Tenneco Inc. is partnering with two high school automotive programs participating in the 2019 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) High School Vehicle Build by donating Rancho-brand ride control parts for the projects.
The Rancho brand is supporting the builds at C.D. Hylton High School in Woodbridge, Va., and R.L. Turner High School in Carrollton, Texas. Each school received a Rancho 3.5-inch short-arm system, Rancho upper control arms (front/rear), Rancho RS9000XL adjustable shocks and a Rancho RS5000 steering stabilizer for their respective Jeep Wrangler TJ project builds.
“The 2019 SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program provides a great opportunity to educate these critical technical programs and their students about the opportunities within the performance industry as well as showcase their innovative ideas,” says Chris Gauss, director of performance products for the Rancho brand. “Both schools are dedicated to delivering more than what could be imagined through their TJ builds and certainly showcase the Rancho legacy of innovation.”
Students building the 2002 Jeep Wrangler TJ Sport at C.D. Hylton High School are completing a frame off restoration.
“To do a complete frame off with the build and its timeline is indicative of who we are — we go over the top and then add 10% more,” says Ed Stevens, the school's automotive instructor. “This Jeep build is truly an example of our program and our students.”
Students of the automotive program at R.L. Turner High School plan to fully customize their 2004 Jeep Wrangler TJ.
“Most of the time our students only have a chance to replace one or two worn suspension or steering pieces,” says Instructor Nick Yosten. “This program has given the students a great opportunity to experience a complete installation process and ask questions like ‘Why do I have to install longer brake hoses during a performance lift kit installation?’ This has been a great experience for the students!”
Students around the country are building five vehicles in all. They'll complete their work by the end of the 2019 school year, and then the vehicles will be wold, with the proceeds reinvested into next year's SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program.
For more information about the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program, visit www.sema.org/student-builds.
For more information on Rancho, visit www.GoRancho.com.
