#Suspension Kits for Trucks

[breakersstereo11]

Car Stereo Stores - Breakers Stereo & Performance

Choose Breakers Stereo & Performance if you're looking for car stereo stores since Bob Graham, our friend, and mentor, founded us in 1976 as a CB business. We entered the industry in the 1980s during the automobile audio boom. We built a reputation for ourselves through custom builds and made it into a few magazines. To maximize every vehicle's potential while educating our clients at every stage of the process, We also have the most extensive assortment of rims and tyres in Ventura County. We are experts in truck lift kits, lowering vehicles, and vehicle suspension.

[minitruckpart]

Signs Your Mini Truck Suspension Needs Attention

A vehicle's suspension system ensures a smooth and comfortable ride by absorbing shocks from the road. It is made up of several components that work together to minimize the effects of bushings, control arms, and uneven surfaces, ultimately improving vehicle stability and handling. Read on to know the major signs that your mini truck suspension needs attention.

[black-diamond-unlimited]

Lift Kits for Trucks: Elevate Your Ride and Conquer Any Terrain

Trucks are synonymous with adventure, capability, and a touch of rugged charm. But sometimes, even the most capable truck needs a little boost to truly conquer the toughest terrain and stand out from the crowd. That's where lift kits come in.

What is a Lift Kit?

A lift kit is a set of components that raises the suspension of your truck, increasing ground clearance and allowing you to fit larger tires. This elevation unlocks a world of possibilities, from navigating rocky trails to wading through deep mud pits. Lift kits come in various configurations, from simple spacers to comprehensive upgrades that overhaul your entire suspension system.

Why Install a Lift Kit?

The benefits of installing a lift kit extend far beyond aesthetics. Here are some of the key reasons to consider giving your truck a lift:

Enhanced off-road capability: Increased ground clearance tackles steeper inclines, larger obstacles, and deeper water crossings with ease.

Improved handling: Properly installed lift kits can actually enhance handling on rough terrain by providing better articulation and stability.

Larger tire options: Bigger tires offer better grip, traction, and obstacle clearance. Lift kits make fitting these larger tires possible without rubbing or causing suspension issues.

Aggressive stance: A lifted truck simply looks tougher and more commanding, turning heads wherever you go.

Types of Lift Kits

Before diving into the world of lift kits, it's crucial to understand the different types available. Each type caters to specific needs and budgets:

Spacers: These are the simplest and most affordable lift kits, using spacers to raise the existing coil springs or leaf springs. Spacers offer a small lift height (typically 1-2 inches) and are a good budget option for mild off-roading.

Coil Spring Kits: These kits replace the factory coil springs with taller and stiffer ones, providing a more significant lift (2-4 inches) and improved handling. Coil spring kits are ideal for moderate off-roading and offer a smoother ride compared to spacers.

Leaf Spring Kits: Similar to coil spring kits, these kits replace the factory leaf springs with taller and heavier ones, offering a lift height of 2-6 inches and superior load capacity. Leaf spring kits are ideal for heavy trucks and serious off-roading.

Full Suspension Kits: These comprehensive kits overhaul the entire suspension system, including coil springs, shocks, control arms, and track bars. Full suspension kits offer the most significant lift heights (up to 8 inches) and the best performance for extreme off-roading.

Choosing the Right Lift Kit for Your Truck

Selecting the right lift kit depends on several factors:

Your truck's make and model: Different trucks have different suspension designs and require specific lift kits.

Desired lift height: Consider how much ground clearance you need and the type of off-roading you plan to do.

Budget: Lift kits range in price from a few hundred dollars for spacers to several thousand dollars for full suspension kits.

Driving style: If you primarily use your truck for on-road driving, a smaller lift and focus on handling might be better. For hardcore off-roaders, a higher lift and maximum capability are paramount.

Important Considerations Before Installing a Lift Kit

Lifting your truck comes with some considerations:

Warranty: Installing a lift kit may void your truck's warranty, so check with your dealership before proceeding.

Maintenance: Lifted trucks require additional maintenance, such as regular alignment checks and adjustments.

Fuel efficiency: Larger tires and increased weight can slightly decrease fuel economy.

Legality: Some states have restrictions on lift height, so check your local laws before installing a kit.

Conclusion

Lift kits are a fantastic way to transform your truck into an off-road beast and turn heads on the road. With careful planning and the right kit, you can elevate your truck's capabilities, performance, and style. So, whether you're a seasoned off-roader or simply looking for a more adventurous ride, consider giving your truck a lift and experience the thrill of conquering any terrain.

[vividracing]

New Post has been published on https://www.vividracing.com/blog/leveling-kits-vs-lifts-kits-for-the-toyota-4runner-2014/

Leveling Kits vs Lifts Kits for the Toyota 4Runner 2014+

Toyota 4Runner 2014+ is a midsize SUV endowed with features that make it a comfortable ride for long adventures. This SUV is durable, reliable with impeccable offroad capabilities, and has a rugged exterior that can withstand anything making it a great ride to have if you are an everyday driver or an adventure seeker. Despite their praiseworthy features, 4Runners have one issue in common; driver side lean, which as you might have seen is when the SUV leans to the driver’s side. The reason for this is that Toyota 4Runners have both the battery and gas tank on the driver side which adds the weight on that side.

The aftermarket industry is knows for providing products that perform better than stock, and even correct the design features like the driver side lean that could be a nuisance for drivers. The easier way to correct the driver side lean is by using an adjustable suspension, and I know this may leave you with more questions than answers seeing that the lift kits and leveling kits are popular upgrades for owners of the 4Runner. Well, lift kits are first of all a bit pricy than leveling kits and they are used to lift the whole vehicle. Lift kits usually increase ground clearance, which allows the vehicle to navigate rough terrain or accommodate larger tires. A lift kit is traditionally over 3″ and a high-quality one will involve a lot more than a spacer up front.

Leveling kits on the other hand, are used to level the truck/SUV factory “rake”, where the front sits lower than the rear. If you are not using your 4Runner for towing or carrying heavy loads, using the leveling kit to level stance between the front and rear of the truck provides some performance advantages when it comes to how the vehicle handles.

When the lift kits involves installing taller springs, spacers, or other components to lift the SUV, leveling kits may involve spacers, torsion keys, or other adjustments. A typical leveling kit will provide the additional ride height to the front suspension to match the rear. This is usually 1 – 2.5″. If your SUV has a driver-side lean and you would love to fix that, we have couple suspension upgrades recommendations for you.

Click Here to Buy the Performance Suspension Packages of Your Choice Now!

Click the link above to visit our shop and select suspension products from outstanding brands like ICON, Genuine Toyota, Camburg, Eibach, and more. Speaking of Eibach, we highly recommend their Eibach Pro-Truck Coilover Stage 2R Front Coilovers + Rear Reservoir Shocks Toyota 4Runner 4WD 2010-2022.

Made for both on road and offroad use, these shocks have an increased fluid capacity, allowing for more controlled pressures under severe abuse which means these shocks can survive the maximum traction on the trails.

Features:

Stage 2 system featuring Pro-Truck-Coilover 2.0’s + Pro-Truck Reservoir Sport Shocks

Height Adjustable Front Coilover and External Reservoir Rear Shocks for Increased Off-Road Performance

Anodized 6061-T6 Billet Aluminum Coilover Mounts 46mm Piston Monotube Design with Nitrogen Filled Variable Force Valving.

Individually Dyno Tested for Matched Performance and Reliability. Heavy Duty Bushing System also Cycle Tested.

Engineered Tested and Manufactured by Eibach in the U.S.A.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Front: +2.0-4.0″

Rear: +1.0″

Fitment:

CLICK HERE to buy suspension shocks for your Toyota 4Runner 2014+

CLICK HERE to buy the Eibach Pro-Truck Coilover Stage 2R Front Coilovers + Rear Reservoir Shocks Toyota 4Runner 4WD 2010-2022

CLICK HERE to buy the Genuine Toyota TRD PRO Fox Suspension Kit for Toyota 4Runner

Check out this stunning 4Runner with an ICON lift kit installed;

You can buy the lift kit featured – ICON 10-Up Toyota 4Runner/FJ Cruiser 0-3.5″ Lift Stage 8 Suspension System Billet UCA by CLICKING HERE

You can grab the tires HERE

And the attractive wheels installed which are by Fifteen52 – HERE

If you would love to get more upgrade recommendations for your Toyota 4Runner 2014+, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach us by phone at 1-480-966-3040 or via email at sales@vividracing.com

[0ctorage]

I haven't seen anyone comment on Belle and Wise's fuck ass kia soul and I think we should for a couple of reasons

1.) In a futuristic world with robots and cool cars getting a 2 x 4 box with wheels is the most "we have no money and found this on Craigslist for 1000 dennies" option they could of possibly chose

2.) It's completely kitted out to be an advertisement for, what was before the story, a dying video store that is just a front for their criminal work which is insane. Also, why does it have a speaker like an ice cream truck or news van? What are they broadcasting? Full length movies?

3.) And, finally, why the fuck is their car SO LOW???? They couldn't have possibly bought it like this they must of gone in and lowered the suspension themselves multiple times. Literally one tiny speed bump would ruin the entire car. This can't possibly be road legal.

This concludes my petition to get the proxy siblings a new car that's not their custom kia soul thank you

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE, 2023, by Arctic Trucks. The expedition car has kept its original battery-electric powertrain combined with raised suspension and flared wheel arches to accommodate 39-inch off-road tyres and additional body kit. You can follow the world-first electric expedition from the magnetic North Pole to the South Pole here.

[automotivealchemy]

Chevrolet S-10 Compact Pickup Concept

What if...Chevrolet wanted to make a statement as the return of a compact truck to the American markets? Featuring an array of engine configurations from a 2.0L or 2.5L inline 4 cylinder motor as well as a 2.8L V6 with an optional 2.5L diesel motor. Paired with either a 6 speed manual or automatic transmission and capable of being all wheel drive or rear wheel drive. Later would be introduced the first ever compact fully electric pickup with impressive towing capacity and range. With it's compact size, it would mainly be a focused on the single cab configuration but later would introduce an extended and crew cab reminiscent of the old model. With it size being smaller than the Colorado and sitting lower it would not be ideal for complete off-road capabilities. However, it would leave it open to be customized by aftermarket enthusiasts to develop their own suspension kits for the compact truck.

[identifying-cars-in-posts]

what's your stance on the "lifted dodge ram truck" phenomenon? personally i am absolutely vitriolic towards most instances of lifted pickup trucks. usually it's some "redneck" compensating and spending his life savings on a kitted out car that in raising becomes even harder to control and takes up even more space on the road. i especially hate when they extend the axles so the car is way wider. your pickup doesn't need child birthing hips 😭

however, any number of these modifications are great for farms and other off-road type deals, as well as hauling large machinery or logs, which is fine! the problem is 99% of these cars i see are pristine shiny no dent metal with 0 signs of actually being used as intended. AND there are 5843759273548495783 of them on the road at any given time.

thoughts? sorry for the rant i'm just fed up at these huge ass pickups taking up the entire small town road that is already so thin that my small car is struggling. please correct me if i made any mistakes here, i'm no expert.

no worries about the rant, i definitely have thoughts haha. i grew up in a rural area, moved to a big city, and then moved back to a rural area, and have encountered every kind of big truck out there.

i think that in a majority of the cases, like you said, the ones i see have clearly never seen a speck of mud and likely never will if the owners have any say. the ones with the shiny intricate suspension, giant rims with tiny tire profiles, perfectly clean and waxed paint and not a scratch or dent to be found. the jeep community calls them mallcrawlers. i really really don’t care for those either, i think everyone is entitled to do what they want to make their car their own, but it’s really hard to see anything other than pure posturing when i see those trucks rolling coal down a sparkling urban street or a peaceful rural or suburban road.

big trucks in general are a problem. i love my old mid century full sized suvs, but the current generation of pickup trucks where the hood is above eye level for many full grown adults let alone kids, those are at best unnecessary and at worst dangerous. when people then jack those up on giant wide suspension, that should be fuckin criminalized with how dangerous that makes them on the road.

now, if it’s lifted but it’s actual practical stuff, with signs that they actually take their car off-road? i have no issue with that at all. got a big tall jeep but it’s got a tent and a legit winch and stuff like that? or it’s clearly a diy off-roader build that’s being used? you’re okay in my book, you clearly actually need it to do that. but mallcrawlers who are just doing it for clout are genuinely driving death traps

[authenticerica]

Finally got around to much needed upgrades to the old fx4. Upgraded front calipers with pads and rotors. And with the cost of new tires being well over 2200 for the truck, I found a set of brand new 2023 take offs with tires. The black appearance package rims go pretty well with my midnight. Not the tires I wanted but couldn’t beat the price!! ⁣ ⁣ With the newer style front end I did last year and now rims, she looks a little newer and cleaner. Next is upgraded suspension with leveling kit!! ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ _____________________________________#f150 #f150fx4 #girlswhowrench #liveauthentic #truckgirl #girlslikeus #transvisibility #thisiswhattranslookslike #girlscandoanything #lgbt #lgbtq https://www.instagram.com/p/CpiXHduOY2y/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[andrusi]

rating lego firetrucks: mid-late 2010s odds and ends

#10740 Fire Patrol Suitcase (2017)

this is definitely the suitcase I want if I ever have to patrol a fire, but I do not want to patrol a fire. 🚒🚒

#42068 Airport Rescue Vehicle (2017)

another technic crash truck. kind of worried it’ll betray me to the decepticons. 🤖🤖🤖🤖

#45021 Our Town (2017)

I’m not squinting at duplo. I refuse.

#45804 HYDRO DYNAMICS Challenge Kit (2017)

is that a tiny fire truck in the upper right corner? what am I supposed to say about this? you’re not helpful, first lego league.

#4000024: LEGO House Tree of Creativity (2017)/ #4000026: LEGO House Tree of Creativity (2018)

two distinct sets, but they include identical teeny tiny firetrucks, the smallest I think we’ve seen up to now. cute but not really much to say. 🚒🚒

#10263 Winter Village Fire Station

does “winter village” imply they abandon it in the summer? 🚒🚒🚒

#42075 First Responder (2018)

suspension! 🚒🚒🚒

#10886 My First Car Creations (2019)

for a minute I thought this was identical to the one from #10816 (My First Cars and Trucks) but no it is not.

#10901 Fire Truck (2019)

another new duplo firetruck design? they just can’t sit still I guess.

#10903 Fire Station (2019)

sadly I have been forced to make a decision on whether replacing a ladder with tools makes a different vehicle. it does, apparently.

[breakersstereo11]

How do suspension lift kits create ground clearance?

When you choose to invest in a suspension lift kit, you must know it will be helpful for you to improve ground clearance. It is a way to have better ground clearance of your vehicle by roughly 2 to 3 inches. As the vehicle sits higher on the ground, you can easily traverse tough roads and even those uneven roads. Besides, with the best suspension lift kit, you will be able to fit the larger tires easily, which will further improve the ground clearance of the vehicle. But before you decide to lift your vehicle, you must be aware of the pros and cons of the same. Besides, you also need to take time to research the rules and regulations of the area regarding vehicle lifts.

An upgrade of your vehicle will come with a lot of advantages. This will not only guarantee smoother performance but will also offer benefits. If you want to purchase truck lift kit that will suit your vehicle type, then consider visiting the website Breakers Stereo & Performance to find the options. They have got different varieties available to them. Irrespective of the car model or the quality you are looking for, you can easily find the best options available. They are the best online platform to make the purchase of quality car accessories to make upgrades.

[minitruckpart]

4 Signs Your Mini Truck Suspension Needs Attention

The suspension system of your vehicle plays a vital role in maintaining balance and responsiveness while driving. However, certain components of this system may wear out over time, which can reduce its effectiveness. Suspension problems can compromise the safety of your vehicle, and there are several warning signs you should look out for. In this article, you will learn four signs of mini truck suspension that need attention.

[cp-addict]

Anyone that has ever owned a 92-97 F250-350 knows they aren’t the best riding trucks out there. Skys Off Road Design has built a 05+ Superduty Coil Spring axle swap kit that is 100% bolt in and keeps the truck at the factory ride height of the OBS. This effectively give your OBS Ford the ride quality of a modern superduty as well as all wheel disc brakes and the ability to get 3:73s. The last two pictures are of @khalse77 amazing Crewcab Shortbed that @obs.solutions built using the Sky’s kit and a 4.5 Carli suspension for a superduty. — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/gVPID3H

[littlepanduh-writes-365]

Day 101

Title: “I Still See Those Stars”

Features: Jiyoo (Dream Catcher) | Seola (WJSN) | Seulgi (Red Velvet)

Word Count: 2,609

Inspiration: angsty one shot starters - "It really hurts."

Tags: Apocalypse/Dystopian AU | Angst | Open Ending

cw// blood

(I actually think this might turn into a full flic. There's a little more backstory regarding Hyunjung and a continuation for Seulgi and Jiyoo. I'll keep posting WIPs for the time being. Enjoy this little excerpt for now!)

(Minor context that will be in the full version: I haven't fully developed the story, but this is taken place some time in the beginning of an apocalypse. Just from a little research, it seems that electricity and satellites would still be working, especially in bigger cities. That's why my characters are still using them.)

“It really hurts.” Yoohyeon wants to follow up with another snarky comment, but finds herself completely winded after saying those three simple words. She lets out a gasp and attempts to cover it with a chuckle.

Doom washes over Minji and ferociously drains into the car seat below them. Yoohyeon wasn’t one to bluntly voice her pain. She was only like this in dire situations. Minji checks the gash on Yoohyeon’s side. Fighting her tears, she puts pressure on an area that was still bleeding and ignores Yoohyeon’s wince.

“We’re only twenty minutes away from the nearest encampment.” Hyunjung presses down on the accelerator.

Minji knows she needs to stay positive, but the logical side in her couldn’t help but think of the worst case scenario. What if the next encampment was already run over by a mob of monsters? What if it didn’t have medicine or food? They were running out of backup plans and extra supplies.

The weak woman puts a hand over her girlfriend’s fist. Not wanting to look at a bloody bandage, Minji looks back up at Yoohyeon and brushes away some stray hair.

What if she lost Yoohyeon?

“Stay strong.” Hyunjung’s timely advice is directed towards Yoohyeon, yet looks at Minji through the mirror in the sun visor.

Minji hates it. Twenty minutes was a long time. So much time, with little to do. She could stare out the window to calm her anxieties or stare into the love of her life’s eyes in case it may be the last time she does so. She could think about what her life will be like in a new base or reminisce about her college days with her girlfriend before this biological warfare started. Twenty minutes in this universe could be nothing or everything. Should Minji help look into other encampments and check radio signals or should she comfort the person she loves the most and mentally prepare for the worst?

She looks out the window to check for any signs of refuge. They were driving on a road that was right in between farmland and the city. Unfortunately, there were no signs of activity on either side. The factories were far out and didn't promise resources. Scavenging city buildings was risky and they already showed signs of abandonment. “How far out are we?” She isn’t coherent enough to think of a plan, but she could at least brainstorm something. The other passengers can put together the pieces.

Hyunjung looks at the GPS. “I’d say less than 30 kilometers.” Minji hates how unsure she sounds, but understands any satellite device has a growing margin of error in terms of accuracy. Time will only tell when cell towers and the electric grid will start to fail like in the movies.

Due to its damaged suspensions, the truck shakes rather violently as Hyunjung runs over some carcasses. Minji wants to scold her for driving so fast but still feels a wave of anxiety when Hyunjung slows down to an appropriate speed. The internal battle irritates the leader, making Minji hate her desperation for a safe haven.

Yoohyeon grunts. The aggressive shaking caused her to bleed out again. Minji fumbles around for the first aid kit. After making so much noise, Seulgi reaches behind them to pass on a clean bandage.

Minji dresses the wound. Thankfully, it’s not deep, but it’s undeniably sizable. “You’re gonna be okay, Yoo.” The patient reaches up to bite on her first. Minji hates seeing her in so much pain.

“Make a left at the intersection,” Seulgi commands in a low voice. Hyunjung follows her orders.

“Do we know anyone at that encampment?” Minji continues distracting herself.

Thankfully, Seulgi doesn’t hesitate to respond. “Our main point of contact is Kim Taeyeon.”

“Kim Taeyeon.” Minji ponders over her name. “Why does that name sound familiar?” Uncertainty hasn’t ever been a stranger to Minji ever since this horrid adventure started, but she wished there wasn’t so much of it at a time like this.

Seulgi visibly gulps. However, she knows not to test Minji’s patience. “Taeyeon-unnie took Joohyun-unnie into her care.”

It’s a rather bitter memory.

This Taeyeon-person seems trustworthy, but considering Joohyun’s fate…

Minji doesn’t like how there hasn’t been a single odd in their favor.

Still, she pushes for answers. “How do you know we can trust her?”

Seulgi bites the inside of her cheek. Even Hyunjung glances over to check on her. “Taeyeon-unnie took Joohyunnie in without any question.” She pauses to brace herself and to push back the affection. “I understand what happened to Joohyun-unnie, but we all know that was out of our control. I’m still grateful that sunbaenim took her in without question and treated her as best as she could.”

Minji can hold onto Seulgi’s hope, but continues to dig for a peace of mind. “And what if she’s not there?”

“I was in contact with her yesterday. They still have control over a communications tower and haven’t had to resort to using a backup power generator. They seem to be doing fine.” Seulgi’s defensive nature is a rare occurrence and tips Minji off.

“That was before the attack.” Minji sounds a little more volatile than she ever wants to be. “What if she’s not there? What if they were affected, too?”

Seulgi sighs. She doesn’t know how to give an answer that an angry Minji will accept.

This time, Hyunjung steps in. “The next camp after is another 12 kilometers from Taeyeon-ssi’s base. Hyojung-unnie and Hyunwoo-oppa are there. I haven’t contacted them, but their base camp is pretty big and I’m pretty confident that they’re still there. We’ll radio in when we get close.” Her supposed backup plan still had holes in it, but the concept was enough to ease some of Minji’s worries.

In the back, Yoohyeon takes a shaky breath. Minji immediately consoles her.

Hyunjung looks at her backseat passengers in the rearview mirror. “You think you can hold up, Yoo?” She won’t be able to see, but Yoohyeon smiles.

“She’s holding a thumbs up.” Minji lets out a chuckle.

It’s enough to keep the driver going.

“How about you?” Hyunjung lowers her voice and looks towards Seulgi. “Are you doing okay?”

Seulgi hesitates. Her silence is enough of an answer.

The tension in the car is rather unbearable, so Hyunjung rolls down her window and turns up the music. She mentally prepares herself for what she’s going to see—who she’s going to see. It’s a lot to think about and she may never be ready to return, but knows she doesn’t have a choice.

At least there’s a hint of excitement. That’s gotta count for something, right?

Trying to stay awake amidst the silence, Yoohyeon looks out the window and notices the Lotte World Tower. She smiles. “We’re on our way home.”

The message was a little too obscure for Minji’s comfort. Was Yoohyeon starting to see The Light ™? “What do you mean by that?”

Yoohyeon continues to stare out the window. “Everytime I took the bus home from uni, I knew we were close to home when I saw the Lotte World Tower. Don’t you remember?”

Minji doesn’t remember, and she’s about to lie, but suddenly remembers bus rides with Bora and Siyeon and finds comfort in the past. She wonders if her other friends are there. She wonders if they’re alive. She wonders if she can go home.

The car stops. Minji looks outside and sees that they have reached a bridge.

Hyunjung turns in her seat to crack her back. “It’s a rather long line, but the coast is clear and at least things are moving along. She pauses to take a deep breath. “We won’t be moving for a while. I’m going out to stretch and—” to brace myself. Hyunjung doesn’t complete her thought. “Is that okay with everyone?”

Seulgi looks back, mostly for Minji’s approval. She senses this magnetic pull between her and Yoohyeon that is just begging to be satisfied and mentally scrambles a way out of the car as well. “I’m going to check our inventory.”

Hyunjung unbuckles her seatbelt and scurries out. “Knock on the window in case you need something. I won’t go far.”

The driver’s window and the back door are open, but it’s the most privacy Minji and Yoohyeon have had in a long time. Minji allows herself to decompress, but tries to keep her emotions at bay. She can’t relish in relief until they pass this bridge.

“Minji-yah,” Yoohyeon weakly calls out to her.

The owner of the name looks down at her girlfriend and squeezes on her weakening hand. “We’re almost there, Yoo. Just wait a little more.”

The injured woman pitifully smiles. “Do you remember the time we went stargazing after finals?”

Minji doesn’t like this one bit.

She doesn’t like how Yoohyeon sounds tired of clinging onto hope. She hates thinking that Yoohyeon is resorting to their time at university to stay optimistic. She doesn’t want to remember their happiest memories at a time where it might be her worst one.

Yoohyeon chuckles. Even if her eyes were jaded, that smile peaked through the windows of her soul. “I was exhausted, but you pulled me out of bed and drove an hour out. You held me as we stared into the sky.” Despite her diminishing health, she forces herself to talk. It’s something she wants. It’s something she needs.

Minji remembers that day. She doesn’t think she’ll ever forget the moment she finally confessed to Yoohyeon. Yoohyeon doesn’t have the energy to retell the story in detail, but Minji probably doesn’t need it.

“Can I tell you a secret?” Although faint, there’s a hint of mischief in her smile.

Thinking this is Yoohyeon’s way of lightening the mood, Minji plays along. “What’s that?”

It takes a moment for Yoohyeon to respond. Be it the fact that the adrenaline is no longer numbing out the pain or the reality of Yoohyeon digesting the idea of exposing the truth because she might not have the chance to do so at their wedding, the younger woman musters up some courage. “You were so upset about all the fog at the top of the mountain.”

Minji giggles out of embarrassment. “Yeah. You tried to make me feel better by saying you saw a shooting star.” She stares out the window. It was barely past noon. If only Minji could wish on a star, she’d pray for Yoohyeon’s safe recovery. “I know you were lying, but you were persistent that you saw it.”

Yoohyeon’s smile is so beautiful yet painful to witness. “You’re right, I didn’t see a shooting star that night.”

She pauses to catch her breath. When she closes her eyes, memories seem to flash in a span of seconds. Yoohyeon does see the day they actually went to see a meteor shower. She remembers wishing how she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Minji. Oh, how unfortunately short that time might end up being. It’s a shame she never got to give Minji the ring she bought considering how their apartment was blasted over like the rest of the neighborhood. Just like the star she bought, the ring was only a form of symbolism in their relationship, but it was better than nothing.

After a long period of silence, Minji caresses her. “Save your energy, Yoo.” She presses a gentle kiss on her forehead.

Rushing back into consciousness, Yoohyeon decides to push through. She opens her eyes. Minji’s face is full of concern. Yoohyeon wishes she could simply wipe away all of her worries, but knows that’s only possible if she were to stay alive, so she tries to stay positive. “Minji, I did see stars that night though.” She reaches towards her girlfriend to caress her cheek. Even if this memory may be short-lived, she wants to ingrain it in her heart along with the other ones that she’s collected throughout the years. They longingly stare into each other’s eyes. “That night, throughout university, through this apocalypse, right now, I still see those stars.”

Minji doesn’t understand Yoohyeon. She doesn’t understand how she can be so gentle and poetic and caring and romantic at a time like this. She doesn’t understand how through all this pain, she tries her best to rid someone else’s.

It breaks Minji’s heart even more.

She grabs Yoohyeon’s hand and gently kisses each knuckle. At a time like this, she wishes she could give Yoohyeon every romantic phrase every language could offer, but when words fail her she does her best expressing herself physically. “I love you.” It’s the best thing she could muster up without falling apart. It’s short and sweet and doesn’t measure up to how she’s feeling, but she knows it’s enough.

Yoohyeon continues, “Your eyes were the first thing I fell in love with. I liked a lot of things about you, but once you finally confessed to me, I allowed myself to dangerously fall in love with you. Your eyes were the first of many things.”

It’s the tip of Minji’s emotional iceberg. Tears break free past her ducts. They don’t go far though. Yoohyeon won’t allow it. She knows Minji hates when that happens. She does her best wiping her tears with her thumb.

Actually, she understands why Yoohyeon is like this.

Just like her, loving her girlfriend was easier than loving herself. Loving Minji was easier than fighting for her own life.

What she doesn’t know is that Yoohyeon has been brainstorming this speech for years. It’s a shame because Yoohyeon wanted to say this at the altar with Minji and all their friends, not while she was bleeding out in a dead friend’s car with two of Minji’s roommates. It’s the best she can do in this apocalypse and as long as said apocalypse is going to last, she’s going to keep wishing she could give Minji the better they deserved.

Minji grabs her hand and kisses each knuckle again, this time a little more slowly and one by one. Yoohyeon is saddened by the fact that she can’t feel the sensation anymore.

The adrenaline is definitely running low. A wave of exhaustion hits Yoohyeon and she’s not sure if she can fight it anymore. “I love you.” Yoohyeon blurts out.

This time, Minji can muster up some words. “I love you, too, Kim Yoohyeon. I love everything about you. I love everything we’ve shared, even this damn apocalypse. I’ll love you ‘til the end of time, even if that may be sooner than later, but you deserve to hear it.” She continues peppering Yoohyeon’s hands with kisses. The words are still not enough, but she knows she needs to say it.

It’s bittersweet. The words are comforting, yet dampen her spirits. At least she knows that Minji will always be there for her. “Hold me?” Even if it were to be the last time?

After staring into each other's eyes for a moment, Minji looks down to check on Yoohyeon’s wound. The most recent bandage has a small peak of blood, but nothing as bad as Yoohyeon's initial gash. A little cuddling doesn’t seem to hurt.

She unbuckles her seatbelt and shimmies closer to Yoohyeon. Not wanting to move Yoohyeon too much, she wraps an arm around Yoohyeon’s shoulders and pulls her close.

They stare at the unmoving tower. It’s not as sparkly as the stars Minji promised that fateful night and Hyunjung’s yelling isn’t as romantic as cicada chirps, but with the way Minji holds her close and whispers her profession of love to her, Yoohyeon falls just like the first time.

[photog-crafty]

If you ever heard the Liberty Bell March playing in the distance in a public session, it was probably this Future Shock Bruiser shunting across Los Santos. This was a vehicle I had passed over for quite some time until the passengers in my Scarab got fed up with being thrown out of its bed and I was pressured to try the only other Arena vehicle with four seats. To my surprise, it had just as much composure as the imitation Mercedes that it was converted from and felt like an actual limousine, instead of a limousine body grafted onto a box truck frame. It was easy to drive and easy to fly, unlike the Scarab and Imperator, and more than one of my friends mentioned that they found it genuinely relaxing to be bounced across the sky in it. Having dreamed of a job as a limousine driver, those compliments meant a great deal to me.

The radio in this Comet Safari was permanently stuck playing Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" on repeat. I love regular cars with lift kits and off-road modifications, and the Comet Safari nailed the look while also being a complete blast to drive. Getting this car fully kitted out, complete with inaccessible colored interior, made me feel like I had gone back to being a kid playing Rock 'n Roll Racing.

I don't care what anyone says. Sure, it had broken textures on the wheel arches. Sure, it had poor customization. Sure, it wasn't a proper AMG wagon. I loved the Streiter. It was a damn good car and I'm tired of pretending it wasn't. It handled well and it was impressively quick for a four-door off-road capable car. A station wagon is a station wagon, even if it's based on an obscure customized version of one, and I adored the Streiter just like any other station wagon and drove it everywhere I could regardless of the haters.

When the Gunrunning update was released, it was easy to overlook the humble Half-Track. You wouldn't think to drive this old truck over fancy materiel like the APC and Insurgent, but it was later discovered to be the ultimate counter to infantry because it had a completely bulletproof windshield. Like a bombproof Armored Kuruma, you could shoot out of it, and others couldn't shoot into it. This made it perfect for routing griefers who had dug themselves in deep and breaking their spirit. As a player who never touched hacking utilities, nothing made me smile more than being called a hacker when using a vehicle like this.

My Imani Tech vehicle of choice was the Granger 3600LX, and I owned two of them to cover both bases. This one was driven fairly often, and it was given the missile jammer as well as an OEM Sable Metallic paint job. Being more understated than the other cars with jammers made it great as a "leave me alone" vehicle. Nobody wanted to mess with this hippo.

I knew I was getting old when I started getting a hankering for a Sandking. Way back when I started playing, I had a Sandking XL that I took out now and then, but in the years that followed I learned more about trucks and came to realize that the Sandking SWB perfect for me. I didn't want fast or flashy, I just wanted a big comfy Hank Hill truck to drive around, and the SWB delivered with a soft suspension that still allowed it to go rock climbing and have fun now and then. The fact that I'm not into crew cabs and had to drive an uncomfortable Home Depot single cab also likely contributed to my acceptance of extended cab as the superior configuration. Now if only they weren't so expensive in real life.

The Stromberg was one of the few vehicles in the game that could be described as heroic. It was built for undersea travel, but saw most of its use as an Oppressor killer and even stayed relevant well after the Mk II released because brainless riders and the game's poor coding allowed the Stromberg to bypass their countermeasures. Many players switched to the Toreador for bike hunting, but I stuck with my handsome Stromberg because of its superior protection against bullets and because the passenger was magically able to phase their arm through the window to use drive-by weapons. My best friend and I had good synergy, and he was quick on the draw with the flare gun which made our Stromberg practically untouchable to Deluxos and Oppressors. More often than not, teamwork came out on top when it came to GTA PVP.

I bought this Guardian in 2015 because "haha big truck go vroom" and it was my faithful companion all the way to the very end. It's been through several paintjobs, several battles, several parties, and it's got the forced modded license plate to prove it. The Guardian was always the bringer of good times because it was a fast, capable vehicle that any number of people could stand on as it drove, well after the seats had been filled. Before things like CEO Buzzards and dedicated anti-aircraft weapons were added, we used to use them as makeshift air defense technicals by having someone stand in the back with an RPG or missile launcher. The game itself eventually gave a nod to this behavior, adding a mission in which you transported armored combat suits on the back of a flatbed truck where the strategy was to ignore the flatbed entirely and use a Guardian. The prevalence of explosives eventually pushed the Guardian out of a combat role, but it never stopped being the life of the party whenever it came out of the garage, with crewmates and randoms alike partying it up in the back. The Guardian was a vehicle I had a very special kinship with and it's one of the things I will miss the most.

As the twilight years began, this Future Shock Dominator came to represent everything I loved and stood for in GTA. On the surface, it was a benign little car, looking like a plain old S197 Mustang with AliExpress lights stuffed in the grille. But as I mastered the shunt boost, this car became a thing of beauty that could go anywhere and everywhere. It spoke to my heart, calling out the young child who grew up renting Blaster Master every weekend and making me fall in love with a jumping vehicle all over again. It had everything I wanted in a car, combining the speed and handling of a muscle with the mobility of a motorcycle and a skill ceiling that ensured there was always something new to learn, from how to rescue a trapped sale vehicle to how to drop straight down into a car meet from a thousand feet up. The funniest thing is, I absolutely hated this Dominator at first, and thought that techno-beehive on its back was the ugliest thing. But then I test drove one and discovered its incredible stability in flight, and it was like seeing the beautiful woman beneath the ugly glasses for the first time. Every time I popped that tombstone off for a drive, it was like uncorking a bottle of fine wine. I drove this car up until my very last day in Los Santos and nothing will ever replace it.

Finally, we have the three Craftybikes: past, present, and future.

The Ruffian was the first motorcycle I ever fell in love with. It was cheap, it was fast, it was good-looking, and most importantly, it was an amazing stunt bike. The Ruffian was the perfect machine to pop my stunt cherry on after migrating from GTA IV and San Andreas, as it could vault over just about anything simply by popping a wheelie into it at speed. It was on this motorcycle that I began to earn a reputation in our crew as a stunt biker, and the curious triple headlight that came with it from the factory was one of the first things to tip me off that vehicle customization in this game was not entirely as it seemed.

About a year and a half into the game's life on PC, the FCR 1000 was released to a great deal of fanfare. Many of my crewmates flocked to the FCR 1000 Custom for its old-school military style, but as I drove my unmodified one for the first time, its modest appearance and weighty handling caught my attention and never let go. In this often-overlooked bike, I found a wall-climbing animal with a tight suspension that gave it huge air from curbs and bumps, a field that the Ruffian left me longing for as I continued to hone my stunting skills. More importantly, it had only one seat, which cleanly solved the dilemma of curious people wanting to see my prowess firsthand, not knowing that having a second rider absolutely crushed a motorcycle's performance. Spending a lot of alone time with this bike was what really kicked me into high gear with GTA bikes and got me thinking about how they could be used with other creative projects.

Five years later, the Reever appeared on the scene to become the champion of all the game's motorcycles. It delivered a host of customizations, impressive stunt potential, and speed that was nearly unmatched, all in one bike. Many of its owners customized theirs to look futuristic, myself among that number with my low-gripped spare, but the circular headlight and fairing inspired me to shape my primary Reever in the image of my old FCR 1000, which had long since taken on a life of its own by that point. The Reever kept me company as we all began to go our separate ways and wind down, and it was on this bike that I rode off into the sunset, just as the Ruffian had brought me into this lawless town nine years ago.

[teamassociated]

New! RC10SC6.4 Team Kit

Champions By Design The RC10SC6.4 shares key components with the RC10T6.4, RC10B6.4, and RC10B74.2 Team Kits, making it easier than ever to run multiple classes at the same time. Suspension and jumping goes through the large-volume 13mm big bore shocks with new truck springs. The new chassis design is a short course truck version of the RC10B6.4 buggy design and gets a new ballstud mount and top plate system with an angled steering for improved consistency.

Available May 2023. (Pictured: #70009 RC10SC6.4 Team Kit.)

More: https://tinyurl.com/ascsc64