For this year's holiday gift guide, we looked for new products for your truck that would not break the bank. Each product in this year's guide is under $300. So whip out a marker, or dog-ear the page with your favorite parts on it, leave the magazine someplace conspicuous where your family can find it, and wait for the goodies to roll in.
OK, that plan didn't work for us last year, but here's to hoping this year may have a different outcome.
1. There's not as many aftermarket products out there for Dodge Dakotas, but an air intake is always a welcomed addition to any truck. Injen's Power-Flow air-intake system with Mega Ram Technology and diamond-plate heat shield will add 11 hp and 11 lb-ft of torque to the wheels, while also retaining the factory safe air/fuel ratio. This application will fit '00-'04 Dakotas with the 4.7L V-8, but many more are available. MSRP $250. For additional information, contact Injen at info@injen.com or visit www.injen.com.
2. NCD Customs 2 and 2-1/2-inch solid billet aluminum leveling kits for Ford, Nissan, Toyota, and Chevy are machined in house from 6061 T-6 aircraft grade billet aluminum using the latest in computer design and CNC machining equipment. The billet spacers simply bolt on top of your existing struts, making it one of the easiest bolt-on kits on the market while maintaining your smooth factory ride. NCD Customs leveling kits are only $89.95. For more information, contact NCD Customs at (805) 983-7222, or visit online at www.ncdcustoms.com.
3. Wolf Automotive offers five truck cover options for protecting your truck from dirt, dents, scratches, water, and everything Mother Nature has to offer. All Wolf Automotive car covers are available for virtually any domestic, import, or SUV on the road. Each cover is custom tailored to the precise contours of the vehicle with carefully handcrafted patterns to include side mirror pockets, reinforced side grommets, and minimal single-direction seams for a sleek, exact-fitting appearance. MSRP $129 and up. For more information, call (800) 950-9502, or visit their application guide online at www.globalaccessories.com/corp/.
4. Classic truck owners haven't been left out of our guide. These round, barrel-shaped aluminum tailgate latches were designed to hold the tailgate closed when removing the original, paint-scratching chains. They fit into a 1-inch inside-diameter tailgate top roll ('38-'50 Ford and '39-'55 Dodge). By using the steel sleeve and end cap, they can be adapted to fit other classic-truck tailgates. The spring loaded, stainless latch pin mates with a nylon bushing that's installed into the box side. MSRP $108. For more information, contact Horkey's Wood and Parts at (507) 831-5625, or visit www.horkeyswoodandparts.com.