Abstract: Dual air source automotive air filter systems are disclosed. The dual source automotive filter includes an outer filter, an inner filter at least partially inside the outer filter defining a combined airstream volume between an interior side of the outer filter and an exterior side of the inner filter, an external air source inlet in flow communication with an interior volume of the inner filter, and a combined airstream outlet in flow communication with the combined airstream volume. The system may include a housing in which the filter is installed. A method of installing the dual source automotive filter system in a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: Protective covers for cab guards or racks which extend vertically from the front rail of a truck bed behind the rear window of the truck cab are disclosed. The protective covers may be molded to fit any shape or size of truck bed rack. In one embodiment, the protective cover includes a generally horizontal top section which extends to two generally vertical side sections. Additional sections are typically provided between the side sections to provide a barrier that protects the rear window of the truck cab. When the protective cover is installed, it covers most of the surfaces of the truck bed rack, except the forward-facing surface of the rack located adjacent to the truck cab. Thus, the protective cover provides protection to essentially all exposed surfaces of the truck bed rack, while allowing easy installation.

Abstract: A spindle with cooling fins is disclosed. The spindle has raised cooling fins on an outside exterior surface. The fins create cooling channels which direct air upward when the vehicle is in motion. The redirected air passes over and around the brake and hub assemblies. This effectively dissipates heat from the brake and hub assemblies and will help to prevent overheating and premature failure of the parts.

Abstract: An essentially flat base of a bed liner is positioned on a vehicle cargo bed. The base includes a forward edge and a rear edge. A plurality of panels extend upwardly from the base. A front panel includes a protrusion projecting beyond the base forward edge. The base includes one or more continuous recessed channels extending from the base rear edge to the protrusion. Each channel includes a continuous track for receiving a movable tie-down device. The tie-down device includes a portion contoured to slide within the track and an anchor portion.

Abstract: A spindle with cooling fins is disclosed. The spindle has raised cooling fins on an outside exterior surface. The fins create cooling channels which direct air upward when the vehicle is in motion. The redirected air passes over and around the brake and hub assemblies. This effectively dissipates heat from the brake and hub assemblies and will help to prevent overheating and premature failure of the parts.

Abstract: A bedliner for a vehicle cargo bed is formed of a non-grip polymeric material substantially covering the floor of the cargo bed. The material has a coefficient of friction suitable for allowing sliding movement of cargo placed on the bedliner. The bedliner is molded into longitudinally extending ribs and valleys to facilitate water drainage. Selectively positioned grip zones are formed on the bedliner by releasably engageable friction strips having a coefficient of friction higher than the coefficient of friction of the polymeric material to restrain undesired sliding movement of the cargo on the bedliner. The grip zones are preferably located in an area adjacent to the corners of the bedliner floor to allow cargo to be easily moved onto the bedliner and then shifted to the grip zones. Once the cargo is positioned on the grip zones, the friction strips restrain sliding movement of the cargo when the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A leaf spring suspension at the rear of a vehicle is lowered on a vehicle frame by relocating the leaf springs below an axle housing that extends between rear wheels transversely on the frame. A spring pack connects the lowered leaf springs to the axle housing The spring pack includes a saddle having a recessed portion for receiving and supporting the axle housing on the leaf springs. The saddle recessed portion is positioned between the axle housing and the leaf springs. A first spring plate is positioned below the leaf springs underlying the saddle. A second spring plate is supported by the saddle above the axle housing. Hex head bolts with threaded ends extend through aligned holes in the first and second spring plates. Nuts are tightened on the bolts threaded ends below the first spring plate to tension the bolts and clamp together the leaf springs and the axle housing with the weight of the leaf springs transferred by the spring plates clamped to the saddle to the axle housing.

Abstract: A protective liner is secured to a truck cargo bed by a plurality of one-piece resilient fasteners each including a bearing plate and a clamp member. The bearing plate and clamp member are integrally formed with the clamp member extending perpendicularly from the bearing plate. A lever arm extends from a peripheral edge of the clamp member toward the bearing plate to a free end portion removed from contact with the base plate. The lever arm is normally spring biased downwardly away from the bearing plate. On installation the clamp member is projected through an opening in the liner with the peripheral edge sliding over the edge of the liner around the opening. As the clamp member advances through the opening, the lever arm slides on the liner edge and is urged upwardly toward the bearing plate to allow the clamp member to pass through the opening. The pivotal movement of the lever arm allows the bearing plate to be compressed against the liner without flexing the bearing plate relative to the clamp member.