706: Wheeling Wine and Whiskey (Takeover)

Four Wheel Underground is an off-road parts company that sells suspension components and kits for 4x4 builds. In this segment, they’re described as changing their business model so customers can buy individual suspension pieces instead of only full kits.

“All a cart” here means buying individual components à la carte, rather than being forced to purchase a complete suspension kit. That matters because it lets builders upgrade or replace only the specific brackets or links they want.

An upper frame bracket is a mounting point that attaches suspension links/brackets to the vehicle’s frame. In off-road suspension systems, the bracket’s geometry and strength help control link angles and suspension travel under load.

An integrated bump stop is a suspension travel limiter built into a bracket or mount. When the suspension compresses far enough, the bump stop contacts and slows/limits further movement to reduce harsh impacts and prevent damage.

A lower link bracket is the lower mounting point for suspension links, typically on the frame or axle side. The segment notes it includes an integrated bump stop, which helps limit suspension compression travel to protect components.

Cartridge joints are suspension link joints that use replaceable internal bearings/liners inside a sealed cartridge. They’re popular in off-road setups because they can be stronger and more serviceable than basic rubber or non-rebuildable joints.

Johnny joints are off-road suspension link joints designed to provide controlled articulation while reducing binding. “Rebuildable” versions can be serviced with replacement parts, which helps keep performance consistent over time.

“Hymes” refers to Heim joints (spherical rod ends) used in suspension links. They allow smooth angular movement and are common in off-road and racing because they can handle misalignment and load well.

Aluminum links are suspension arms/links made from aluminum instead of steel. They can reduce unsprung weight and are often chosen for off-road builds, but they still need to be designed for strength and durability.

A link suspension kit uses articulated links (with joints) to control suspension movement rather than relying on simpler spring-and-mount arrangements. Kits are designed to improve wheel travel, articulation, and control on uneven off-road terrain.

“On X Off Road” is an off-roading navigation app used to plan routes and track trails. The hosts call it one of their favorite apps for off-roading, emphasizing its role in route awareness and community use.

A “trail revival program” is an organized effort to improve and maintain off-road trails, often through volunteer work, events, and community partnerships. In this segment, it’s tied to off-roading community involvement and hands-on maintenance work.

The Wrangler is a Jeep off-road SUV known for its trail-focused design and strong aftermarket support. The podcast specifically mentions using it for maintenance on the Rubicon Trail, which points to it being used in a serious off-road environment. It’s discussed because the Wrangler is a common choice for people who actively drive trails and do their own upkeep.

The Jeep CJ is the classic “Civilian Jeep” line that predates modern Wranglers and is famous for its simple, rugged off-road design. People often reference the CJ era when talking about old-school trail rigs and the roots of Jeep culture.

“Metallic” refers to a paint formulation that includes tiny metal flakes. Those flakes reflect light differently as the car moves, which is why metallic colors like “bonsai blue” can look deeper or more vibrant than flat paint.

A 1993 Jeep Wrangler is an early-generation Wrangler (the YJ era) that’s especially associated with classic, simple 4x4 layouts and a huge parts ecosystem. In this segment, the host highlights it as “bare bones” and notes it had a “four liter,” framing it as a practical family vehicle that still got driven hard.

“Four liter” refers to an engine displacement of about 4.0 liters, which is a common way enthusiasts describe engine size. Larger displacement often correlates with more low-end torque and easier pulling power—useful for a 4x4 like a Wrangler.

A bikini top is a very minimal soft top used on some open-air Jeep-style vehicles. It provides partial weather protection while leaving most of the cabin exposed, which can increase wind and rain intrusion compared with a full soft top.

Half doors are door panels that cover only the lower portion of the cabin, common on some open-air Jeep setups. They reduce weight and improve the open-air feel, but they also change airflow, which can create more wind buffeting and water intrusion in storms.

A wind vortex is a swirling airflow pattern that forms when wind hits an open-air vehicle configuration (like a bikini top and half doors). In this case, the speaker describes the airflow coming back toward the cabin and affecting where water and mist end up.

In off-roading context, “mines” usually refers to old mining areas with access roads, tracks, and uneven terrain. These locations can involve rutted surfaces, loose rock, and hazards from abandoned infrastructure.

Fire roads are unpaved service roads used for wildfire access and maintenance. They’re often graded dirt or gravel routes that are common destinations for light off-roading and exploring with 4x4 vehicles.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV known for combining everyday comfort with serious off-road capability. In a “family man” context, it’s the kind of used SUV people often buy when they want room for passengers plus the option to go off pavement. It may come up because it’s a common choice for buyers who want one vehicle that can do both daily driving and trail use.

The Ford Windstar is a minivan that was used as a family vehicle option in the past. The podcast mentions it as what the speaker’s wife drove, alongside a Jeep that wasn’t being driven much. It likely comes up because minivans like the Windstar are often chosen for daily family transport when comfort and space matter.

The Honda Odyssey is a minivan designed for families, with seating space and practical features for everyday driving. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as a trade-in after owning a Grand Cherokee, which fits the idea of switching to a vehicle that’s easier for family life. It often comes up in family-focused discussions because minivans prioritize passenger comfort and cargo room.

A galvanized body is steel that’s coated with zinc to resist rust. On older off-road Jeeps, rust resistance is a big deal because trail use and weather exposure can accelerate corrosion.

U joints (universal joints) connect driveshaft sections and allow them to change angle as the suspension moves. Off-road use puts them through lots of articulation and shock loads, so their condition and design matter for durability.

A “torque monster” describes an engine that produces strong torque, especially at lower RPMs. Torque is the twisting force that helps a vehicle accelerate and crawl over obstacles without needing high engine speeds.

The 22RE is a Toyota 2.4-liter inline-four engine (commonly associated with Toyota pickups and 4Runners). It’s well known in the off-road community for being durable and for providing usable torque for trail driving.

A valve cover gasket seals the valve cover to the engine so oil doesn’t seep out around the top of the engine. If it leaks, you can get oil on the outside of the engine and potentially mess with nearby components over time.

The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 40 is the classic, early Land Cruiser that became an icon for simple, capable off-roading. It’s known for its boxy styling and straightforward mechanical design, which is why it remains a favorite among trail builders and collectors.

This segment focuses on why Jeep became the default symbol for off-roading and military surplus vehicles. The hosts discuss how even non-off-roaders recognize Jeep and associate it with off-road capability or military history.

The Rubicon refers to the Rubicon Trail in California, a famous off-road route known for difficult rock crawling and obstacles. The phrase “armies surplus Jeeps” ties Jeep’s military-surplus history to the idea that these vehicles became iconic off-road tools.

Leaf spring suspension uses stacked metal strips ("leaves") that flex to provide springing and help locate the axle. It’s common on many classic 4x4s because it’s durable and works well for carrying loads.

Coil springs are circular springs that compress and rebound to absorb bumps. Compared with leaf springs, they’re often used in newer suspensions to improve ride comfort and allow more tuning of wheel control.

Unlocking the hubs typically means switching the front axle hubs from a locked (engaged) state back to an unlocked state on a part-time 4WD system. That reduces drivetrain drag for highway driving after you’re done with the trail.

Disconnecting your sway bar (anti-roll bar) reduces how strongly the left and right suspension are forced to move together. That lets a Jeep keep more tire contact on uneven terrain by allowing more independent wheel travel during off-road articulation.

A track bar (panhard bar) locates the axle laterally so it doesn’t wander side-to-side. Off-road setups often use a “locked down” track bar to control axle position and improve steering feel and stability under load on trails.

This is a humorous way of contrasting “trailer queen” behavior with using the vehicle as intended. In off-road culture, a “trailer queen” is a rig that’s mostly transported to events rather than driven regularly, often to preserve it or avoid wear.

“Driveshaft spitting out” refers to the driveshaft coming loose or separating from the drivetrain—often due to extreme suspension droop, misalignment, or insufficient driveline retention. Off-road rigs may be built to reduce this risk so they can drive to the trail and still survive the trail.

In this context, “axle” means the axle shafts and related hardware that transmit torque to the wheels. Off-road stress can lead to axle damage or failures if the drivetrain and suspension geometry aren’t set up to handle wheel travel and impacts.

The hosts are contrasting “road worthy” setups (comfortable and legal for street driving) with “trail worthy” setups (optimized for off-road traction, clearance, and suspension movement). The idea is that modern Jeep builds can be configured to switch between street manners and trail capability using upgrades and adjustable systems.

“40s” and “42s” refer to tire sizes—typically 40-inch or 42-inch diameter tires—used on highly modified off-road vehicles. Bigger tires increase ground clearance and can improve obstacle clearance, but they also require matching suspension/axle gearing and careful fitment.

“Portals” in an off-road context usually means portal gearboxes at the wheel hubs. They raise the axle centerline and increase ground clearance without needing extreme suspension lift, which helps clear rocks and maintain better tire contact on uneven terrain.

Front and rear sway bars (anti-roll bars) connect the left and right suspension to reduce body roll during cornering. On a Jeep built for both highway and trail use, sway bars can be tuned or disconnected to balance on-road stability with off-road articulation.

The Rubicon Trail is a famous off-road route in California known for technical obstacles and steep, rocky sections. It’s often used as a benchmark in off-road communities for how capable a build is.

Dynatrack is mentioned as a vendor you could “call up” for parts or upgrades. In off-road circles, companies like this are typically associated with aftermarket drivetrain or suspension-related products that support Jeep builds.

“Bolt on” means parts install using existing mounting points and hardware, rather than requiring custom fabrication or welding. In off-road builds, bolt-on upgrades are popular because they’re faster to install and easier to reverse.

A “rear locker” is a locking differential (or differential lock) that forces the rear wheels to rotate together. On trails, that improves traction when one wheel loses grip, helping the vehicle climb or push through obstacles more reliably.

“BFG mud terrains” refers to BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires, which are built with aggressive tread patterns for digging through mud and shedding debris. Mud-terrain tires are a big part of off-road traction and ride behavior, especially on wet trails.

This segment focuses on how off-roaders evolve their setups over time—adapting tires, lockers, and other changes as they learn what works on specific trails.

“Lock everything back up” typically refers to returning drivetrain and suspension-related settings to a more locked/controlled state after trail driving. In 4x4 contexts, it often means re-engaging locked modes (commonly via lockers and/or transfer-case settings) for predictable on-road or easier off-road behavior.

“Shade tree mechanics” is a slang term for DIY car owners who do repairs or upgrades themselves, often with basic tools at home. The host uses it to argue that many off-road modifications are approachable without being a professional machinist.

A torque wrench is a tool that tightens fasteners to a specific torque value (tightness). It matters for off-road modifications because incorrect torque can lead to loose components or damaged threads.

Lockers are differential locking systems that force both wheels on an axle to rotate together. This improves traction when one wheel loses grip on loose surfaces, but it can change steering feel and drivetrain stress if used improperly.

In off-roading, changing “gears” usually means swapping the axle gear ratios to better match low-speed crawling or highway cruising. Lower (numerically higher) ratios provide more torque at the wheels for climbing and traction, while higher ratios can reduce engine strain at speed.

In off-roading, an air compressor is used to pressurize air systems—most commonly to inflate tires after they’ve been aired down for better traction. Many setups also use the compressor to run pneumatic accessories like onboard air or air lockers.

“Aftermarket” refers to parts made by companies other than the original vehicle manufacturer. In off-roading, aftermarket brackets, compressors, and air-system components are common because they let owners tailor setups to their specific rig and trail needs.

The Jeep YJ is a classic Wrangler generation known for its simple, trail-focused platform that many owners modify heavily. In this segment, it’s mentioned as a case where off-the-shelf mounting solutions aren’t available, forcing custom bracket fabrication.

ARB usually refers to ARB air lockers and other pneumatic off-road systems that use compressed air to lock differentials for traction. When the compressor is running, the system can engage those lockers to reduce wheel slip on uneven terrain.

“Airing up” means restoring tire pressure after an off-road run. Off-roaders typically air down for traction and ride compliance, then air up afterward to return the tires to safer on-road pressures.

The Toyota Prius is a mainstream hybrid hatchback known more for commuting efficiency than off-road hardware. Mentioning it in an off-road context highlights the contrast between everyday vehicles and trail-ready 4x4s.

Tesla is an electric-vehicle brand, and most of its lineup is designed primarily for street use rather than traditional off-road setups. Bringing it up in a trail conversation underscores how off-road culture is expanding beyond classic 4x4 brands.

The Subaru Outback is a crossover wagon built with standard all-wheel drive, making it a common choice for light off-road and snowy conditions. The host’s mention contrasts “adventure” vehicles with more hardcore 4x4s like Jeeps.

In off-road context, a lift is the suspension height increase that raises the vehicle’s ground clearance. More lift can help you clear larger tires and obstacles, but it also affects driveline angles, ride quality, and how much additional work (like tires and alignment) you may need.

“35s” is shorthand for 35-inch off-road tires, a common size goal for lifted trucks. Bigger tires increase ground clearance and obstacle capability, but they often require matching lift height, wheel/tire fitment changes, and sometimes trimming to avoid rubbing.

Ditch lights are auxiliary off-road lights mounted low on the vehicle, often near the wheel wells, to illuminate the ground along the sides of the trail. They help you see obstacles like ruts, rocks, and washouts that standard headlights might miss.

Rock lights are underbody or ground-facing LEDs aimed at the rocks and trail surface near the tires. They’re primarily for visibility and trail awareness at night, and they’re also popular for customizable lighting effects.

King of the Hammers (KOH) is a famous off-road race in the U.S. known for brutal rock obstacles and high-speed desert sections. It’s widely considered one of the toughest events in American off-road racing, which is why people talk about building the right kind of truck for it.

Ultra4 is a U.S. off-road racing series built around extreme terrain—rock crawling, desert sections, and long-distance challenges. Vehicles are typically purpose-built for durability and traction, often with specialized suspension, big tires, and aggressive gearing.

A river crossing is an off-road water obstacle where the vehicle must drive through moving or standing water without getting the drivetrain or electronics too wet. It adds risk because water can affect traction, and deep crossings can expose components to water intrusion and hydrolock-type failures.

A rock garden is an off-road section filled with uneven rocks that force the suspension to articulate and the tires to maintain traction over sharp obstacles. It’s a common “technical” obstacle type because it can quickly overwhelm traction and ground clearance, especially before a water crossing.

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a rugged, off-road-styled compact SUV built with trail use in mind. The podcast describes one as “broken bad,” which suggests it was in rough condition, but it still highlights the FJ Cruiser’s identity as a tough-looking off-road vehicle. It may be discussed because people buy them for their trail character and then deal with the realities of maintenance and wear.

Differentials (often called “diffs”) are gear sets that let the left and right wheels rotate at different speeds, which is crucial when turning or climbing uneven terrain. Off-road, damage to both front and rear differentials usually means the drivetrain can’t distribute torque properly, often turning a recoverable situation into a major repair.

“Mechanical sympathy” means treating a vehicle gently and thoughtfully—using throttle, traction, and driving inputs in a way that avoids shock-loading parts. In off-roading, it’s about not forcing components through obstacles when they’re likely to bind, slip, or fail.

This segment describes a typical off-road recovery workflow: the vehicle is stuck, then it’s pulled out using winching and/or a recovery strap. The “every few turns of the axle, you'd hear a bang” detail highlights how failures can occur while attempting to move a damaged drivetrain.

In trail recovery, a “strap” usually refers to a recovery strap (often synthetic) used to tow or pull a stuck vehicle. Compared with chains, straps are more forgiving and can reduce shock loads when the line goes taut, but they still require correct rigging and safe angles.

The “ring and pinion” are the main gears inside a differential that transfer engine torque to the axle shafts. When they’re “lunched” (destroyed), it typically means the gears were damaged by extreme load, poor lubrication, or shock from off-road impacts.

The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup known for off-road capability and popularity in 4x4 communities. In this segment, it’s mentioned as one of the Toyota models commonly driven by participants or students at off-road events.

The Toyota 4Runner is a body-on-frame midsize SUV built with off-road use in mind. In the segment, it’s grouped with other Toyota models (Tacoma, Land Cruiser) as common vehicles participants bring to off-road training or wheeling events.

Towing is hauling a vehicle or equipment behind another vehicle using a hitch and tow system. Off-road groups often tow rigs to trails or events so the vehicles aren’t driven long distances on-road or risk getting stuck before the wheeling starts.

The Ford F-450 is a heavy-duty pickup (part of Ford’s Super Duty line) that’s commonly used for towing and off-road work. In this segment, it’s specifically discussed as a purpose-built off-road truck that still benefits from comfort features like heated/air-conditioned seats.

An automatic transmission changes gears by itself using hydraulic/mechanical control systems (and often a computer), rather than requiring the driver to shift manually. In this segment, the hosts contrast automatics with manuals for off-road events and discuss perceived durability differences.

A “granny gear” is an ultra-low gear ratio used for crawling at very low speeds, such as climbing steep grades or maneuvering through rough terrain. It helps keep engine RPM in a workable range while reducing wheel speed so the driver can control traction precisely.

Overdrive is a higher gear (or gear ratio) that lets the engine run at lower RPM for a given road speed, improving efficiency and reducing noise. In trucks, it’s often paired with lower “crawl” gears so you can both tackle off-road conditions and cruise on-road.

"Gasser diesel" is a casual way to contrast gasoline (gasser) engines with diesel engines. The key difference is how they make power and torque—diesels typically emphasize low-end torque for towing and hauling.

A Banks kit refers to aftermarket performance hardware from Banks Power, typically used on diesel trucks to increase airflow and fuel delivery. On a towing-focused diesel, that can improve power, but it also makes monitoring EGT more important because harder fueling can raise exhaust temperatures.

EGT (exhaust gas temperature) is the temperature of the gases leaving the engine. On diesels, EGT is a key safety/efficiency indicator during towing because excessive heat can mean you’re overworking the engine or running too much fuel for the available airflow.

The 2017 Ford F-350 (6.7L diesel) is a modern heavy-duty towing truck built around strong low-end torque and high-capacity cooling. The host contrasts it with his older diesel by saying the truck’s computer limits how hard it can be pushed, while still allowing full throttle when conditions allow.

Modern diesel trucks use engine control software to manage fueling, boost, and emissions systems. When the host says the computer regulates him, he’s describing how the truck limits power/behavior to protect the engine and keep temperatures within safe ranges.

Weight limits are the maximum allowable loads for the truck and trailer—often including the trailer’s gross weight and the truck’s towing/payload ratings. The host stresses that exceeding these limits is a major risk factor, especially when towing heavy setups like campers and off-road gear.

The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck commonly used for towing and hauling. The podcast mentions it in the context of towing a trailer, which is one of the F-150’s main reasons people choose it. It’s a frequent topic because it’s a mainstream truck that many owners rely on for work, gear, and towing needs.