Finding High-Quality Lug Nut Covers

We are back for more truck talk. Brian Martin the Boss Man coming to you from 4 State Trucks right here in Joplin, Missouri. Today we are talking about lug nut covers for your truck. Not just any kind, we offer the El  Primo, the Mercedes Benz of billet lug nut covers from our friends at Roll On Customs.

Made In USA Premium 33 MM Lug Nut Covers

Made In The USA

Roll On proudly makes all their nut covers in California, USA. They have a great operation and make really super nice products that really stand out and are made to last. All their covers are 100 percent billet aluminum with no plastic or chrome filler to get in the way.

If you hold one, you can tell it is heavy duty and there is a lot of weight there. Covers are hand machined and threaded to screw right over lug nuts to make for a super easy installation.

Bossman at 4 State Trucks Talking About Solid High-Quality Lugnut Covers

Fit For 33 MM Hub Piloted Wheels

All the covers currently produced by Roll On fit 33 MM hub piloted wheels, a size that fits most mid-90s to current truck models. An o-ring comes with each cover to protect the rim from scratches when tightened. They have really put in the effort to think of everything! 

Choose From Several Styles

In an effort to give you plenty to choose from Roll On Customs manufactures several billet aluminum lug nut cover options. Their 4 main styles are the short, tall round, spiked, and the new 2022 top hat styles. The top hat style is the most popular for chrome plastic nut covers in today’s market, so I bet it will soon be one of the most popular for Roll On as well. 

Made of solid metal, every style of this brand is very high quality. Their surface is not going to peel because there is no chrome plating. 

If you want the very best billet lug nuts, we have them here at 4 State Trucks. These lug nuts are not cheap but are the best in the United States. Have questions? Stop by our shop in Joplin, Mo, or give us a call at 888-875-7787. We will be glad to answer any questions we can.

Bryan “Bossman” Martin takes us inside his Peterbilt 359 ‘Rat Rod’.

The power plant behind this rig is an 87 model four and a quarter caterpillar engine. 425 horsepower which was pretty big back in the 90s. But this is not the original engine. “It originally had a v8 CAT in it, a 3408 but they are not super practical to run these days. They’re extremely heavy and very difficult to find parts for,” Bryan told us. The transmission on this Rat Rod is a nine-speed with a four-speed Auxilliary.

But even though this truck looks ratty, you can see that everything is dialed in. The radiator is clean and fresh, the engine is relatively leak-free, all the hoses and routing everything under here is nice and tidy. It may have the appearance of a rat rod but it’s extremely tight when it comes to mechanical.

A little known fact is that all through Bossman’s early days he wanted a long 359 flat top with a four and a quarter cat engine, two transmissions, and a low leaf suspension. Bryan always thought he would have to build it. But as fate would have it he had a customer/friend named Randy Humphrey from Florida. Randy was hauling cows in this truck back then with his son Keith and he had decided he was ready to order a new truck. So, Bryan is actually only the second owner of this truck. “It was just, right place right time, the right moment”, according to Bryan.

When Randy sold it to Bryan it was also with a promise, that if Bossman ever wanted to get rid of her, Randy would get the first option to buy “Rosie” back. They shook on that and Bryan still intends to honor that if the day ever happens, but Bryan says, “The bad thing is Randy, you’ll never own it because I’m never going to sell it. Sorry, brother.”

“I have had a lot of people offer to buy this rig. As soon as they ask me what it would take I just zip it. I have 3 daughters, and this truck is like my 4th child. So, I have no intention of parting with it. I bought this from Randy way back when, gosh, I guess it would have been around 2005 or 2003” Bryan told us, “But don’t quote me on that, I am the world’s worst [about time.]”

Bryan told us all about the rat rod’s creation, one story at a time, “I bought it and I took the double eagle sleeper off and sold it. I had this black 63-inch Flat Top sleeper put on here and at that time it was already kind of weathered as far as the paint fade and a few dents here and there. So, I just went full bore with the rat rod motif.

We took the floorboard and the carpet out and put down this Phillips 66 it’s an old service station sign. We took the upholstery off the doors and kinda retroed them out with some old hot rod stickers. Then kind of jacked up the headliner with a speed limit sign. Just had a ton of fun with the interior. Didn’t spend a lot of money, but tried to make each thing we added more unique to make it the right piece. The steering wheel is still the same one Randy had and so are the shift knobs. Then everything else we kind of did after I took ownership of the truck.

Another thing we did was this truck had air wipers. It had an individual control for the left and the right and they’re real herky-jerky and I’ve converted it to an electric so a huge step forward on getting into the modern age with those electric wipers.

Probably the single biggest upgrade to this truck was that we enlarged the hole to the sleeper and made it the same as a unibilt so you can actually slide the seat back and recline the seat without running into the wall. So for comfort that was the best feature.

When Randy bought this truck it was an 87 model and it was a glider kit. It had no engine, no transmissions, no rear suspension, So, he didn’t complete the truck and tag it and title it, and put it to work until 1990. So even though this is a 359 and the last year they made them was 87′, which is when Randy bought the glider kit, since it didn’t get titled until 1990, technically on my title this is a 90’s model Peterbilt. But they never made a 359 in 1990. It’s weird to explain to people and they often tell me I’m wrong, but it is right because back then they would title it the year you first registered it.

One thing about Humphrey, mechanically, everything was perfect. I remember when I got it and to this day, every routing of an air hose, every fuel line, every clamp, every boot is just tip-top. So, even though it looks ratty and I get a lot of flack when you’re trucking and you pull into a scale house and more times than not they’ll say pull around back, bring your paperwork and registration and they will think, “oh man, easy target, this kid is hard up. He has let this whole truck go, we’re gonna write him a bunch of tickets.” But the truck is actually in great shape so it usually just slows me down for about an hour or so, while they check everything out and inspect it, and then they send me on my way.

A lot of these parts are actually trade-in and take-off parts. Like my stacks and front bumper, a customer would come in and I’m getting new eight-inch stacks, I’ll just leave these here. I did put new battery and toolboxes on them. They were new from the chrome shop. I did finally have to put new fuel tanks on and we painted them, we purposely made them look old. I love the fuel tanks, Johnny did a phenomenal job on those.”

“It’s an awesome truck. I love driving it. I could be in a bad mood, I can be worn out, and I get in this and it just kind of clears your mind,” Bossman said.

We know Bryan loves this truck by the look on his face as he tells his stories about it. He has so much pride in the work that was done, the friendships that helped him get to this point, and how he accomplished his dream. Bossman is also very humble about the fact that he couldn’t have done it alone and gives credit where it is due on this rig.

Bossman’s got some personal driving stories for you too, but to hear all about his hauling you will have to watch the video.

Thanks for reading folks and we hope you enjoyed Bryan “Bossman” Martins 359 Rat Rod!

First Round

The first round will be held Tuesday the 22nd. There will be 2 Facebook posts that day. Don’t forget to check out the official rules so you know how to play!

After the Facebook post has run for 24 hours a screenshot will be taken of the results. The results will then be posted HERE! The following Thursday the next two posts will go live. Make sure to get your friends and family to vote for your rig and tell all your friends!

This is a head-to-head winner take all competition sponsored by TRUX. Visit them at https://www.facebook.com/GOTRUX and show them some love!

See you Wednesday right here for the results!

The lineup for 4 State Trucks Tuesday, Feb 22, 2022, @ 10 am:

The lineup for 4 State Trucks Tuesday, Feb 22, 2022, @ 4 pm:

The lineup for Chrome Shop Mafia Tuesday, Feb 22, 2022, @ 10 am:

The lineup for Chrome Shop Mafia Tuesday, Feb 22, 2022, @ 4 pm:

Once the posts have run for 24 hours a screenshot will be posted of each Facebook post. The truck with the least amount of votes will be eliminated and the remaining 4 trucks will move on to the Thursday vote.

Day 1 Results

CSM Page Results

4 State Trucks Page Results

Day 2 Results

4 State Trucks Page Results

CSM Page Results

Day 3 Results

4 State Trucks Page Results

CSM Page Results

Day 4 Results

4 State Trucks Page Results

Chrome Shop Mafia Page Results

Day 5 Results

4 State Trucks Results / Chrome Shop Mafia Results

Grand Prize Winner

We want to give a shout-out to Trux Accessories for sponsoring this event, all our fans, drivers, contestants, and followers for participating and making it a fun and enjoyable way to make it to the MATS truck show this year! We hope everyone will stay tuned for future promotions! Congratulations Derek Olson, winner of our 2022 Madness To MATS, Trux Prize Pack!

Updated For 2nd Annual Madness to MATS 2023

The following rules apply to the MADNESS TO MATS promotion only and will run from 2/13/2023 to 3/31/2023.

Keep up to date on who wins each round by following the leaderboard.

How To Enter

To Enter the competition simply

  1. Like 4 State Trucks or Chrome Shop Mafia (or both) Facebook Pages.
  2. Share the Entry Post to help us spread the good word
  3. Lastly, Comment with a photo of your truck. Make sure that it is the best photo you have because that is what will be used to determine who gets to battle it out in the Madness to MATS.

Disqualifications

This is a family-friendly competition. You will be disqualified if any of the following occur.

By Entering You Agree To The Following

How It Works

Once we have received all the qualified entries we will narrow it down to 20 contestants. We will pick 10 from each page. However, even if you enter on both CSM & 4 State Trucks Pages you can only be chosen to represent one side.

You can only have 1 truck in the competition. But you can enter more than one truck.

You must be the driver/owner of the truck you are submitting.

Social Posts on 4 State Trucks & CSM will happen every Wednesday at 10 am & 2 pm. These posts will be left to run for a full 5 Days for voting on the following Monday at 10:00 am & 2 pm the votes will be tallied and captured.

At the end of that 5 days, a screen capture will be taken and posted to https://chromeshopmafia.com/ this is the official count and will be used to determine who will move forward to the next post.

Votes will be determined by the count of the corresponding reactions. Each photo will have a reaction to the image.

Only votes on the post will be counted. Reactions to the individual images will not count toward the result.

We will NOT count reactions for “Like” or “Angry”

We WILL count reactions for “love,” “haha,” “wow,” “sad,” & “care”

These emojis will be assigned randomly and will appear randomly in the carousel.

4 State Trucks And Chrome Shop Mafia 2023 Madness To Mats Bracket Sheet
2023 Madness To Mats Bracket Sheet

Each bracket Am & PM will run on the days listed on our bracket sheet. This sheet is available for download.

After each elimination, The highest ranking will move on until there is only 1 left for that timeslot.

The two timeslots will then compete to choose a page champion. There will be 2-page champions (one per brand page) who will win bragging rights only.

The two-page champions will then go head to head to win the prize pack from Trux / 4 State Trucks / Chrome Shop Mafia and other sponsors.

The Prize Pack

Valued at over $750, this prize pack includes two 4 State Trucks hats and shirts, two Chrome Shop Mafia decals, and Driver Side Universal LED Projector Headlight Assembly with Optional Backlit Auxiliary and Passenger Side Universal LED Projector Headlight Assembly with Optional Backlit Auxiliary provided by our sponsor Trux Accessories!
2023 Madness To Mats Prize Pack

The prize pack consists of :

One (1) Driver Side Universal LED Projector Headlight Assembly with Optional Backlit Auxiliary (TLED-H134) and One (1) Passenger Side Universal LED Projector Headlight Assembly with Optional Backlit Auxiliary (TLED-H135) ( Retail Value Over $750.00 )

Two (2) Branded 4 State Trucks / CSM Shirts ( Retail Value Up To $50.00 )

Two (2) Branded 4 State Trucks / CSM Hats ( Retail Value Up To $35.00 )

Two (2) Tommy Gun CSM Decals

Prizes cannot be returned/exchanged and have no cash value. You will be contacted for the correct shirt sizes before items are shipped. If you do not respond to our attempts to give you your prize pack after 30 days your prize is forfeited and will be given to the other page champion. If the other page champion does not respond the items are forfeited and will be kept and added to the prize pack the following year or sold as deemed by management.

Photo Release Policy

For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, I, the undersigned, hereby grant 4 State Trucks home of Chrome Shop Mafia, their affiliates, licensees, assigns, and other successors-in-interest, all rights of every kind and character whatsoever to my performance, interview, recordings, photographs, names, voice, likeness, biological materials and other information concerning me, images of my personal property, and/or other materials provided to, or taken, made or created by or on behalf of the above-mentioned companies.

I hereby authorize 4 State Trucks home of Chrome Shop Mafia and/or their designees to photograph and record me, my voice and/or the materials; to edit, reproduce, distribute, broadcast, publish, create derivatives of and otherwise exhibit the materials in the above mention companies and or their designees’ sole discretion. The above-mentioned reserves the right to have unrestricted use of all media obtained to create promotional pieces for print production, web production as well as video production, and apparel. The above-mentioned companies and/or their designees may add special effects, sound effects, or music to the materials to incorporate them into shows or other programs. The above-mentioned companies may license others to use materials in various types of media as well.

I agree that 4 State Trucks home of Chrome Shop Mafia shall be the exclusive owners of all copyright and other rights and proceeds in and to the materials, and/or any work in which the materials are embodied, in connection herewith as a work-made-for-hire, and if not, I hereby irrevocably transfer, convey and assign all right, title and interest in and to the materials of the above mention companies.

I hereby release 4 State Trucks home of Chrome Shop Mafia and their respective affiliates, licensees,
contractors, assigns, and others directly or indirectly associated with the above-mentioned companies from any and all claims, causes of actions, suits costs, liabilities, and damages that I now or hereafter may have against the above-mentioned companies in connection with the materials or any exploitation thereof, including any liability based on personal property, residual, re-use, claim for further consideration or compensation for the materials or other right and I agree not to make
any claims against the above-mentioned companies in connection with any of the rights granted herein. I confirm that, to the best of my knowledge, I have the right to provide the materials to the above-mentioned companies, and the material will not violate or infringe upon the rights of any third party.

4 State Trucks home of Chrome Shop Mafia requests permission to photograph, video, record, and interview the undersigned person with all the rights discussed above.

$159,000 Raised For SWMO Special Olympics

The Special Olympics Truck Convoy is always a very important part of the Guilty by Association Truck Show (GBATS). This bi-annual event allows Truckers from all around the world to participate in both the truck show and the convoy. To participate in the Truck Convoy truckers donate at least $100 to the Special Olympics.

Every other year we get together and show our apparition for the drivers that keep this country going. Out of all the events we feature at GBATS the most anticipated is the Truck Convoy. We are proud to bring a huge community of professional drivers together to raise funds for such an important cause. They give back to our community in a big way. 

2021 Southwest Missouri Special Olympic Truck Convoy Fundraiser

Top Positions In The Special Olympics Truck Convoy Are Autioned Off

On the last day of GBATS, the first 15 spots and the caboose position of the convoy were auctioned off. There is always big anticipation on who would receive these honored and coveted positions. Those in attendance gathered as Bryan “The Bossman” Martin explained the rules and the route of the convoy. The bidding started quickly with a professional auctioneer at the helm. 

Like so many other years, this year the auction was full of energy and attracted a big crowd. When the action was complete, an astounding $159,000 was raised through the 2021 Special Olympics Joplin Convoy. This goes to the local Special Olympics Chapter to help them support athletes over the next few years.

Over 420 Trucks Participated

The impressive 420+ truck convoy departed from 4 State Trucks and traveled a set path through Joplin, Missouri ending at 26th and Maiden Lane. The community really turned out too! Bystanders lined the route to see the mass amounts of trucks driving together. The cool lights, paint jobs, and customizations of the trucks in the convoy were all on display.

A Little More Then Just A Fund Raiser

Several of the area’s Special Olympic Athletes rode with drivers in the convoy. This was above and beyond just donating money to charity.  These kids will remember that ride for years to come.  We appreciate everything these drivers did to be able to give the athletes this experience. Many participants report that seeing the athlete’s response to ride along is the best part of this event.

A Family Fun Event

Once the convoy parked for the night the fun was not over. In true Chrome Shop Mafia-style, we continued the party with a Truckers light show taking up a staggering 5 lanes of traffic. A live free concert by Curtis Grimes and Easton Corbin was a perfect end to the night.

The 2021 Special Olympics Truck Convoy was a wonderful family event that not only brought truckers together but brought families together. This aluminates the values that 4 State Trucks Stands for: Taking care of those who take care of us and going the extra mile for our 4 State Family, Drivers, Companies, Vendors, Families, and Employees. 

Sending A Special Thank You

A special thanks to our local law enforcement that was in attendance to ensure safety and show their support, as well as to all our vendors and sponsors at the event and the many months of work that they invested to ensure success. We also want to give a big thank you to the drivers who came from near and far, whom without we couldn’t do this without.  

Hey folks, Brian Martin the Boss Man here a 4 State Trucks. I am coming to you with Josh Hurley, the head of our BESTfit Engine & Cooling Department. We are excited for today’s conversation about radiators and a truck we all know and love, the 389 Peterbilt.

The factory-installed radiator is one of the major shortfalls of a 389 Peterbilt. It is designed more for light-duty use. So if you are running large horsepower with a heavy load, the stock radiator on this model will probably be insufficient and you will need to trade up for more power.

BESTfit Options

BESTfit offers both an improved stock replacement and a high performance replacement option for a Peterbilt 389 radiator. In the video above, we review both the standard and upgraded options. Look below for a quick overview.

BESTFit Peterbilt 389 Stock Replacement Radiator

BESTfit learned from the manufacturers’ failures and made simple improvements to the design for increased performance. This Peterbilt 389 radiator replacement is similar to the factory-installed part but with a slightly improved structure.

Keep costs down with this BESTfit radiator replacement with built-in improvements. It is typically 30 to 40 percent cheaper than the factory direct options. It is a great choice, especially if what you had before works for your current needs.

Should I Order My Replacement Radiator With A Frame Or Without?

This stock replacement is available with or without a frame. Ordering a stock replacement without a frame can save you $300 to $400. However, ordering a replacement Peterbilt 389 Radiator with a Frame can save a considerable amount of labor hours. If you order the frame already attached, the mechanic can pull out the old radiator and plug in the new one. A built-in frame is especially a great option if the original frame is damaged.

BESTfit Peterbilt 389 Replacement High-Performance Radiator

Looking to gain more power? BESTfit has taken this replacement part to a whole different level and created a new fully-built beast. This high-performance radiator is built with high-grade material and has a strong structure.

Where the stock radiator has two rows, this High-Performance Peterbilt 389 radiator has 4 rows. It can handle heavy loads that the original radiator was not able to. This works great for water trucks, logger trucks, and other heavy-duty applications. Depending on your typical driving conditions, it will last 8 to 10 years.

Does This High-Performance Radiator Fit Other Models?

Your Peterbilt 389 is going to be the most common model this high-performance radiator is going to fit. However, it can also be a great fit for some Kenworth W900 models and the popular Peterbilt 367 logging truck. The Kenworth models have a wide variety of applications and come with different sizes of radiators. For that reason, when placing an order we will need to spec out the OE numbers to ensure fit with this replacement part.

Overview

Are you cost-conscious, on-highway, and just looking for a good option for a replacement radiator? If so, we have you covered with the basic stock replacement plastic aluminum radiator. We also offer it in a fully framed unit that is easy to install. If you are looking for high performance and want to really take care of your engine, we have you covered as well. In that case, the high-performance BESTfit radiator unit with 4 rows will not disappoint.

If you have any questions, contact us at 4 State Trucks and we will get you the answers!

Don’t miss the fun! Guilty By Association 2021 Truck Show (GBATS) is set for September 23rd, 24th, and 25th in Joplin, Missouri. So far, over 717 trucks have pre-registered for this year’s event and the list just keeps getting bigger.

This 3-day event is family friendly and full of all things trucking.

Start GBATS off right! On Thursday evening, September 23rd come out to cheer on your favorite rig in the Diesel Drags. To those of us who love diesel performance, seeing two big rigs blast down the track is a thrilling experience and something that you will not want to skip. (Seating is limited)

Watch The Pro’s

The excitement continues on September 24th. Feel the power of raw diesel as you watch rubber get kicked up and hear the sound of screaming tires at the GBAT’s Big Rig Burnouts. Then get wowed at the gravity-defying stunt show featuring a firetruck jump. The high-energy night continues with a semi-truck and tractor pull that is sure to keep diesel-loving fans on their toes and ends with a fantastic fireworks show.

Have Fun With The Kids

The last day of GBATS 2021 is full of activities. During the day, enjoy the kid’s pedal tractor pull and mingle with a few celebrities at the meet and greet. Then get excited for another burnout show that will not disappoint.

Witness A 400 Plus Convoy. Then Join The Street Party at Mercy Park (26th & Maiden Lane)

Saturday evening includes the Big Rig Convoy for the Special Olympics with over 400 participating trucks. This is a very special event that starts with a live auction to benefit SWMO Special Olympics. The convoy departs at 4 State Trucks, then travels to 26th & Maiden Lane in Joplin, Mo. The night ends with a high-action street party featuring a Truckers’ light show and a free concert by Country Music Artist Curtis Grimes & featuring Joe Nichols.

Check out the GBATS Schedule for dates and times of your favorite events. This will definitely be a show to remember. Make sure to follow Guilty By Association Truck Show on Facebook for updates leading up to and during the show.

Howdy folks, Brian Martin the Boss Man here a 4 State Trucks. I am coming to you once again with Josh Hurley, our Cooling Department Manager. Today we are going to talk about replacement radiators for Peterbilt 359 models.

Peterbilt 359′ is one of my favorite subject matters. When it comes to big rigs, they are comparable to the automotive icons of 1957 Chevies and 1969 Camaros. If you have a 359 you are probably bound and determined to keep that thing rolling. You are never going to put it out in the weeds and let it just go to rust. You are always going to put that back in service because it is your pride and joy.

Radiator Replacement For Peterbilt 359

Well, let’s talk about radiators because they are extremely hard to find in an aftermarket variety for Peterbilt 359’s. BestFit has teamed up with some of our manufactures to bring you a heavy-duty superior to the original equipment replacement. A lot of technology and effort has gone into building this radiator. It is built with an all-metal brass copper unit and it fits your 359 up through models dating1986.

Upgraded Technology

BestFit is offering 2010-2020 cooling technology in a fitment that will drop right into 1979, 1983, and 1985 trucks. It does however look a little bit different than the factory version produced. This is because we made a few changes to allow more adaptability and to handle up to 1200 horsepower. The core is similar to newer styles found in units before they started being made of plastic and aluminum around the year 2007. It is 40 to 50 percent more efficient than what would have come out factory in the 359.

Do You Offer In A 4 And 5 Row?

Yes, BestFit offers this in a 4-row core and 5-row core high-performance. Both options come with a frame and are available without or with an air cooler to create a cool pack.

Air Cooler Hookups

One of the biggest differences between the original and the replacement is the design on the top of the tank. This addition allows for a charge air cooler without the need to make modifications and can work with multiple arrangements.

Do you have a non-charged air-cooled Cat engine with an aftercooler on top? If so, this aftermarket radiator is equipped with a tank that will work with that arrangement. Do you have a charge air-cooler like that in an 86 model? If so, the tank on this replacement is also notched to where you can use your charged air.

Overall Improvements

BestFit Peterbilt 359 radiator replacements feature steel side rails, steel tanks, and a heavy-duty copper brass core. Most of the early 359’s original radiators have aluminum side rails that eventually bubble and corrode. These original parts came with cast aluminum tanks and aluminum washer bars that kept everything together. Due to the material used and age, they typically crumble and come apart as they are moved.

It is hard to believe that the 359 has been out of production for well over 30 years. So chances are if you are still driving with a stock radiator, it is probably going to be out of service sooner rather than later.

To Sum It Up

This is a very cool part. It is not an item you are going to find at 90% of your truck radiator shops out there. They have kind of written off the 359 and not really pursuing cooling for those models.

Here at 4 State Trucks and BestFit, we are more than excited to work with any of these vintage semi-trucks. We want to keep them on the road, just like you do. All right Peterbilt 359 owners, you heard it here first. If you have any questions or concerns about your radiator and/or fitment feel free to contact us or give us a call at 1-888-875-7787 ext 292.

Hey folks, Brian Martin the Boss Man here at 4 State Trucks. We are back with Josh Hurley, this guy loves to talk about radiators, charge air coolers, and things like that. Today, we are talking about radiators for 2018 and newer Freightliner Cascadia 116 and 126 models with a new style hood for this video. These are probably one of the most popular trucks on America’s highways right now.

Old Style Vs. New Style

In the video above, we are looking at the factory replacement and the OE premium radiator. Unlike the older style radiators that were built with copper and brass, these are built with mainly plastic and aluminum. Aluminum dissipates the heat better than brass does, but there are a few drawbacks to changing the material.

The newer radiators do not have the expansive lifespan of an older style radiator, they are however lighter weight, more functional, and cost less. With lighter more aerodynamic trucks becoming more common you will see this newer style of radiator more and more often. 

Framed

Looking for the quickest way to replace your radiator. We offer a fully framed radiator that a mechanic can just drop in for a quick and easy installation. No need to worry about the pin or the isolator bushings getting in the way, that work comes complete when it ships with a frame.

Unframed

Save on costs by reusing the frame to the radiator you are replacing. This is only doable if you did not have damage to the front end. At this time the unframed version of the radiator is typically around $100 to $150 less than one that comes with a frame.

Radiators With Oil Coolers

Some of the 2018 and newer Freightliner 116 and 126 Cascadias models have oil coolers and some do not. We offer BestFit radiators with or without an oil cooler set up on both the framed and unframed versions.

How Much Will A BestFit Radiator Save me?

A BestFit radiator is typically up to 30 to 40 percent cheaper than a radiator that comes directly from the dealer.

How Does a BestFit Warranty Compare To OE Factory Radiator?

These BestFit options are backed with 2-year warranties, whereas most OE factory radiators have 1-year warranties.

Overview

These BestFit radiators are lightweight, made of aluminum and plastic, and are designed for efficiency. They have a 2-year warranty, where the dealer usually only offers one year. It looks like BestFit is a clear choice.

If you are in the market for a radiator, charge air cooler, or an air conditioner condenser for your Freightliner 2018, 2019, 2020 Cascadia, get a hold of us here at 4 State Trucks. Feel free to give us a call with any questions or concerns about your radiator and/or fitment at 800-228-1103 ext 292.

Today, we are going to talk about Peterbilt 379 radiators. They are one of the most popular trucks we see here at Chrome Shop Mafia. When it comes to radiators there are many options in a wide range of different price points. This is a small overview to help you figure out which radiator you need to order for your Peterbilt 379. 

How Do I Know Which Radiator To Buy?

Not all radiators are created equal, it is not a one-size-fits-all. In the video below, we showcase 3 different options. The major difference between these radiators is the year breaks but some duplication in the model years can cause a bit of confusion. For the Peterbilt 379 models that fall into two different categories, there are a few more details to look at when determining what radiator you need.

Main Differences:

For the older style 1998 to 1994 Peterbilt 379 Models: 

  • Built with Z or L-shaped brackets on the side. This is where your hook cables and spring mount.
  • Mounts offset towards the front.

For 1994 to 2004 Peterbilt 379 Models: 

  • Built with a C channel or a U channel with a single stud on the side.
  • Mounts Offset towards the front.

For 2004 through 2007 Peterbilt 379 Models: 

  • No Tank on Top.
  • There is a remote mounted tank on the firewall.
  • Mounts offset towards the font. Except for the 2006 model.

2006 Peterbilt 359

Something to be aware of; on 2006 models you need to specify your bolt pattern on the bottom of your radiator. It is going to be a center mount instead of an offset mount. All three groups of Peterbilt 379 radiators in the video above mount offset towards the front except for the 2006 models.  Paccar changed to a center mount for this model due to a difference in engine capacity. For that reason, if you mount an off-center mount to a 2006 model you are going to hit your fan blade. We do not want this. So anytime you have a 2006 Peterbilt 379 always let us know so we can hook you up one way or another to the right radiator.  

Do We Offer Radiators In A Stock Replacement 3-Row Core Version?

We offer a wide variety of options, the only radiator we do not offer in a 3 row core version is for the 1998 to1994 models. However, the older style models start with 4 row core options. There are 3-row, 4 row, and 5 row core options available for the newer models.

Does More Rows On A Radiator Mean It is better?

A radiator is made up of tubes that carry the coolant and fins that transfer heat from the tubes to the air passing through the core. Rows are the number of lines of tubes from one face of the core to the other (front to back). Accordingly, more rows mean more tubes which typically means more cooling. A 5 row radiator can effectively produce 33 to 40 percent more cooling than a 3-row radiator put in by the manufacturer.

Check out our BestFit Radiators for Peterbilt 379 models. If you have any questions about what radiator is best for your truck visit us in Joplin, Missouri at 4 State Trucks or give us a call

Today at 4 State Trucks, we are talking about step boxes and will discuss 3 of our best selling brands. There is a lot of room under your sleeper storage and trailer to have big toolboxes. These smaller boxes are a convenient way to get to the frame of your truck and for storing stuff like fuel filters, air governors, boots, and other stuff you do not want to use your precious space in your sleeper’s luggage compartment for.

What Size Do I need?

A step box comes in all different sizes. The size you need depends on how much space you have between the back of your fuel tank and the quarter fender. We can generally help provide you with a great solution that maximizes your available space.

Sturdy-Lite Step Boxes

If you are looking for a budget-friendly option and want a great toolbox for the money, Sturdy-Lite is a great way to go! They are a USA based manufacture and have been in business for over 40 years.

  • Available in a 12 inch, 18 inch, 24 inch, 36 inch, and 48 inch.
  • Solid Alumimum Construction.
  • Made in the USA.
  • Stainless steel latches and hinges.
  • Will not rust.
  • Lockable
  • With rubber weather seal to prevent water damage.
  • All Boxes use a minimum of ⅛ inch thick sheet of aluminum.
  • Requires mounting brackets.

Merritt Saddle Boxes

Merrit tool boxes are made to last ten or more years. They move easily so you can move your toolbox with you as you upgrade trucks.

Bawer Step Boxes

These Bawer stainless steel boxes really do stand out. The big visual difference between these boxes and the other two brands is the mirror finish on the stainless steel. They are manufactured in Italy with the help of robotic technology. This type of manufacturing process allows for improved precision while keeping costs down.

Mounting

Something to think about when price comparing. If you go with a Sturdy-Lite or Bawer box you will need to buy a basic mounting kit to ensure they hold up and last to being climbed up and down on. We do sell the kits at 4 State Trucks. At this time, this will typically add about $90 to $100 to the total cost of getting a step box.

Want to skip the cost of brackets without risking damage to your box? Merrit saddle boxes have doubled plated back corners where it mounts to the frame of your truck. As a result, you can mount your box securely without the need of using brackets. The manufacturer’s instructions indicate a mounting kit for a 12 inch, 18 inch, and 24 inch box is not needed when installed correctly. 

A Question For Bossman

Why is the Bawer box, the most expensive one out of the three tool boxes built with plastic latches? Wouldn’t the metal hinges be the more appropriate choice? 

Bawer’s step boxes feature highly durable and strong plastic latches and hinges. They can withstand extreme heat and subfreezing temperatures. Bawer is an international and well-trusted manufacture. They have tested several different types of hinges and latches to choose the material to ensure they are providing high-end and extremely durable tool boxes. So in this case a plastic may be the better option or at least a very effective alternative.

Check out the step and saddle boxes we have to offer. If you have any questions about what box is best for you, stop to see us in Joplin, Missouri at 4 State Trucks or give us a call

Hey folks! Brian Martin is here at 4 State Trucks, BestFit aftermarket collision parts. Today we are going to be talking about our line of Alttec fuel tanks for Peterbilt models. 

A Few Facts About Peterbilt Alttec Tanks

How Can I Tell If I Have a New or Old Style Peterbilt Manifold?

Peterbilt changed their manifolds on top of the fuel tank sometime around 2007. Your old-style manifold with all the fittings in line is from 2007 and older. For that reason, the fasted and easiest way to determine the style of your tank is to check if your tank has removable draw tubes.

  • If you can remove the draw tubes from your tank and put them in a new tank, you have an old style manifold.
  • You have the new style of manifold, if your draw tubes are permanently welded in the tank and the fittings on the top are not in line.

Will I Need To Make Modifications?

These Alttec tanks are in a variety of options, so you can find the exact tank you need. They bolt right onto your truck without the need for modifications. The tanks feature a Peterbilt-style neck that will accept the flip top fuel cap. This makes it almost identical to your factory-installed tank.

Cost Savings

Check out our Peterbilt Alttec Tanks. You will find an assortment of 80, 100, 120, 135, and 150-gallon fuel tanks. If you have more questions contact us at 4 State Trucks!

Hey Bryan here, the Boss Man at Four State Trucks. Today we are going to talk about seat base adapters. We offer several different options but today we are going to talk about the Iowa Custom’s version. 

They are a high-quality product, made in America and produced in Iowa. We carry them in raw aluminum as you can see in the video. For quick shipment, we also stock them finished in chrome, black, white, red, and blue. Custom colors are available, but it does take about three to four weeks to ship.

What Are Seat Base Adapters For?

Before these became available 12 to13 years ago, there were no pre-manufactured seat base adapter plates. When a request came to alter a seat to allow for more space between the steering wheel and the driver, shops like us had to drill new holes in the floorboard. The launch of factory-made adapter plates like these greatly improved this process. We can now make this upgrade quickly without the need to mess with the integrity of your floorboard!

What Is Special About Iowa Custom’s Adapters?

The cool thing about Iowa Customs is that their adapter plate comes with the hardware needed to secure it to the floorboard and to your seat. It allows you to leave your seat at a stock setting or you can move it back 1 inch, 2 inches, or even 3 inches from the stock placement. This gives you a little adjustability on how far back you may or may not want to move your seat.

Iowa Custom Seat adapter plates are vehicle-specific and are not one size fits all. They are available for many of the most popular seat frames such as Bostrom, National Seating, Incorporated Legacy, New Pinnacle, and Sears Seating. Check out our seat base adapters to find the one that meets your needs.

When you get to needing an adapter to install a new seat to your cab or allow more room between you and your steering wheel, stop to see us at 4 State Trucks in Joplin, Missouri. If you have more questions contact us a 4 State Trucks or give us a call

Keep Your Tools Organized

Hey Folks, Brian Martin The Boss Man here at Four State Trucks. We are going to spend a little time talking about the Cubby Buddy Storage System and how to make it work for you. As we open the side box under our sleepers, it is not unusual to see stuff packed and crammed in there in total disarray.

The cubby buddy is a modular storage system with optional stackable drawers that will help bring a little organization to this mess. They are great for providing a place to keep small tools, zip ties, brass fittings, light bulbs, small spare parts, and other items you want to keep on hand. In addition to providing easy access to everything you are storing, each compartment has a lining to prevent contents from moving and becoming damaged.

Choosing The Right Size

These modular toolboxes can install as a single unit or can stack on top of each other. To take into account the different sizes of sleeper side compartments for various models there are a few different size options. The Cubby buddy is 11 inches wide with the option of compartments with a 20-inch depth or 24-inch depth. Each unit is available in a single 2-inch drawer, a double 2-inch drawer, or a single 4-inch drawer.

First, choose what space you want your cubby buddy to fill and what depth of a unit you need. Then decide the type of base unit that will fit the function you need the best. This unit will always be a the bottom of your unit. It comes with an adjustable bottom bracket that allows it to sit above the surface so the bottom drawer can open with ease over a ledge. Next, choose any add-on units you want to mount on top of the base. At last, rearrange your add-on units to create a storage area in your truck to meet your needs.

A Few Cubby Buddy Facts

Check out the Cubby Buddys we offer to create the optimal storage area in your truck to keep you organized. If you have any questions about what storage unit will fit your needs the best, visit us at 4 State Trucks in Joplin, Missouri, or give us at 888-875-7787. We will be glad to answer any questions we can.

Don’t miss all the fun September 23rd, 24th and 25th, 2021 For the Guilty By Association Truck Show!

Featuring

Truck & Tractor Pull

Sponsored By OOIDA

United FMX Stunts

Diesel Dirt Drags

Brought To You By TBS

Burnout Pits

Worlds Largest Convoy

Benefitting Special Olympics

Live Music

Joe Nichols With Opening Act Curtis Grimes

2019 OOIDA RB Card

Effective immediately, 4 State Trucks, home of the Chrome Shop Mafia in Joplin, Missouri, has updated their discount program for OOIDA members! Any trucker that is a current member of OOIDA will be eligible for a Complimentary RoadBoss Membership. What does that mean? Well, having the OOIDA Member RoadBoss Card means you get Discounted Pricing Every Day, Free Shipping on Over 12,000 Items, Double Savings on Your Birthday, 33% Off All CSM Gear, plus Earn Cash Back on All of Your Purchases! The best part is — it’s FREE for OOIDA Members! Come by and see us in Joplin, MO and ask your Parts Pro how to get your Complimentary OOIDA RoadBoss Membership TODAY!
4 State Trucks is a SILVER supporter of OOIDA and very much appreciates the hard work, the good image, and the responsibility truck owners exemplify by being the ambassadors of the trucking industry and active supporters of the OOIDA. You can reach 4 State Trucks/Chrome Shop Mafia by calling toll free 888-875-7787 and speaking with one of the Parts Pros who will be ready and eager to answer your “chrome questions”! The call center and retail store are both open Monday thru Friday 8 am to 6 pm, or on Saturdays 9 am to 5 pm.

Differences Between Kenworth Aerocab & Non-Aerocab

Do you know how to tell the difference between a Kenworth aerocab and a non-aerocab model? This is very important information to know when ordering new parts for your truck. In the video below, Boss Man here at Chrome Shop Mafia and Glenn English take a look at the two different cab designs to show you how to quickly identify each one.

4 Main Differences Between An Aerocab And A Non-Aerocab:

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Remove the bolts that hold the bands to the cab bracket and loosen the clamp  around the rubber outlet boot.

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Carefully remove the filter assembly from the cab.

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Twist the ‘cap’ off the filter assembly.

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Remove the 4 inner nuts to remove the screen assembly.

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Place the screen on a convenient workbench.

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Measure desired height down from the top of the screen and mark it accordingly (we are removing 2″).

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Use tape in conjunction with your marks to identify a nice straight template for cutting screen.

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Use die grinder w/cutoff wheel to make the necessary cut (wear eye protection/use caution)

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Use die grinder w/cutoff wheel to ‘split’ the screen from the cap   ‘fastening ring’.

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Drill out the ‘spot welds’ that fasten the screen to the ‘ring’.

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Use a screwdriver to carefully separate the 2 pieces.

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‘De-burr’ the edges of the screen – remove any uneven edges

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Use a rubber mallet to drive the ring down into the shortened screen

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Have your local handy dandy weld shop ‘re-spot’ the screen to the   ‘fastening ring’

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Secure screen to filter body with 4 nuts.

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Carefully install on side of cap same way as originally installed.

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Wow! Check it out! Looks a lot cooler….. don’t u think!!

Have fun & we’ll be seein’ ya.

Hey, we hope you enjoy the replay of the first ever GBATS 2020 Live Stream Event that happened September 25, 2020 on Facebook! Due to some technical issues with the YouTube platform, we were unable to stream live on here as well. Let us know in the comments what you liked and what you’d like to see more of on Truckin’ TV with Bryan “Bossman” Martin!

Say hello to the red Peterbilt 389 owned by Naas & Sons Trucking. This truck is not only a show stopper and a show winner, but it is a working truck!

Check out their Facebook page for all the adventures.

Find all the parts you need to get this look or your own custom look at 4 State Trucks.

About NAAS & SONS

Naas LLC has been providing trucking and excavating services to southern Indiana for more than 75 years. Their family-owned company was first started in the 1940s by Paul Naas. He started with just one truck and one tractor, but today we have grown to have a fleet of equipment including tri-axles, semis, tractors, backhoes, and excavators. They also stock a number of construction materials at their yard, located in Haubstadt, IN.

Here is Bossman with Peterbilt 379 or 389 Gliders

When you are trying to figure out what exhaust kit you need to order for a Peterbilt 379 or 389 Glider you need to take a few measurements. Let’s say this truck is a 2004 and I am wanting to be 12 foot 6 inches in overall height.

You first need to measure from your lower cab bracket on the cab corner to the ground and figure out what that measurement is,  on this truck, it is 44 inches.

And we know we are going to go with a three-piece exhaust kit, so we are going to get an elbow, a center spool and a top stack.  Now Lincoln Chrome, BestFit, TPHD and most of your exhaust kits for Peterbilt are going to be the three phases with the exception of a very few brands. 

With that said we know we are at 44 inches here now we need to determine what spool we need.

Typically, on a 2003 and older 379s will have a 52-inch spool and 2005 and newer will have a 55 inch spool.  We find this by measuring from the lower cab bracket up to where it will mount to your top mounting bracket. 

All Peterbilt trucks will have a bracket somewhat similar to this one.

If your factory exhaust attaches to the lower webbing or the lower side of this bracket it is going to be a 52-inch spool.  If it attaches to the top of the webbing, the top of this bracket it is going to be a 55-inch spool.

Now knowing that we are going to take our 44 inches from the bracket to the ground and our 52-inch spool from our 150 total inches and are left with a need for a 54 inch top stack.

12.5 feet x 12 Inches per foot = 150 inches

150 inches – 44 Inches – 52 inches = 54 Inches

If you can look at your upper exhaust bracket and if it is close to the bottom of the webbing you will know it is a 52-inch spool and if it is close to the top of the webbing it is a 55-inch spool and we have found that to be true each and every time!

Now, this is only true for Peterbilt 379 and 389 Gliders so if you have a different truck please make sure to measure from the ground and from your factory mounting brackets to determine the best fit for your truck.

If you have further questions or have another make model you can always call one of our parts pros 877-458-9398 or chat with them on the web here.

Freightliner guys do not worry. Dan “The Man” has you covered!

Hey, there this is Dan The Man with 4 State Trucks. We had this Freightliner Classic in the shop here and we just poured the exhaust off of it along with a couple other things and we figured this would be a good opportunity to show you guys how to measure exhaust when you are trying to figure out how high you want to be.

Basically, these trucks it’s pretty simple this particular wanted to be about 13.2-foot overall length so we are going to measure from the center of the bottom clamp to the ground and try to get it on as level ground as you can to get an accurate measurement. From there we take that number and then add it to a hundred and fourteen options we have for a stack hit and that gets us right around thirteen point one six total height so just under where the customer wanted to be but we can’t get much closer than that.

So, First convert your total height into inches.

13.2 Feet *12 Inches Per Foot =158.4 Inches

158.4 Inches – 44 Inches = 114 Stack

If you have further questions or have another make model you can always call one of our parts pros 877-458-9398 or chat with them on the web here.

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