National 4WD Blog - 4X4, truck and Jeep stuff

National 4WD is Going Rc's

2010-03-04T12:54:00.006-05:00

National 4WD Centre is going Rc's

Yes starting January 2010 we have officially got into the RC Business , we sell and stock brands like Traxxas , HPI Racing , Team Associated , Venow , Duratrax , Axial , integy , ect.... We sell Electrical and Nitro RC`s , kits ,RTR , replacement parts , Upgrade parts , ect.... At our store in Quebec we wil dedicate a section of store for the RC Hobbie , we are working on a project to build on our store grounds a Rock Crawl Course so our customer can come and play or test drive some of our store RC`s and a near future we will Host Rock Crawl Competitions !

RC`s web links that we are selling and can get :

Traxxas : http://www.traxxas.com/

HPI Racing : http://www.hpiracing.com/

Team Associated : http://www.rc10.com/

Venow : http://www.venom-group.com/

Duratrax : http://www.duratrax.com/

Axial : http://www.axialracing.com/

Integy : http://www.integy.com/

Michel Lacelle
Store Manager
National 4WD Centres ( quebec store )
http://www.national4wd.com/
Canada: 1-800-575-7500
International: 905-634-0001
Online Store

SNOW TIRES ONLY?

2009-12-10T09:04:00.007-05:00

Buying off-road and specialty tires is a big investment in both safety and performance. There seems to be a little confusion over snow tires, winter tires and snow flake symbols. Let me shed some light on this...

M+S = Mud and Snow Tires

Some Mud and Snow Tires also have the Snow Flake Mountain Symbol but are "WINTER USE ONLY" tires. Tires that don't have the Snow Flake Mountain Symbol may be designed and built for Mud and Snow but may also be excellent winter tires . The manufacturer has decided not to use or participate in the use of symbol for different reasons; Tires can be used all year round, Canada wasn't their intended market, have their own rating system, don't produce a "WINTER USE ONLY" tires or don't want be in that market.

AT = All Terrain

Some All Terrain Tires also have the Snow Flake Mountain Symbol but are "WINTER USE ONLY" tires. Tires that don't have the Snow Flake Mountain Symbol may be designed and built for All Terrain but may also be excellent winter tires . The manufacturer has decided not to use or participate in the use of symbol for different reasons; Tires can be used all year round, Canada wasn't their intended market, have their own rating system, don't produce a "WINTER USE ONLY" tire or simply don't want be in that market.

AS = All Season

These will not be rated as a "WINTER USE ONLY" they are "All Season" tires. This doesn't mean they are not any good as a winter or snow tire. It means they are not rated as a "WINTER USE ONLY" or are they rated as a "Snow Tire". Basically they are general purpose tires.

Snow Flake Mountain Symbol = Tires rated by Rubber Association of Canada "RAC" for "WINTER USE ONLY".

Quote from their website
"The following list provides the model names of RAC Member tire brands only tires that are dedicated and marketed for winter use only. Many tires can be suitable for winter driving. Some of which may not be on this list. This list shows RAC member brands of tires with the mountain snowflake symbol that are marketed for winter use only".

These tires are a multi-siped soft rubber compound tire designed to remain very flexible at cold temperatures. These tires perform well for their intended purpose. This rating symbol may also be on "Mud and Snow" tires and "All Terrain" tires which means you must remove the tires once winter is over. With warmer weather and dry roads the softer rubber compounds will wear more rapidly.

Before investing in tires with "Snow Flake Mountain Symbol", consult with the tire manufacturer or reseller such as National 4WD Centres on the specifications of the tires you are considering purchasing. Also check out The Rubber Association of Canada's website for more clarification on the symbol.
http://www.rubberassociation.ca/wintertires2.html

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Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
Canada: 1-800-575-7500
International: 905-634-0001
Online Store

Mickey Thompson Signature Series Wheels are NOW AVAILABLE!

2009-08-17T13:10:00.002-04:00

Mickey Thompson Signature Series Wheels are NOW AVAILABLE from National 4WD Centres.

Order your now, these will not last long. A very special limited edition version of the world's best selling wheel for Jeep's. Only 640 Jeeps in the world will have this classic wheel because there will be only one production run of the new Mickey Thompson limited edition Signature Series wheel! This stunning aluminum wheel offers Mickey Thompson's popular Classic II styling with a beautiful painted and clear coated satin black finish, a new black center cap with the Mickey Thompson logo, and an authentic Mickey Thompson signature badge. The new M/T Signature Series wheel will only be available in 15x8 and 15x10 sizes with a 5x4.5 Jeep bolt pattern.

* Satin Black with Clear Coat Finish

* Popular Classic II Styling

* Authentic Mickey Thompson Signature Badge

* Special M/T Logo, Black Center Cap

These are a limited edition, limited run wheel. Order yours now, don't be disappointed, be part of the Legend!

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Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
Canada: 1-800-575-7500
International: 905-634-0001
Online Store

Coil Over for Jeep JK Wrangler !

2009-06-16T08:21:00.002-04:00

NEW Coil Over for Jeep JK Wrangler!
Fabtech has just introduced their coil over system for the 07 - 08 Jeep Wrangler(JK).
The JK Wrangler is already great truck off and on road. Add long travel and superior dampening, you've got an AMAZING truck!
The system is a nice simple clean setup which looks awesome. Can you say Drool!

This and other Fabtech suspension kits are available through all National 4WD Centres.

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Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
Canada: 1-800-575-7500
International: 905-634-0001
Online Store

Mickey Thompson TV... Sweet!

2009-04-23T16:47:00.004-04:00

Mickey Thompson TV... Sweet and Very informative.

Get the skinny on the complete line of Mickey Thompson Tires, what to use and why. There's also some cool and entertaining vids for all types of Gear Heads.

These Mickey Thompson wheels and tires are available from your local National 4WD Centres.
Enjoy...

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels designs, develops, and markets racing and high-performance tires for drag-racing cars and motorcycles, modified street cars, off-road race vehicles, modified pick-up trucks, Jeeps, 4x4’s and sport utility vehicles. The company, founded in 1963 by racing legend Mickey Thompson, is headquartered in Stow, Ohio, USA, and offers a wide range of tires and wheels in unique sizes to enhance the look and performance of these specialty high-performance and racing vehicles.

See more of Mickey Thompson TV... Click Here

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Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
Canada: 1-800-575-7500
International: 905-634-0001
Online Store

Jeep JK track bar bracket brace

2009-02-23T16:31:00.004-05:00

New from Superlift...
Effective February 1, 2009.

Super lift now has a Jeep JK track bar weld on bracket brace included with their Jeep Jk 4" Superlift kits and 3" Black Diamond kits.
This brace can be used with lifted or non-lifted Jeep JKs. This was designed to address a potential problem weak weld area on some earlier Jeep JKs. Chrysler has apparently strengthened the area sometime in 2008.

An optional track bar bracket, with an integrated bolt on brace, is offered for those not wanting to weld.

Both braces should be compatible with other brands of 2" to 4" suspension lifts. Fitment should be checked prior to installation of the braces.

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Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
Canada: 1-800-575-7500
International: 905-634-0001
Online Store

Hybrid and EV friendly lighting... You Bet!

2009-02-06T14:02:00.010-05:00

Vision X releases their NEW LED SOLSTICE SOLO Lighting...

If you have a HYBRID or are running an EV. These are definitely a MUST HAVE! The lamps draw a meager .75 amps yet punch out a whopping 800 lumens... That's efficiency!

Vision X introduces its all new Solstice Solo series of LED off road lamps. Equipped with Vision’s brand new 10 watt LED technology, with each 10 watt Solo produces 800 lumens making them the brightest LED off road lamp on the market in such a compact design. Not only are they the brightest, they are the most efficient with the 1100 series drawing only 0.75 amps due to their advanced electronic drivers which are also responsible for their 50,000 hour life span and variable 9-60 Volt DC input.
The Solstice Solo’s main feature is the 4 sided channel design that allows you to interlink it on all four sides with another Solstice Solo pod or other various available mounting hardware for flat, tube or even helmet mount making it the only modular light with the ability to make any shape or length with any of the available spot, euro and flood beam patterns mixed throughout your custom configuration.
No power on your ride, no worries; Vision X will also be releasing a line of rechargeable battery packs any configuration of your Solstice Solo light pods.
Other key features are as follows; Rugged die-cast aluminum housing provides optimum durability and heat dissipation. The Solstice Solo series also feature an IP68 ingress protection rated housing making them impenetrable to dust and submersible under water up to 3 meters. The unbreakable polycarbonate lenses are housed by a 6061 aluminum face plate which doubles as a radiant heat sink to melt away snow and ice in frigid conditions.
The Solstice Solo series has also been subjected to a 6Grms vibration test to ensure their performance in high impact conditions. Built to last, this Vision X series also features a lifetime warranty. Whether in an underground mine, the North slope of Alaska, Racing the Baja 1000 or even in Space; Vision X products have been chosen as an industry leader.
The Solstice series is another example of why Vision X continues to leave the competition in the dust. Vision X plans to continue the Solstice series with many other new products utilizing their new 10 watt LED technology being engineered as we speak.

Check out their website for new product updates... http://www.visionxusa.com
These lights and others are available in Canada though National 4WD Centres.

I think these would look AWESOME on any Jeep or Truck.

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Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
Canada: 1-800-575-7500
International: 905-634-0001
Online Store

Own a 2007 to 2009 Jeep JK 2 or 4-door? You may NEED this...

2009-01-15T16:55:00.003-05:00

(AEV) American Expedition Vehicles has released and will be shipping their ProCal Module for the 2007 to 2009 Jeep JK 2 door and 4 door near the end of January 2009.
This powerful, yet affordable tool, allows users to change their vehicle’s factory computer settings to suit their needs. Benefits include speedometer and gear ratio correction to compensate for tire and gear changes, Tire Pressure Monitor System control for running lower than stock pressures, daytime running lamp activation, the ability to temporarily increase the engine idle speed options for improved winching or onboard air compressor performance, and a few other neat tricks that will help installers dial in the vehicle perfectly. Consider the ProCal an essential tool to for all JK owners.

If you have any of the above requirements and want to get the maximum out of your Jeep JK Unlimited or Wrangler this spring/summer. National 4WD strongly recommends you pre-order yours now so you won't be disappointed. We anticipate this will be extremely popular as it fixes many of the issues encountered with a modified or lifted Jeep with different sized tires than stock.

For more details and ordering... ProCal Module

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Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
Canada: 1-800-575-7500
International: 905-634-0001
Online Store

Diesel News... DPF DELETE KITS NOT LEGAL

2009-01-09T14:42:00.004-05:00

Performance DPF Delete Kits are intended for off road or race use only and will void manufacturer's warranties and are not legal for highway use in Canada or US.

These kits basically bypass the particulate filter giving the vehicle some added horse-power benefit. In the process it disables part of the vehicle's emission control system which can result in some hefty fines for both the owner and the installer if installed on a vehicle intended for the road.

(DPF = Diesel Particulate Filter)

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Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
Canada: 1-800-575-7500
International: 905-634-0001
Online Store

4x4 Not Working?

2009-01-06T14:25:00.002-05:00

Your 4 wheel drive not working? Odds are good your actuator has failed or is acting up. National 4WD has a permanent and economical solution for this..."The 4X4 Posi-Lok". 4X4 Posi-Lok cable actuators replace your vacuum or thermo-electric actuators with a positive cable control which works when you need it. Mounted on or under your dash, the Posi-Lok is operated by pulling or pushing on a control knob to engage the four wheel drive when you need it the most.
No more corroded electrical contacts or leaky vacuum lines.

Call Us, Visit Us or Buy online.

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Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
Canada: 1-800-575-7500
International: 905-634-0001
Online Store

National 4WD now has Vision X for Your Mars Rover!

2008-12-15T19:19:00.004-05:00

We are happy to announce the addition of the Vision X line of lighting to our product offering. If you are looking for "Top Shelf" cream of the crop lighting, this is it. When you pick up one of the Vision X lights your thoughts respond with the words... quality and craftsmanship. If you have spent tens of thousands on your truck or car, you'll want to install a set of Vision X lamps.

These are awesome lamps, heck even NASA seems to think so!

Check out the Xmitters on the Mars Rover.

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Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
Canada: 1-800-575-7500
International: 905-634-0001
Online Store

Buy it New Built!

2008-12-05T12:22:00.002-05:00

Buy it New already Built!

We at National 4WD Centres have added a "Buy it Built" section to our website to feature Brand New trucks or Demos being sold by New truck and car dealers.
Why? Many folks have had a concern over warranties, financing, leasing, or just don't want to go through the effort to have all the work done themselves.
Buying it built from one of our participating dealers makes it easy by...

- Offering financing on the complete package.
- Enabling the customer to see what the completed vehicle looks and performs like.
- Removes the concern of warranty.

Want something a little different? Consult with a participating dealer to build one to your specifications.

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Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
Canada: 1-800-575-7500
International: 905-634-0001
Online Store

SEMA 2008

2008-11-13T10:09:00.005-05:00

They're BACK!

National 4WD's crew is back from SEMA 2008 with a ton of new product information and great deals.
We took a ton of pictures so you could enjoy them too.
Check out all the awesome trucks at this year's SEMA show.

SEMA = Specialty Equipment marketing Association

Pictures from SEMA 2008 Show

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Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
Canada: 1-800-575-7500
International: 905-634-0001
Online Store

BD Turbo Intercooler for Chevy 20012005 LB7/LLY Dodge 2008 6.7L

2008-10-07T15:23:00.005-04:00

COOL... literally!

BD Diesel has announced their new Cool-It intercoolers for 2001 - 2005 Chevy LB7/LLY Duramax and 2008 Dodge 6.7L!

They feature More Surface Area, Better Flow, Reduced Inlet Temperature.

Compressed air is heated air—and when you combine an aggressive fuel curve with elevated boost levels, high inlet temperature can result. That’s why BD developed the Cool-It intercooler.

With up to 57% more cooling surface area and an up to 33% thicker core, the Cool-It increases cooling effectiveness to approximately 90%, compared to only 70% for the stock intercooler. That can mean a temperature reduction of up to 200° Fahrenheit over the stock intercooler!

At the same time, the up to 36% larger inlet and discharge tubes can handle up to 100 psi of boost and over 1500 cfm, while holding pressure drop to less than 1 psi.

And with BD's new Chevy LB7/LLY Duramax unit having over 780 sq in of frontal cooling area and almost 2000 cu in. of cooling volume, that makes it 12% more area and 79% more volume over stock - 4% more area and 37% more volume over some competitors.

A direct, bolt-in replacement for the stock unit, the Cool-It is the best-looking, best performing intercooler on the market. Hoses and spring loaded T-bar clamps included in some kits.

New manufacturing design makes all end tanks casted with exclusive one-piece internal support columns that increase tank stiffness and strength.

YES, National 4WD installs inter-coolers, turbos, exhaust, controllers and other performance products at all our locations across Canada.

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Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
Canada: 1-800-575-7500
International: 905-634-0001
Online Store

Gas Powered Party Blender, Halloween, Superbowl...

2008-09-25T12:20:00.008-04:00

Now that's a blender!
Imagine mixin' Margaritas or non-alcohol Smoothies at the red line! 6,000 rpms? Very cool for those who like to entertain in places that don't have any hydro like campgrounds, backyards, sports events. How about a novel addition to your backyard bar... Ooooo Yeah!

This has gotta' be the ultimate gift for someone who has just about everything. Wind this thing up to the red line and you'll attract attention.

Click for more information and images

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Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
Canada: 1-800-575-7500
International: 905-634-0001
Online Store

Electric Offroad? Check out the EV Jeep JK Wrangler

2008-09-24T12:53:00.003-04:00

I figured it would happen eventually. Personally I think it's a great idea. It seems that Chrysler has been busy doing some interesting tinkering on vehicles that people actually like to drive!

Link to Chrysler's EV page

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Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
Canada: 1-800-575-7500
International: 905-634-0001
Online Store

2009 Ford F150 is Fabtech 2" Shock Spacer Kit just released!

2008-09-16T17:02:00.007-04:00

Fabtech has just released their 2" shock spacer kit for the 2009 Ford F150.

This kit bolts on top of the factory coilover shock which will retain the factory ride and makes for a simple & smooth installation. This kit will raise the front of the truck 2” and allow proper clearance for a 33” tall tire. Spacers are made of 6061 aluminum for added strength and durability.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

Kit installs onto the factory coilover.
Retains factory ride.
Complete with two spacers and hardware.
Clearance for a 33x12.50/17 tire with a 17x8 wheel
with 4 5/8” back space.

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Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
Canada: 1-800-575-7500
International: 905-634-0001
Online Store

Tube fenders by Gen-Right ... Big tires, low center of gravity

2008-09-12T10:41:00.004-04:00

Big tires, low center of gravity? Want to go with bigger tires? Open up your wheel wells to clear those new bigger tires you're looking to buy.

These are the Boulder Series Tube Fenders produced by Gen-Right Off Road for the Jeep TJ or LJ.
These close fitting tube fenders are perfect for rock crawling through the Boulders on your favorite trail or as a KING of the Mall fender replacement. Either way, these will be the last fenders you'll ever need to buy for your Jeep.

These fenders are built from a rugged 1-1/2" diameter x .120" wall tubing and plated with 1/8" thick steel, this fender will hold up on the trail.

Installation is quick and easy by retaining your stock inner fender well.

NOTES:

* Stealth side and front marker/signal light kits available for these fenders too.
* Fenders are sold in pairs.
* Fenders are sold un-painted and require finish work before painting.
* 3" and 6" Flared versions are also available!

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Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
Canada: 1-800-575-7500
International: 905-634-0001
Online Store

Bump Stops for your Jeep JK from Fabtech... SWEET!

2008-09-12T09:54:00.005-04:00

Fabtech has introduced their Dirt Logic 2.25 Hydraulic Bump Stop Kit for the 2007-08 Jeep JK. Working in conjunction with their
5" Coilover Conversion systems, this kit completes the total suspension upgrade. The Dirt Logic 2.25 Bump Stops provide additional dampening capacity at full compression for aggressive offroad use. These bump stops will also allow full articulation at low speeds for rock crawling, yet provide exceptional dampening for high speed trail runs or duning.

The bolt-on heavy duty brackets quickly and securely attach the Dirt Logic 2.25 Bump Stops to your vehicle.

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Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
Canada: 1-800-575-7500
International: 905-634-0001
Online Store

Time for a soft top?

2008-08-27T07:44:00.008-04:00

Is it your time for a new soft top?

August is coming to a close and the nights are getting a little cooler. If your Jeep is a few years old and your windows are getting a little foggy, zippers stick and jamb and you get a little more ventilation than you bargained for, it might be a good time for a new soft top or a replacement skin for your old one.
Bestop is running a rebate promotion on many of their soft tops starting September 1st 2008 through to December 31st 2008.

These tops are available from National 4WD

The scoop...

Available for purchases made between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008, Bestop Jeep Supertops® are eligible for a $100 rebate and Bestop Jeep Replace-A-Tops™ and Sailcloth Replace-A-Tops™ are eligible for a $50 rebate. Submissions must be postmarked by January 31, 2009.

Qualifying part numbers include:
Supertop part numbers starting with: 51595, 51597, 51598, 51599, 51600, 51603, 51709, 51710, 51713, 54599, 54600, 54603, 54709, 54710, 54713, 54716 and 54717.

Replace-a-top part numbers starting with: 51117, 51118, 51119, 51120, 51121, 51123, 51124, 51127, 51128, 51129, 51178, 51180 and 51193.

Sailcloth Replace-a-top part numbers starting with: 79120, 79121, 79122, 79123, 79124, 79125, 79128, 79129, 79136, 79139, 79140 and 79141.

Bestop soft tops have become the standard against which all other soft tops are measured, offering the highest quality in fit, function and style. The Supertop comes with everything needed for a complete new soft top and includes soft top fabric, hardware, windows and optional doors. The Replace-A-top includes soft top fabric, windows and optional doors to be used with factory original hardware. The Sailcloth Replace-A-Top is similar to the Replace-A-Top, but uses even heavier-duty, 32 oz. fabric for enhanced insulation and a quieter ride. For more product detail please go to www.Bestop.com .

Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
905-634-0001

Pocket Flares for your Dodge Ram 1500 1994 to 2001

2008-08-21T08:16:00.003-04:00

Kewl!
Bushwacker has just anounced their release of their new Pocket Style fender flares for your 1994 to 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 and 1994 to 2002 Dodge Ram 2500/3500.
Other than tires and lift these flares really enhance the look of the truck. Some of our customers have us paint the flares to match the truck which gives it that custom O.E.M. look or just simply leave 'em black.

Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
905-634-0001

Buy Your Tires NOW! Tire Prices Jumping BIG

2008-08-20T15:58:00.002-04:00

BUY TIRES NOW... Prices going up!

BIG Heads Up!

We've received notice from some of our big tire suppliers of big price increases coming up in September and October 2008.
With the tire companies' raw material costs, shipping rates and the drop of our Canadian dollar against the US dollar, we'll be seeing a big jump in prices on tires like Super Swamper, Interco, Dick Cepek, Mickey Thompson and others. You could see as high as 20% or more on some tires sizes.

Bottom line... If you are waiting, don't. Buy 'em now. For those that are waiting until they have a enough cash or just don't need them quite yet but plan on it.
Make your deal now and put down a deposit. Another option might be to buy them on a layaway plan where you can pay in smaller increments and pick them up at a later date. Either way, it could save you as much as $300 bucks or more on a set of higher end tires down the road.

Just found out... the drop dead deadline for Interco (Super Swamper) is August 28th, 2008.

Peter

Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
905-634-0001

New Stuff

2008-08-19T22:38:00.004-04:00

I'm never sure what to do with the ton of information I get daily... soooo, I chose to create a Blog to post the ton of information that comes across my desk.

For example, I just got news from Skyjacker suspensions. They now have a 6" suspension lift available for the 07-08 Toyota Tundra! I'm not sure if they are shipping yet, but I would imagine it'll be soon.

I heard back from one of our sales reps about last weekend's wheeling trip to Minden Ontario... AWESOME was the word. Chase managed not to break anything on our Shop Jeep JK unlimited and promised a whole pile of pictures to post online tomorrow. We'll see!

For those who aren't familiar with our Shop Jeep. It's a 2007 Jeep JK Wrangler with a Rubicon Express long arm suspension, 35" Nitto Mud Grapplers tires, Ultra Wheel Roca wheels, Fab Four bumpers front and rear, Warn 9.5 ti winch, re-geared to 5.13s and Sirius Satellite radio. Overall this truck rocks, motors through just about everything like a tank without spillin' yer Lattes!

Post U tomorrow!

Peter Scott
Director of Marketing
National 4WD Centres
http://www.national4wd.com
905-634-0001