Getting more out your truck is important to you. If you are considering installing truck performance upgrades, make sure that you know what you are getting into. While many modifications can be simple and cost effective, the larger and more involved projects can become quite costly and require professional help (or at least tools). The first step is to define exactly what you want to upgrade. This will largely depend on what you intend to use the truck for.
Off Road: If you're going off road with your truck, you'll need a completely different set of upgrades than those who want to haul items. For instance, you will very possibly want to invest in a lift kit. This sets the body of the truck up higher. It is very important to note that only the body of the truck is affected; the axles (and the all important differential) remain at factory height. The only way to raise the axles and drive train up with the body is to invest in larger wheels and tires. The larger the diameter of your wheel, the higher the truck will sit. Also, your tires can add a good bit of height, as well. You may also wish to invest in "mudder" tires; these are specifically designed for off road use; using them on the road can wear them out quickly.
Towing: If you are going to haul heavy loads with your truck, there are a couple of performance upgrades that you can perform. Adding an additional towing package to your truck is advisable. You will need to check your OEM towing capacity to find out exactly what kind of towing package you will need. In addition to the obvious things, such as heavier hitches and sturdier construction, these kits come with important items like transmission coolers. A transmission cooler is a vital item for heavy hauling. Basically, it is simply a series of lines, hoses and fins that routes transmission fluid in front of your radiator to cool it with passing air. Overheating your transmission is the number one cause of transmission failure in any vehicle. Investing in a professional towing package will also give you the wiring you need for trailer lights.
Speed: If you are interested in enhancing the speed of your truck, there are quite a few upgrades available for your needs. The first thing that you can do is to invest in a cold air intake. These operate by supplying the engine with a constant supply of cold air. Cold air is denser than warm air, increasing the amount of burn you get out of your fuel, thus increasing horsepower. Usually, these will run down towards the bottom section of the front side of your engine. Additionally, you can consider adding a turbo to the engine. These can be easily located for a number of different truck brands. If you own a diesel truck, chances are you already have a turbo installed. Upgrading to a larger turbo will give you more power in this case. Truck spoilers are another option. These are designed to keep the down force of the wind pressing down on the back of the truck, where extra force is needed. Stay away from roof mounted spoilers; these add no performance to your truck, only drag and extra weight.
No matter why you want to upgrade the performance of your truck, you can find a variety of different ways to go about it. The first step, as mentioned, is to define your needs. Once done, you'll need to find a quality retailer that offers performance related accessories that fit your truck. Remember that "universal" products are ok, but OEM specific products are much better.
Let's face it; your truck can use better looks and more storage areas. Whether you want the rough and rugged appearance of an off-road truck or the sleek look of a street truck, there are ways that you can do this affordably. Buying and installing truck accessories can be a serious drain on your wallet. Thankfully, there are several ways in which you can get the look and function that you want for your truck. Below, you'll find some options to get you the tricked out looks and best function out of your ride.
Buying Budget Accessories: While top of the line, name brand products are the best option, they can be expensive. Buying off brand accessories can help offset the costs associated with accessorizing an automobile. Some off brands even provide better performance than their name brand competitors. For example, racing inspired wheels are very popular. These are constructed of billet aluminum with performance oriented styling. Name brands are expensive, but you can find knock off brands quite easily.
Used Parts: Purchasing used truck accessories might not be the most appealing method to many owners, especially if the truck is new; however, it does afford substantial savings over buying new accessories. Running boards, nerf bars, truck bed bars and many other options can be found in good used condition. There are many magazines that offer sales of used accessories, as well as online sites devoted to this.
Clearance Sales: While it is rare, you can find clearance truck accessories. When new styles of accessories come out on the market, manufacturers and retailers must make room for these new pieces. While you may not find the newest accessories on the market, you can certainly find a good deal on some of the older accessories. This is a good way to get new accessories for the price of used ones.
Piece It: Perhaps the best way to get the look you want on a budget is to piece your accessories together over time. While this might not be the best option for those with an "I want it right now" mentality, this is a good option for most truck owners. Simply decide where you want to start and buy a single item at a time. If you desire more storage, purchase a tool box designed to work with your truck, for example. By purchasing a single accessory at a time, you can save for the next piece that much easier. While many consumers would rather have everything done at a single time, this option works well for those on limited budgets.
Package Deals: if you are considering purchasing OEM accessories from Ford, Chevy, Dodge or GM, you can often talk to the dealership about a package deal. You may be surprised at the amount of money you can save when you buy your accessories together. Often, a single item will be marked up from the price that it would be offered at through a package. Sometimes you can even find discounts on the installation costs of your accessories by doing this. Speaking with the parts department at your local dealership can help.
Use the Internet: One of the best ways to find the truck accessories that you want, at a price you can afford is to use the Internet. Many parts companies offer discounted accessories online. You'll also find that they provide free shipping many times, in an effort to benefit their customers. Some big name companies, such as Jeg's and others have an online presence, though you'll find many more companies as well.
