709: Trail Maintenance To Saving The Neighborhood
About this episode
Four Wheel Underground is reshaping how suspension parts are sold, shifting from all-in kits to buying specific components à la carte—like the exact bracket you need. The discussion also calls out design details such as a lower link bracket with an integrated bump stop, and notes that aluminum links are now standard. The hosts tie it back to real trail work, referencing maintenance experience on the Rubicon Trail and broader trail revival efforts.
Tyler and Jimmy get back together for the first time since TrailHeroX. This is the first time for the month, so there is a lot of catching up to do, from giveaways to group buys, they talk about all the important business. Afterwards, they jump into what they have been up to for the last week. Tyler went and worked at his adopt-a-trail up at the Rubicon, and Jimmy went to a car show.
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4Wheel Underground has all the suspension parts you need to take your off-road rig from leaf springs to a performance suspension system. We just ordered our kits for Kermit and Samantha and are looking forward to getting them. The ordering process was quite simple, and after answering the questionnaire, we ensured we got the correct and best-fitting kits for our vehicles. If you want to level up your suspension game, check out 4Wheel Underground.
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SnailSquad Monthly GiveawayMassive thanks to this month’s giveaway with Rusoh Fire Extinguishers. We have one of their 2.5-pound extinguishers to give away to a lucky winner. This extinguisher has an 18-year shelf life and is the best fire extinguisher for any off-road vehicle. To learn more, check out Rusoh.com. If you want a chance to win, sign up for the Giveaway Tier on Irate4x4
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Show Music:
- Midroll Music – ComaStudio
- Outroll Music – Meizong Kumbang
upper frame bracket
"Absolutely. So if you want the upper frame bracket, you can just buy that."
A frame bracket is a strong metal mount bolted to the truck’s frame. It’s where suspension parts attach so the wheels can move without the suspension shifting around.
An upper frame bracket is a mounting point on the vehicle’s frame that supports suspension components. In off-road link suspensions, these brackets locate the upper control arms/links so the suspension can move while keeping wheel alignment under load.
lower link bracket
"Yeah. If you want the lower link bracket, because it has the integrated bump stop and it's super stout and it looks really good too."
This is a mounting bracket for the lower suspension arm. It can also include a built-in “stop” so the suspension doesn’t slam into the rest of the truck when you hit bumps hard.
A lower link bracket is a mounting point for the lower suspension link/control arm in a link-style suspension system. The mention of an “integrated bump stop” means the bracket includes a built-in limit for suspension travel to help prevent metal-to-metal contact during hard compression.
integrated bump stop
"Yeah. If you want the lower link bracket, because it has the integrated bump stop and it's super stout and it looks really good too."
A bump stop is like a safety cushion for the suspension. It prevents the suspension from compressing too far and damaging parts when you hit a big bump.
A bump stop is a rubber or elastomer (or sometimes hydraulic) component that limits how far the suspension can compress. An “integrated” bump stop is built into the bracket/component, helping protect the suspension and chassis from bottoming out on big impacts.
Johnny joints
"So now you can buy those all a cart from cartridge joints, rebuildable Johnny joints, hymes, offsets, all sorts of different ones."
Johnny joints are special pivot joints used in off-road suspension. They help the suspension move through big angles without getting stuck or wearing out as quickly.
“Johnny joints” are off-road suspension spherical/rod-end style joints designed to handle misalignment and large suspension articulation. They’re commonly used in link suspensions because they maintain articulation while reducing binding compared with simpler bushings.
hymes
"So now you can buy those all a cart from cartridge joints, rebuildable Johnny joints, hymes, offsets, all sorts of different ones."
Hymes are heavy-duty pivot joints used in suspension. They let suspension links move through rough terrain without binding.
“Hymes” refers to Heim joints (often spelled “Heim” or “Himes” in speech), which are spherical rod-end joints used to connect suspension links. They allow smooth movement through suspension travel and are popular in off-road setups for their articulation and durability.
aluminum links
"Do you know what else he brought in house? [40.9s] Aluminum links, that's pretty rad. ... They now all come standard with aluminum links."
These are suspension arms made from aluminum. Aluminum can be lighter and resists rust better than steel, which is helpful for off-roading.
Aluminum links are suspension links/control arms made from aluminum instead of steel. The appeal is typically weight savings and corrosion resistance, while still aiming to maintain strength for off-road loads.
link suspension kit
"So if you want to move your Toyota from Lee Springs to a link suspension kit, check out four wheel underground."
A link suspension kit is an aftermarket suspension system that uses links/control arms to control wheel movement. Compared with simpler suspension designs, link kits are built to improve articulation and control on uneven terrain, which is why they’re common in off-road builds.
Rubicon Trail
"from the trail revival program, which I actually got to be a part of and use to do some maintenance on the Rubicon Trail too."
The Rubicon Trail is a well-known off-road trail with tough rocks and steep sections. It’s the kind of place that really tests suspension and tires.
The Rubicon Trail is a famous off-road route in California known for steep climbs, rocky obstacles, and high articulation demands. Mentioning maintenance on the Rubicon Trail signals real trail experience and the kind of conditions that stress suspension components.
Wrangler Rubicon
"...e a part of and use to do some maintenance on the Rubicon Trail too. They have an elite partnership."
The Wrangler is a 4-wheel-drive SUV made for driving on rough dirt roads and trails. It’s commonly talked about in off-road settings because it’s built to handle challenging terrain. The podcast mention suggests it’s used for trail maintenance and trail driving activities on routes like the Rubicon.
The Wrangler is a rugged 4x4 SUV known for off-road capability and for being used on trails like the Rubicon. It’s often discussed in off-road podcasts because its design supports trail driving, basic maintenance access, and aftermarket support. Mentions of partnerships or trail-focused use highlight how it’s used in real-world off-road scenarios.
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