor that provides easy swipe gestures and navigation throughout the product, resulting in a user experience like no other in the automotive market. Any current inventory or products in the field can be updated to include this new coverage. (888-360-3343 // www.edgeproducts.com)

Built To Handle Off-Road Demands

Pylon Manufacturing's BFGoodrich Off-Road Wiper Blade pack

Pylon Manufacturing has introduced its first-ever line of off-road wipers, the BFGoodrich Off-Road Wiper Blades.

Made specifically for trucks and other 4×4 vehicles, these wiper blades were inspired by BFGoodrich’s popular all-terrain T/A KO2 tire tread. These wiper blades are tough enough for off-road driving with proven performance for everyday travel.

The wipers are designed with SCRUB-XTM technology for extreme weather conditions to clear away mud, bugs, rain, snow and grime. They have a heavy-duty design with a durable rubber element made for off-road driving; WeatherTread technology to repel mud, rain, snow and ice for the cover, delivering superior wiping performance; and a Secure-XTM Connector for easy and secure installation. (www.offroadwipers.com)

Protect Your Tailgate

Close view of installed Chevy Multi-Flex/GMC MultiPro tailgate

The Chevy Multi-Flex/GMC MultiPro tailgate, all-new for 2021, is an incredible and versatile innovation for pickup trucks. As a complement to the tailgate, CURT has introduced a protective tailgate sensor. This new sensor helps protect your precious Chevy or GMC truck and its tailgate from costly damage caused by hitch accessories. It detects if there’s an accessory installed in the receiver tube and prevents the inner tailgate from folding down. It has a sleek and durable design that’s well-suited for all work conditions and also doesn’t interfere with your trailer or towing accessories.

Installation is easy with no wire cutting or splicing required and also no need for extra electronics or batteries. It includes a sensor cap and wiring harnesses. (877-287-8634 // www.curtmfg.com)

No Need for Fuel Cans

Close view of CAT extreme filter housings (EFH)

EFH (Extreme Filter Housings) fuel filter housing adapters are built and tested in the U.S. to enable Caterpillar fuel filter use on GM on-highway, diesel consumer-grade trucks. Expertly manufactured from CNC-machined, anodized 6061 billet aluminum and then anodized to increased corrosion resistance, the EFHTM-DM1R0750 fuel filter housing adapters are designed to work with 2017 and newer Chevy and GMC 2500 and 3500 Duramax engines. The product lowers maintenance costs due to ease of installation and use, saving you both time and money. The use of a Caterpillar fuel filter, made possible by the implementation of this adapter, results in more effective fuel filtration, optimizing your engine’s life expectancy and overall performance. (www.extremefilterhousings.com)

Updated 6.7L Power Stroke Bypass Kit

S&S Diesel Motorsport, the creator of the original CP4 bypass kit for the 6.7 Power Stroke, is at it again with a much-improved second generation kit. Since its debut in 2016, the original S&S 6.7L Power Stroke CP4 Bypass Kit has saved thousands of injectors from CP4 debris. The S&S Diesel Motorsport Gen2 6.7L Power Stroke CP4 Bypass Kit features all quick-connect lines that eliminate the need for cutting the factory supply line, which is a debris introduction point, especially if the cut is not thoroughly deburred.

The kit also eliminates the need to use a compression fitting, which is a potential leak point. The OE-style quick connect lines also eliminate any threaded joints that are further leak points and have the potential to generate debris during install. The fuel supply is split off into two separate lines 25 inches from the CP4, which eliminates the chance of contaminated fuel back-feeding into the clean fuel supply line. The kit also features a 2-micron filter in a clear firewall-mounted housing that prevents debris from reaching the tank, fuel lines, and supply pump. It can be visually inspected at a glance for debris, which will give notice to a failed pump. (www.ssdiesel.com)

Reroute Your Coolant

Close view of PPE's 304 stainless steel coolant reroute tube

PPE now has available a new 304 stainless steel coolant reroute tube (with OEM bend) for the 2004.5-2007 GM LLY and LBZ Duramax diesels. It has a straight design for use with a larger intake bridge, so you’ll be able to more safely enjoy your intercooler upgrades. It’s also specifically designed for use in conjunction with the factory thermostat housing. The tube’s stainless-steel construction prevents corrosion in comparison with the OEM mild steel pipe that’s prone to rusting and eventually bursting if not taken care of right away. That being said, this tube is also great for marine applications. It’s available in either a polished or raw finish. (714-985-4825 // www.ppediesel.com)

Oil Storage

Full view of Summit Racing's 18 gallon oil drain

Changing your oil can quickly become a major disaster on your garage or shop floor when not done carefully, especially for folks with vehicle lifts, as it’s so much harder to hit the bull’s eye of the pan when it’s several feet below as opposed to just a few inches. Clean up those fluid swaps with a Summit Racing Oil Drain! The 18-gallon metal container efficiently collects motor oil, transmission fluid, differential lube, engine coolant, and more without making a mess. It features a 15-inch diameter funnel with a filter screen (to prevent debris, parts and tools from entering the drain) that can be adjusted from 45 to 69 inches tall for a range of lift heights, making it easier to move around under the vehicle. It’s also easy to empty thanks to the container’s air-pressurized, self-evacuating system. (800-230-3030 // www.summitracing.com)

One Comfy Shop Chair

For too long, we’ve suffered on cheap plastic shop chairs that have strained backs and been hard on many behinds. The Vyper Chair is the first fully American-made premium shop chair designed to be the tough, stable shop chair that your body will thank you for. It has 4 inches of foam padding covered with durable, double-stitched industrial-grade leather. That makes a seat pad that is not only very comfortable, but also tough enough to take anything a busy shop can throw at it.

Unlike most other shop stools, this one has a strategically-designed backrest that will help improve your posture and is at the perfect angle for welders and fabricators. This one also has a robust 1-inch Acme thread rod that can hold over 400 pounds, eliminating the pain point of a constantly changing height adjustment. For increased strength and sturdiness, machined steel arms hold everything together. Lastly, 4-inch industrial grade caster wheels make the chair easy to move, as it’s able to glide over any surface smoothly and quietly.
(920-323 9832 // www.vyperchair.com)

Rugged Style With Added Protection

Close view of installed WARN front truck bumper

WARN Industries is now expanding its bumper offerings for trucks. Their all-new Ascent XP bumpers are perfect for anyone looking for rugged looks and added front-end protection, who is not looking to mount a winch. Like the standard Ascent bumpers, the XP has a low-profile look, welded one-piece construction, and a groundbreaking powder-coated finish that delivers the ultimate in corrosion protection. Remarkably durable, the Ascent XP has one-piece construction made from 11-gauge and 1/4-inch steel for extra front-end protection. It has a built-in slot to fit a 30-inch light bar. There are also integrated dual light ports to mount auxiliary flood or spotlights. For even more front-end toughness, Ascent XP showcases a welded-on Baja-style grille guard tube. Like all Ascent bumpers, this one allows for oversized tires. The Ascent XP is available for the 2011 and newer Ford Super Duty and 2020 and newer Chevy HD trucks. (800-543-9276 // www.warn.com)