Pics and story by Larry Conville
Skyjacker Suspensions at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show
The 99th Chicago Auto Show (CAS) opened it doors to the public Friday, February 9th. It runs until Sunday, February 18th. This is where you get to see all the vehicles that the manufacturers have to offer for 2007 and future models in their unique concept cars. It is full of new innovations, modern day marvels, and cool creations from all over the world.
There are vehicles from every manufacturer built for everyone. These vehicles fit every avenue of speed, performance, looks, comfort, luxury, heavy-towing, hauling, and 4x4 fun. All spectrums of the automotive world are featured at the DAS. It is a place to come in kick the tires, to sit in the driver's seat, to feel the vehicle inside & out to see if it is the one for you. All in all, it is a cool place to be... real cool outside too - about 0.
Every gear-head in the automotive industry is aware and more than likely involved to a particular degree with SEMA - The Specialty Equipment Market Association. SEMA represents the automotive specialty and performance parts industry - the people who make aftermarket accessories for gear heads like us. Their involvement helps bridge the gap between the makers of these aftermarket products with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) - Ford, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota, GM, etc.
It makes good sense to keep close ties with these companies and to be involved with some of the mainstream ideas that come forth from these gatherings - like the Chicago Auto Show. SEMA joined forces with SHELL, the gas & oil company, to display some highly customized rides from the 2006 SEMA Show. These unique vehicles are ideal to let everyday people like ourselves see what dreams are achievable. These same vehicles that came straight off an assembly line developed into a very personal creation with accessible products from the world of aftermarket parts.
Because of our veins run true to our 4x4 blood line, the 2007 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon really caught our attention. This Jeep JK and Tentrax Trailer combination was created by the skillful personnel at Skyjacker Suspensions. It reflects the same quality of workmanship that this suspension manufacturer produces in their brand of products.
This Jeep JK 4-Door was first debuted at the 2006 SEMA Show. The vivid Rescue Green color and copper-orange tribal flames that are carried on to the trailer set an eye catching flare. These same copper-orange colors were used as accent colors on the inside of the cockpit on the dash's a/c vents. The seats were customized with real alligator skin from the bayous of their home state of Louisiana.
The suspension rides on Skyjacker new Long Arm 6 Inch Suspension that includes their new Rebuildable 1.25" Rod Ends. It has their Platinum M9000 Series Shocks & a Hydro H7000 Series Steering Stabilizer. The Toyo Tire's 37x13.50-R20 Open Country M/Ts are mounted on Renegade 5-Star Wheels from Raceline Wheels. McGard lug nuts & locks hold these safely & securely in place.
It has a slue of Mopar Accessories. The front and rear bumper with the swing away spare is built to handle the off-road adventures that lay ahead of this vehicle. Jeep Trail Guide is a Garwin GPS unit used to find the way and mark the trail back home. The A-pillar light mounts utilize Hella Lights to light the way.
The front bumper houses the Warn 9500 lb PowerPlant Dual Force HP winch. This unit is a strong electric winch and an air compressor built all in one. Warn SDB160 Driving Lights are mounted to the front & back of the Yakima rack on top of the vehicle. The Yakima rack includes mounting brackets for the color match shovel & axe. Yakima cross bars & King Cobra bike mounts were also used on top of the Tentrax trailer to secure the matching pair of DiamondBack Response Sport `07 trail bikes.
An Optima Yellow Top battery was the best choice to fulfill the extra electrical needs of this off-roading machine. A Gibson Performance cat-back exhaust was added to give the 3.8 Liter V8 a more powerful response & sound.
A billet Precision Grille was added to highlight the world renowned seven vertical bar grill. SteelCrafter, Inc. taillight guards were the finishing touch to add protection & style to rear.
Make the trip up to McCormick Place to see the Chicago Auto Show. The sights and sounds are well worth the effort. Pick out your next off-roading machine and build it to suit your personal style. Stop by the SEMA\SHELL booth while you are there and see the Skyjacker Jeep. This vehicle is clean and shiny for this type of show. When you see it at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah this year, it will not be this clean.
List of Aftermarket Accessories:
Skyjacker Suspensions
• Long Arm 6 Inch Suspension with the new Rebuildable 1.25" Rod Ends
• Platinum M9000 Series Shocks
• Hydro H7000 Series Steering Stabilizers
Toyo Tires
• 37x13.50-R20 Open Country M/T
Raceline Wheels
• Renegade 5-Star Wheels - 20x10, 5x5 Bolt Pattern, 4.5 Back Spacing
Warn Industries
• 9500 LB PowerPlant Dual Force HP Winch
• SDB160 Driving Lights
McGard, Inc.
• Hex (Cone Seat) Lug Nuts with Locks, Chrome
Optima Batteries
• Yellow Top Sealed Performance Battery
Precision Grilles
• Vertical Grille, Polished Stainless
Gibson Performance
• Cat Back Exhaust
Mopar Performance
• Jeep Trail Guide (Garvin GPS)
• Front Bumper
• Rear Bumper with Swing Away Spare
• A-Pillar Light Mounts / Hella Lights
• Slush Mats
• Receiver Hitch & Towing Wiring Kit
• Cab Cover
Steelcraft Automotive
• TailLight Guards
Yakima
• Low Rider Max
• Claw 2
• 58" Crossbars
• MegaWarrior Basket
• Mega Warrior Extention-
• Light Brackets- 4 Front & 2 Rear
• Axe/Shovel Holder-
Tentrax Trailer
Yakima for Tentrax
• Low Rider
• 58" Crossbar
• King Cobra Bike Mount
Diamondback Bicycles
• Response Sport `07
