Friday, May 23, 2014

Unity Automotive Shocks Surpass OEM Expectations


You have felt it. The bounce. The vibration. The looseness hitting a wide corner. It’s almost as if your car is convulsing any time you ride over a crack in the road. Without even taking a peek you can tell the suspension has seen its last days. It becomes a scramble. Now you have to find suitable replacement parts that will hopefully do the job without smashing your budget. Choosing the right aftermarket suspension is not only important, but essential. Your vehicle was designed to perform a certain way and now that you need a new suspension, a slight tinge of worry sets in.

There is no need for concern with Unity Automotive. Unity presents a full line of shocks, strut assemblies, and conversion kits to get your sled gliding smoothly. A big part of the reason Unity struts are such a widely respected replacement is not just because of their quality, but also their seamless fit and finish. You want factory-esque results? Unity does better than that. Thanks to over 40 years of manufacturing experience, they have nailed down the formula it takes to give your car or truck improved comfort and sustainability dealer parts can’t match.

Unity Suspension Strut Assembly
It all begins with Unity strut assemblies. Made for both the front and rear, these are not run-of-the-mill struts that require you to do a lot of detective work. Unity provides all the components you need in their full strut assemblies. Here you get everything – the struts, pistons, springs, spring isolators, valves, OEM mounts, and a protective dust boot that keeps external elements from doing damage. One of their key advantages is that they come ready for installation, so there is no need for unnecessary elbow grease. You won’t have to mess with decompressing the springs and grabbing a coil compressor since the spring comes prepped and ready for action. Not only do you have top quality struts to throw on your ride that will outperform the OEM suspension, but the pain of installation is also made a whole lot easier.

Unity Bare Struts
If your springs are in good shape, the mounts are still intact, but the rest of the strut needs replacement, Unity has bare struts available. Unlike a full assembly that encompasses everything you need in one part, Unity bare struts are just that – the strut, piston, and OEM-ready mounting system. When your suspension has been questionable, the best news you can hear from the mechanic is that your springs are still in working order and the mounts haven’t been compromised. Switching out the OEM strut for a Unity replacement is a quick and effective way to bring things back to standard.

Riding around in that Lincoln and blow an air bag? No problem! Unity offers their own Air Ditcher conversion kits that change the previous air suspension into a reliable MacPherson setup. Air suspension systems might be known for providing a cushy ride, especially for large luxury vehicles. However, one of their drawbacks has always been repair. When an air system goes bad it isn’t just (potentially) damaging to the car, it’s also heavy on the wallet. There’s a reason for that. Air suspensions require multiple working parts in order to function. The bags, the compressor, the increased electrical draw- it’s not just one thing. Plus, in order to effectively fix a damaged unit you have to be very familiar with its inner-workings. If not, it’s off to the shop you go and before you know it, a nice chunk of dough is taken out of your bank account. All of this to repair a suspension that isn’t any more effective than a traditional steel configuration.

Unity Air to Coil Conversion Kit
The Air Ditcher system is a strict air to coil conversion kit that gives you everything you need. All of the parts are in place and at a fraction of the cost it takes to repair air shocks, you can instead be rolling around with the same level of comfort but with added durability thrown in for good measure. The best part is, even if you reach a point where you have to “replace the replacement”, you will still be saving a lot of money. Air Ditcher air to coil conversion kits are available for many makes including Chevy, Chrysler, Ford, Lexus, Lincoln, and Dodge.

When your shocks go bad it is not a fun situation. They are a crucial part of both driving comfort and health. Fatigued shocks can lead to issues in the axles, wheels, and alignment. In other words, they are an important part to replace. Unity Automotive makes top quality shocks, struts, and assemblies that deliver the same level of OEM quality but with increased strength and a simple installation. UltraRev carries a full lineup of Unity struts and conversion kits for a wide variety of makes and models. Check us out today to see what’s available for your vehicle.


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Thursday, May 15, 2014

Getting to Know Go Rhino! Truck Parts

Truck lovers have always loved locking on all the little (and big) extras on and around their rides. Grilles, mirror covers, tonneau covers…these are common aftermarket customs applied to rigs all over the globe. But what about the important peripheral stuff like step bars, hitch steps, and bumper guards? You see these mods often, too, but there are only so many brands to trust. One of them, of course, is Go Rhino!

Go Rhino spends their time creating line after line of sidesteps, racks, and an assortment of other accessories meant for heavy-duty assignments. Many of their products are vehicle-specific but they also offer a fine collection of universal truck parts, as well. Most folks who hop on board the Go Rhino! train are looking for hardcore steel construction along with efficient utility to handle everyday tasks. A little style never hurt anybody, either, which is why you can find most of their catalog available in nice finishes such as black powder coat, polished steel, and chrome.

Go Rhino Step Bars

Step bars are always a hot item in the trucking community, mostly because they are an asset many can relate to. Just about anyone who owns a truck likes having an easier time stepping into their rig, which is exactly what a nerf bar is designed for. Go Rhino gives motorists a big fat selection of sturdy steel sidesteps to choose from. Take the Dominator series, for instance. This is a collection of Go Rhino step bars that feature an angled drop-step that protrudes down from the bar itself. Both the bar and the step pad have a nice, non-slip surface so that your footing never loses grip entering or exiting the vehicle.

OE Xtreme Sidesteps

Looking for a thick solution to your stepguard issues with a touch of sleekness thrown in? The OE Xtreme line of sidesteps brings that to the table in spades. Crafted from steel tubing and available in several diameters (4”, 5”, and 6”), OE Xtreme Plus sidesteps deliver a robust answer for those who need some added oomph when climbing up to the cab.

While most of their nerf bars fit strictly according to wheelbase, you can also find some that run from wheel to wheel regardless of model. This is an important feature for those who regularly have the need to adjust cargo in the truck bed or on back of the roof. That extra bit of length towards the rear makes a big difference for drivers constantly on the go.

Go Rhino Grille Guards

This is an interesting segment of Go Rhino products simply because of the allotment of options at your disposal. You can find straight-up truck bumper guards that focus most of the action towards the bottom of the front-end or go for a total setup that includes brush guards. It depends on what you need, what your driving habits are like, and so forth.

We are talking about brute tough stainless steel heading the charge for your monster whenever you’re behind the wheel. The brush guards rise up on each side while the face of the grille peeks behind uncompromising steel security. Anything from rocks to tree fragments don’t stand a chance against these grille protectors. Errant shopping carts and unaware motorists who back into the grille in a parking lot don’t stand a chance, either.

Go Rhino HD Winch Guard
Just for the sake of initiating a little more utility to spice things up, Go Rhino said “what the heck?” and built a line of their grille guards with a winch included. So, you don’t just gain the ability to travel with more confidence but if you need to tow or pull something out of the mud, you’ve got all the strength you need. The winch bumper guards come in two distinct versions: standard and HD. The “HD” is for heavy-duty, a term all truck fans should be familiar with. These bad boys have a winch that can pull up to 16,500 lbs. without breaking a sweat. Standard comes in at around 9,500 lbs. and is more geared for the day-to-day motorist who likes dirtying it up once in a while.

Go Rhino Bed Bars and Xtreme Racks

Bed bars are for everyone, but those who enjoy taking their truck off the pavement and onto the rocky trails at night are who really love these things. That is because Go Rhino bed bars are designed to give you the ultimate freedom in customizing your bed setup for auxiliary lights. Rhino’s bed bars are tubes of steel shaped and angled for you to install them near the back of the cab so that they extend upwards for you to place a light strip on. Intended for a streamlined application, the bars can be layered into double or even triple setups for whatever you need. They are connected together with the help of nylon washers so that there is no dreaded “metal on metal” contact. The bars also feature base plates for installation into the bed itself. This part does require some drilling into your rig, but it’s as minimally invasive as can be. Go Rhino gives you all the hardware you need plus installation instructions.

Xtreme Rack Sport Bar Thunder Series
On the other side of the equation are Xtreme truck sport bars. Once again, the goal here is to give you a way to get a light bar on your truck without the old-school tradition of bolting something into the roof. Xtreme sport bars are straightforward when it comes to installation. All you’ll have to do here is utilize the OEM stake pocket holes in your rails and insert the pillars of the rack right into them. They are much more compact than bed bars and also give you the ability to dazzle things up a bit. Want some flames on the sides of the uprights to send a little message? You can have ‘em, along with several of their attractive finishing options.

Finishes

Go Rhino offers black powder coating, chrome, and polished steel for the wide majority of their inventory. The attribute that makes their finishes stand out is the warranties. You don’t just get a nice, fashionable hunk of steel with Go Rhino!, but you also receive a guarantee that your finish will hold up. Black powder coat and chrome finishes come backed by a 5-year warranty while polished steel comes in with a limited lifetime warranty.

At UltraRev, we’re happy to work with Go Rhino because they make truck parts that not only perform as described, but also don’t make you pull your hair out over installation. They care about their product line and have the reputation to back it up. Truckers who just want some no-nonsense toughness bolted onto their vehicles or custom fanatics looking for both versatility and style have been using Go Rhino parts for a very long time. And that is because of the quality and performance their accessories are known for. Interested in seeing what’s available for your ride? Check out our selection today!

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Monday, May 5, 2014

MGP Caliper Covers - More Than Just a Fashion Accessory

Caliper covers are a common addition to performance vehicles or cars decorated for a racing-inspired look. The preeminent manufacturer of caliper covers is MGP, a firm based out of San Diego, California. MGP has been in operation for a couple of decades and present a wide variety of custom caliper covers for most modern vehicles. Depending on your style, the car you drive, and automotive needs, caliper guards are an item you might be interested in.

MGP Caliper Cover (Red)
The first question you may have is “where do caliper guards go?" Caliper covers are inserted over the face of your brake calipers. There are two distinct reasons for this. The first is the most obvious: Style. The number one reason people purchase and install MGP caliper covers is to enhance the look of their wheels and in turn, their vehicle’s entire exterior. On models with aftermarket rims or wide wheels, most times the brake calipers are visible through the alloy. So for anyone looking to get a close-up on your new wheels, they will notice your dulled, metallic brake calipers kind of peeking through. What caliper covers do is just that – cover up the exposed face of the part with a colorful look. MGP caliper guards are finished with a powder-coated shade, most commonly red or black. But plenty of drivers prefer a custom color, which MGP is happy to provide.

MGP Mustang Caliper Covers (Front)
Another facet of the caliper cover experience is protection. In years past, the brand of defense offered by a set of caliper guards was underrated. Most driving enthusiasts thought of the part as simply a fashion accessory. There was even some worry that covering up the calipers would create more heat in the area. Rest assured, MGP caliper covers do not elicit more heat. In fact, they keep the area cooler than it would be without them! That is due in large part to the material the company uses. MGP crafts their covers out of 6061-T6 aluminum. You may be familiar with this type of aluminum, as it is used in many ways, such as for other automotive accessories, bicycle frames, and the like. The aluminum of the cover does not take the heat initiated from braking and absorb it. Instead, it manages the temperature and keeps the heat from increasing. This not only keeps the cover cool, but it also keeps the pistons and immediate area at a reasonable temp.

Caliper covers also prevent from brake dust and sediment from becoming an issue. Once again, the aluminum comes into play here. The more the calipers are kept clean, the less likelihood you have of brake dust seeping into the components and causing wear-and-tear later on. And if there is some sort of dusty buildup on the caliper guards it’s no problem. Thanks to their deluxe powder-coat, MGP caliper covers can be wiped clean.

Ford Mustang "Magnus" Caliper Cover
But once again, the look is the main attraction, so let’s get back to that. The stock appearance of MGP brake caliper guards is to have the letters “MGP” displayed in the middle. For certain models, such as high-profile vehicles like the Ford Mustang, Chevy Corvette, Chevy Camaro, and so forth, there are sets of caliper covers available that have either the automaker’s name or the name of the model engraved in. Sub-models can show even more distinction with terms like “SS” for the Camaro or “Magnus” for Mustang. However, MGP does not have this type of text as a stock offering for all models. So, let’s say you have a Honda S2000 and want “S2000” displayed on your covers, MGP will do it for you as a custom order. They will engrave most custom text or logos drivers want if they are provided with an uploaded image file.

Installation is easy. As the saying goes, “if you can change a tire, you can install caliper covers.” And that is pretty much close to how it’s done, although the saying would be more accurate if it was “if you know how to rotate tires, you can install caliper covers.” What you have to do in a nutshell, is this: Get a floor jack, jack up your car and remove one wheel at a time. Caliper covers come with clips and nuts. Put a cover on, fitting the clip over the top of it and screwing it in. Replace the wheel and move on to the next one. That’s pretty much it. Depending on your motivation, space in the driveway or garage, and experience, it should take about an hour to get all four wheels completed. Then again, if you only purchased a set of MGP caliper covers for the fronts, it takes half the time.

At Ultrarev, we have a huge assortment of MGP caliper covers available. Check out our selection and look for your model. Whether you are a performance fanatic looking for extra panache or just an everyday driver in the mood for some added expression, caliper covers can be a quick and easy way to give your ride something unique that sets it apart.


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