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The Gear Box
by Rolf Lockwood
Dura-Bright WheelsAlcoa Wheel Products has introduced its Dura-Bright models, forged aluminum wheels that are easier to clean than conventional aluminum heavy truck and trailer wheels, the company says. Unlike conventional surface coatings, these wheels are protected by a patented treatment that penetrates the wheel. Brake dust, grime, and oil residue wash off quickly and easily, the company claims, providing a brilliant shine that lasts without polishing, even after years of use. For more info call 1-800-242-9898, e-mail to: info@dontpolish.com, or visit www.dontpolish.com/. Brake Shoe ChartThe new Spicer Brake Shoe Wall Chart features all current brake shoes offered by Spicer as well as all-makes brake shoe identification. The wall chart features heavy-duty brake sizes from 12.5 to 20 inches in clear identifiable order. Below each shoe there's also a listing of what linings and hardware kits are available for it. A new section has been added that states GAWR, standard and extended-service platform linings, and the general application in which each lining is used. Download an electronic version of the chart at http://truck.eaton.com/na/dana_pdfs/UHB3042-CVSP.pdf, or get a hard copy (item number UHB3042-CVSP) by calling 888-386-4636. An order form is also available at: http://truck.eaton.com/na/literature/products/litform.pdf.
Western Star BrochureWestern Star Trucks offers a new brochure on its line of highway trucks. It has product descriptions, specifications data, and information on cab, interior, engine, transmission, axle and suspension options. There are three Star highway models: the 4900 FA, 4900 SA, and the 4900 EX (extended hood). The 4900 FA features a set-forward front axle configuration in either 109- or 123-in. BBC (bumper-to-back-of-cab) dimensions. The 4900 SA has a 50-in. set-back front axle in the same BBC configurations. The 4900 EX is the flagship and features a 132-inch BBC with set-forward front axle. All models feature steel cabs with Star Light sleepers available in four shapes and sizes from 34 to 76 in. All sleepers can be converted to day cabs, increasing resale potential. For more info see your Western Star dealership or www.westernstartrucks.com. Obstacle Sensing
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Kenworth dealers offer a new catalog featuring OEM-quality electrical replacement parts for all makes of trucks. Under the INLINE name, Kenworth has put together a line of components made by leading electrical parts manufacturers, all at "excellent" prices. The catalog includes six broad categories of products: electrical coils and connectors; switches, senders and sensors; fuses, circuit breakers, flashers and relays; primary wire and connectors; battery cable and related components; and tools required for electrical work. Each category has its own section, easily located by title and color-coding. A vendor cross-reference includes part numbers for all major electrical product manufacturers and the corresponding INLINE part number. A convenient index allows someone who already knows the part number to turn to the page that features that product. The full-color catalog also includes photographs of the parts to aid in identifying products. The catalog is available at Kenworth dealers. See also 
Rostra Precision Controls now offers its RearSentry rear-obstacle sensing system for heavy trucks. Created for drivers who find themselves constantly backing around parking lots in retail, fast food and convenience store areas, it uses a microwave signal to detect obstacles up to 12 ft behind the vehicle. The driver is warned of potential danger by a series of audible beeps that increase in intensity and from an in-cab LED display that changes from green to yellow to red as objects draw closer. It's not affected by weather or lighting conditions, continuing to 'see' obstacles in rain, sleet, snow, mud and darkness.
The system can be used with trailers up to 53 ft long. It has a standard three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty policy. For more info call 800-782-3379 or visit 
