Ep. 307: Truck Tech We're Thankful For And Stuff We HATE!
About this episode
Thanksgiving vibes kick off this episode as hosts reflect on truck tech they're thankful for, alongside some features they dislike. They discuss the latest news from the LA Auto Show, including Jeep's Gladiator Willy's Edition and the cancellation of the 4xE powertrain. The conversation dives into the diversity of powertrains available today, modern transmission advancements, and the impressive capabilities of off-road trims. They also touch on the rising prices of trucks and the need for more affordable options in the market, making for a well-rounded discussion on the current state of the truck industry.
( https://www.alltfl.com/ ) Check out our new spot to find ALL our content, from news to videos and our podcasts! In this episode of TFL Talkin’ Trucks, Kase and Andre break down the truck tech and trends they’re thankful for, from a multitude of engine choices to the incredible capability that modern trucks offer. They highlight the innovations that make trucks easier, safer, and more enjoyable to use — the stuff that actually matters to real truck owners.
Then they dive into the tech and trends they can’t stand, including lots of recalls, pointless gimmicks, and design decisions that make trucks worse, not better. It’s an honest look at where truck technology is headed, what deserves applause, and what needs to hit the road.
( http://www.patreon.com/tflcar ) Visit our Patreon page to support the TFL team!
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slate truck
"We try to spend a little bit more time with the slate truck, which is always interesting"
A slate truck is a pickup that’s been painted white or left unpainted so people can see the metal and add their own paint or decals. It’s a popular look for car enthusiasts who want to personalize their truck.
A "slate truck" refers to a pickup truck that has been stripped of its original paint and trim, giving it a clean, unfinished look. This style is often used for customization or to showcase aftermarket parts.
Jeep Gladiator
"But Jeep dropped a little bit of truck news coinciding with the show, which was a Jeep Gladiator"
The Gladiator is a truck that looks and drives like a Jeep Wrangler but has a bed for hauling stuff. It’s great for off‑road adventures and everyday use.
The Jeep Gladiator is a midsize pickup truck built on the Wrangler platform, known for its off‑road capability and removable doors. It combines the ruggedness of a Jeep with the utility of a pickup.
fabric top
"has at least pictured here a fabric top, which I like"
A fabric top is a cloth cover you can pull up or down on the truck’s roof. It lets you drive with the top off but still keeps rain out if you want.
A fabric top is a removable, cloth roof that can be folded or stowed, offering an open‑air driving experience while still providing protection when needed.
olive drab green wheels
"And it's also got the coolest, very military style olive drab green wheels to match the olive"
The wheels are the round metal parts that touch the road, and they’re painted a greenish color that looks like military gear.
These are the truck’s alloy wheels painted in an olive drab green color, giving a military or off‑road aesthetic that matches the vehicle’s rugged theme.
32-inch tire
"So I think it's a 32-inch tire that comes with this wheel tire package."
It’s a big tire that lets the vehicle sit higher and grip better on rough ground.
A 32‑inch tire is a large wheel/tire combination that offers more ground clearance and can improve off‑road traction.
monoblock wheel
"It's a big, solid, very, almost monoblock, but not quite."
It’s a wheel made from one solid piece, which can be tougher but harder to fix if it gets bent.
A monoblock wheel is a single-piece rim that can be stronger and lighter than multi‑piece designs, but it may be harder to repair if damaged.
bolt pattern
"Well, I don't know if it's the same bolt pattern. I may have to adapt it"
Bolt pattern is the way the holes on a wheel line up with the holes in the car’s hub. If they don’t match, the wheel won’t fit.
Bolt pattern refers to the arrangement and spacing of holes on a wheel hub, determining which wheels fit a particular vehicle. Matching bolt patterns is essential for safe installation.
Jeep Wrangler
"Or body swapped the Boohanka onto a 392 Wrangler"
The Jeep Wrangler is a small SUV that can go off the road. It’s famous for being tough and easy to change parts on.
The Jeep Wrangler is a rugged off‑road SUV known for its removable doors and roof, popular among enthusiasts who enjoy customizing or swapping parts.
body swap
"Or body swapped the Boohanka onto a 392 Wrangler"
Body swap means putting one car’s body onto another car’s frame. It lets people get a new look without buying a whole new car.
Body swapping involves replacing a vehicle’s exterior shell with another model’s body while keeping the original chassis and drivetrain. It allows enthusiasts to combine performance parts with a desired look.
front engine
"Even though it's front engine"
Front engine means the car’s engine is in the front. It changes how the car handles and where the weight sits.
A front‑engine layout places the engine in the vehicle’s front section, typically driving either the front or rear wheels. This configuration affects handling and weight distribution.
4xE powertrain
"They also canceled the 4xE powertrain that was supposed to come, and now is not around."
A 4xE powertrain is a future electric engine system that some car makers were planning to use in many cars. It would let those cars run on electricity instead of gasoline.
The 4xE is a planned all-electric powertrain platform that some automakers were developing to replace internal‑combustion engines with electric motors and batteries. It would have enabled a range of vehicles to be fully electric while sharing common components across models.
plug-in hybrid
"you can't just go out and buy a plug-in hybrid truck"
A plug‑in hybrid is a car that can run on both gasoline and electric power, and you can charge its battery from a wall outlet so it can drive short distances on electricity alone.
A plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) combines an internal combustion engine with a battery that can be charged from the grid, allowing short electric‑only driving ranges before switching to hybrid mode.
hybrid trucks
"There are hybrid trucks from Toyota, from Ford"
Hybrid trucks are pickup vehicles that use both a regular engine and electric power to get better gas mileage and lower pollution.
Hybrid trucks use a combination of an internal combustion engine and electric motors to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions compared to conventional diesel or gasoline trucks.
V8
"rumor of them stuffing a V8 into a gladiator"
A V8 engine has eight cylinders in a V shape and is often used in cars that need strong performance, like trucks or sports cars.
A V8 is an internal combustion engine with eight cylinders arranged in a V configuration, known for delivering high power and torque.
Chevrolet Colorado
"It was like a 5-3 in a Colorado, was that?"
The Colorado is a medium‑sized pickup truck from Chevrolet. It’s popular for its sturdy build and useful cargo space.
The Chevrolet Colorado is a mid‑size pickup truck produced by General Motors. It’s known for its ruggedness and versatility, often used as a work truck or family vehicle.
Hummer H3T
"And there was an H3T as well, the Hummer."
The H3T is a small, tough off‑road car made by GM. It’s based on the Jeep Wrangler and is good for rough terrain.
The Hummer H3T is a compact, off‑road vehicle produced by General Motors under the Hummer brand. It’s built on a Jeep Wrangler platform and is known for its rugged off‑road capability.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"But Jeep did show what a month or two ago, the new Grand Cherokee, with a new 2-liter,"
The Grand Cherokee is a popular SUV from Jeep that can be driven on roads or off the beaten path. Some newer versions have a small, turbo‑charged engine that still gives good power.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid‑size luxury SUV known for its off‑road capability and comfortable interior. It has been offered with various powertrains, including a 2‑liter turbocharged engine in recent models.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
"For example, a Sprinter Mercedes-Benz Sprinter comes to mind."
The Sprinter is a big van from Mercedes that can carry a lot of stuff or people. It’s often used by businesses for deliveries.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a large commercial van used for cargo, passenger transport, and custom conversions. It offers high payload capacity and a range of engine options.
2-liter turbo diesel
"It's offered with a 2-liter turbo diesel."
A 2‑liter turbo diesel is a small engine that uses a turbocharger to make it stronger, so even big vans can run well without using too much gas.
A 2‑liter turbocharged diesel engine is a small displacement powerplant that uses forced induction to boost power and torque, making it suitable for heavy vehicles while maintaining fuel efficiency.
small displacement engine
"having small displacement, seemingly high-strong engines in big, heavy vehicles doesn't seem like a super-great combination still."
A small displacement engine is a compact engine that can still give good power if it has a turbocharger, making it useful for big cars or vans that need to be fuel efficient.
Small displacement engines have a lower total volume of all cylinders, typically resulting in lighter weight and better fuel economy. They rely on turbocharging or other technologies to produce sufficient power for larger vehicles.
2-litres
"There's certainly a lot of 2-litres on the small side."
A 2‑liter engine is a small motor that’s good for everyday driving and saves gas. It’s not as powerful as bigger engines, but it’s enough for most people.
A 2‑liter engine refers to the total displacement of all cylinders, typically around 2000 cubic centimeters (cc). It’s a common size for compact cars and some small SUVs, balancing power with fuel efficiency.
mid-sized trucks
"There's certainly a lot of mid-sized trucks at this point in the majority that have moved"
Mid‑sized trucks are medium‑size pickups that can haul a decent amount of stuff and pull trailers, but they’re smaller than the big trucks you see on highways.
Mid‑sized trucks are pickup vehicles that fall between compact and full‑size models, typically offering a balance of cargo capacity, towing power, and fuel economy. They’re popular for both work and personal use.
4-cylinder's turbos
"in the direction of 4-cylinder's turbos"
A turbo on a 4‑cylinder engine means the car gets extra power from a small fan that pushes more air into the engine, making it feel stronger without being too big.
A turbocharged 4‑cylinder engine uses a turbine-driven compressor to force more air into the combustion chamber, boosting power while keeping the engine small and efficient. This setup is common in modern cars to meet performance and emissions standards.
high-strong 4-cylinder
"So yeah, I get where you're coming from, a high-strong 4-cylinder for longevity is not necessarily the best thing."
A high‑strength 4‑cylinder is a small engine that’s made tougher so it can produce more power or pull heavier loads without breaking.
A high‑strength 4‑cylinder engine is built with stronger materials and design to handle higher power outputs, often used in performance or towing applications while maintaining a compact size.
engine architecture scaling from 4-cylinder to V8
"[651.0s] They were to take that 4-cylinder ... [672.2s] And that would not be the first time..."
It means using the same basic design of a small engine and making it twice as big by adding more cylinders, turning a 4‑cylinder into a V8.
This concept refers to taking the design of a smaller 4‑cylinder engine and expanding it into an 8‑cylinder V8, often by duplicating the cylinder banks.
4-litre V8
"[684.2s] also turbocharged 4‑litre V8s,"
It’s a type of engine that has eight cylinders in a V shape and is about the size of four liters, giving it good power while staying relatively small.
A 4‑litre V8 is an engine with eight cylinders arranged in a V shape, totaling 4 liters of displacement. It’s compact for its power output.
turbocharged
"It's turbocharged, of course, but 300. Double that."
A turbocharger helps an engine make more power by squeezing extra air into it, so the fuel burns better and the car goes faster.
A turbocharger is a device that uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine, compressing air into the engine for more power.
horsepower
"No, that would be at least 600 horsepower. Absolutely."
Horsepower tells you how strong an engine is; more horsepower usually means the car can accelerate faster and go higher speeds.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for engine power, indicating how much work the engine can do over time.
Hemi
"So I think that would be great because the 5-7 and the 6-4, Hemi's have been around for"
Hemi engines are a type of engine made by Chrysler that have a special shape inside the cylinder, giving them strong performance.
Hemi refers to a family of hemispherical combustion chamber engines produced by Chrysler, known for their power and distinctive design.
Ford Wrangler 392
"I know 6-4 exists in the 392 Wrangler, and it might be easy to put it in the Gladiator"
This is a Ford off‑road vehicle that can be fitted with a big 6.4‑liter V8 engine, giving it strong performance.
The 392 Wrangler refers to a Ford Bronco/WRangler equipped with the 6.4‑liter Hemi V8 engine, known for its high power and torque.
Wrangler Moebs
"One, the Wrangler Moebs that they've shown off have a V8"
A Wrangler Moebs is a special, upgraded Jeep that’s built for better off‑road performance and looks different from the regular model.
The Jeep Wrangler Moebs is a custom, high-performance version of the popular off‑road SUV made by the aftermarket company Moebs. It typically features upgraded suspension, larger wheels and a more powerful engine.
V8 engine
"have a V8"
A V8 engine is a car engine with eight cylinders that makes the vehicle feel powerful and fast.
A V8 engine is a type of internal combustion engine with eight cylinders arranged in a V configuration, known for delivering strong torque and power.
392 Wrangler
"the 392 Wrangler is"
A 392 Wrangler is a Jeep that has been fitted with a big, powerful V8 engine called the 6.4‑liter Hemi.
The 392 Wrangler refers to a Jeep Wrangler equipped with the 6.4‑liter Hemi V8 engine from Chrysler, producing around 420 horsepower. It’s a popular aftermarket upgrade for performance enthusiasts.
naturally aspirated gas V8
"...larger truck with a naturally aspirated gas V8, or maybe a slightly smaller truck with a naturally aspirated gas V6..."
It’s a big engine that pulls air in on its own, giving you smooth power without extra gadgets.
A naturally aspirated V8 engine is an eight-cylinder gasoline engine that draws air in without forced induction (no turbocharger or supercharger).
plug and hybrid option
"...there's not a good plug and hybrid option. Some other markets there are, which is cool..."
It’s a car that can run on both gasoline and battery power, and you can plug it in to recharge the battery like a phone.
A plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) is a vehicle that combines an internal combustion engine with electric motors and can be charged from an external power source, allowing short all‑electric driving ranges.
mid-sized diesel truck
"But you can still find tons of diesel trucks, even a varying sizes, granted, were out"
Mid‑sized trucks are bigger than half‑ton trucks and can carry more weight, making them useful for medium‑size jobs.
Mid‑sized diesel trucks have a payload capacity between 1,500 and 3,000 pounds, offering more power than half‑ton models.
half-ton diesel truck
"out there out of four-size, half‑toned diesel."
Half‑ton trucks are smaller pickups that can carry about 1,000 pounds of cargo. They’re often used for short trips and light work.
A half‑ton diesel truck is a light commercial vehicle with a payload capacity of about 1,000 pounds, commonly used for small deliveries.
GMC
"Well, except for three‑and‑a‑macks."
GMC makes trucks and SUVs that are similar to Chevrolet models but usually have a different look and name.
GMC is an American automobile brand known for its trucks and SUVs, often sharing platforms with Chevrolet.
eco-diesel
"you used to be able to get an eco-diesel in the Jeep."
Eco‑diesel is a type of diesel engine that produces fewer pollutants, making it better for the environment.
Eco‑diesel refers to diesel engines that meet stricter emissions standards, often using cleaner fuels and advanced combustion technology.
Jeep Colorado
"You could get the Colorado with a smaller diesel, which were cool options."
The Jeep Colorado is a small pickup truck that can be used for work or adventure. It has a good balance of size and power.
The Jeep Colorado is a compact pickup truck produced by the American automaker Jeep, known for its off‑road capability and versatile cargo space.
Ram
"But there's still quite a few really good diesel truck options. ... Ram's even going to have a range extended electric truck."
Ram makes big trucks that are strong and good for tough jobs like hauling or towing. They’re popular in the U.S. for work and family use.
Ram is a brand of heavy-duty pickup trucks and commercial vehicles owned by Stellantis, known for its rugged performance and durability.
diesel truck options
"But there's still quite a few really good diesel truck options."
Diesel trucks run on diesel fuel, which gives them strong pulling power and saves gas compared to gasoline engines.
Diesel engines use compression ignition, providing high torque and better fuel efficiency for heavy-duty trucks.
V8s
"There's still some big V8s that you can get from the factory."
V8 means the truck has eight cylinders that make it strong and fast, especially good for towing.
A V8 engine has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape, offering powerful performance and smooth operation.
naturally aspirated V6
"You can get a naturally aspirated V6."
Naturally aspirated means the engine doesn’t use a turbo or supercharger; it’s simpler and often more reliable.
A naturally aspirated V6 engine has six cylinders without forced induction, offering a balance of power and reliability.
turbo powertrains
"You can get all kinds of turbo powertrains."
A turbo means the truck’s engine gets extra air to make it stronger and more efficient.
Turbocharged powertrains use a turbine to force more air into the engine, increasing horsepower and torque.
electric trucks
"You can get trucks that are electric."
Electric trucks use batteries instead of gasoline, so they don’t produce exhaust and can be cheaper to run.
Electric trucks run on battery-powered electric motors, offering zero tailpipe emissions and lower operating costs.
range extended electric truck
"Ram's even going to have a range extended electric truck."
A range-extended truck can drive on electric power but also has a small gas engine that kicks in when the battery runs low, so you can go farther.
A range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) combines an electric motor with a small gasoline engine that charges the battery on the go, extending driving range.
Scout
"Scout is going to have a similar kind of powertrain you can buy, which is a really, very broad scope."
The Scout is a small truck that can handle rough terrain and city driving. It’s like a mini version of the big Ram trucks.
The Ram Scout is a compact pickup truck introduced in 2024, designed for off-road capability and urban versatility.
naturally aspirated gas engine
"That doesn't just have to be some naturally aspirated gas engine."
It’s an engine that pulls air in on its own, without extra gadgets to push more air in.
A naturally aspirated engine draws air into the combustion chamber without forced induction (like a turbocharger or supercharger).
slightly electrified
"You could go diesel, you could go slightly electrified..."
It means the car has a small electric motor helping the engine, making it use less fuel.
Refers to hybrid powertrains that combine an internal combustion engine with electric motors for improved efficiency.
full electric
"You could go diesel, you could go slightly electrified, you could go turbo or full electric..."
It means the car runs only on electricity, like a battery-powered vehicle.
A vehicle powered entirely by electric motors and batteries, with no internal combustion engine.
V6
"you could go turbo or you could keep it old school naturally aspirated, V8 or V6."
It’s an engine with six cylinders in a V shape, offering good power without as much weight.
An engine with six cylinders in a V configuration, balancing power and efficiency.
efficient engines and trucks
"I love that there's a couple more options this year, at least recently, for more efficient engines and trucks..."
It means engines and trucks that use less fuel and produce fewer emissions.
Refers to powertrains designed for lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions, often using advanced combustion or hybrid technologies.
Maverick old-wheel drive
"I'm talking about, in our long-term fleet this year, we had a Maverick old-wheel drive"
It’s a small truck from Ford that uses front wheels to move the car.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck; 'old-wheel drive' indicates the drivetrain layout with front wheels powering the vehicle.
F-150
"our coyote powered F-150, our deuce and a half"
The F-150 is a big truck made by Ford. It’s known for carrying heavy loads and being very popular in the U.S.
The Ford F-150 is a full‑size pickup truck that has been produced since 1948 and is one of the best‑selling vehicles in America.
trip computer
"So check out my trip computer."
A trip computer is a screen in the car that tells you how far you’ve driven and how much gas you’re using.
A trip computer is an electronic display in a vehicle that shows real‑time data such as speed, fuel economy, and distance traveled.
electric miles
"56.1 of those miles were on electricity."
Electric miles are the parts of your trip that were powered only by electricity, not gas.
Electric miles refer to the distance a vehicle travels using only its electric motor, without burning gasoline.
electric driving percentage
"40% ish of my driving was electric"
It shows what part of your trip was done on electric power instead of gas.
The percentage of a vehicle’s total driving that is powered solely by electricity, indicating how often the hybrid mode is used.
regular hybrid
"This is just a regular hybrid in the truck"
A regular hybrid’s battery gets charged by the car itself, not by plugging it in.
A regular hybrid uses a combination of an internal combustion engine and electric motor, but it cannot be charged from an external source; the battery charges while driving.
two-wheel drive truck
"[1182.9s] ...two-wheel drive ram..."
In a two‑wheel truck, only one set of wheels (front or back) gets power from the engine. This makes it lighter and uses less gas.
A two‑wheel drive truck powers only the front or rear wheels, which can improve fuel efficiency and reduce weight compared to four‑wheel drive trucks.
Hurricane 3.0L
"[1189.8s] ...hurricane, three-liter..."
Hurricane 3.0L is a type of engine that puts out about 300 horsepower and runs on regular gas.
The Hurricane 3.0L is a V6 gasoline engine produced by Ford for use in Ram pickups, known for its balance of power and fuel efficiency.
efficiency rear axle
"[1194.0s] ...efficiency rear axle..."
The rear axle is the part that connects the wheels to the engine. An efficiency version uses better design so the truck uses less gas.
An efficiency rear axle is a drivetrain component that reduces power loss and improves fuel economy by using lighter materials or more efficient gearing.
fuel economies
"[1208.3s] ...fuel economies..."
Fuel economy is how far a car can go before you need to refuel. Higher numbers mean better gas mileage.
Fuel economies refers to how many miles a vehicle can travel per gallon of fuel, often expressed as MPG (miles per gallon).
recall
"every manufacturer you can think of had some sort of significant pickup truck related recall."
If a car company says there’s a recall, it means they found something wrong that could be dangerous and they’re telling owners to get it fixed for free.
A recall is a manufacturer’s official notice that certain vehicles have defects or safety issues requiring repair, replacement, or inspection.
pickup truck
"every manufacturer you can think of had some sort of significant pickup truck related recall."
It’s a kind of car that has a bed at the back where you can put tools, furniture, or groceries. Many people use them for work or moving stuff.
A pickup truck is a light-duty vehicle with an open cargo area at the back, commonly used for hauling goods.
GM 6.2 V8
"GM's had the 6.2 V8 failures."
This is a big engine that powers some of GM’s sports cars. It had a problem where the part that keeps heat from escaping (the head gasket) could fail, so GM had to fix it for owners.
The 6.2‑liter V8 engine is used in several GM vehicles, notably the Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette. It has been the subject of a recall due to head gasket failures.
10-speed transmission
"Ellison branded 10 speeds in the transmission issues"
It’s like having ten different gears in a car, which helps it run smoothly whether you’re going slow or fast. Some trucks use this type of gearbox.
A 10-speed transmission is a gearbox with ten gear ratios, allowing the engine to operate efficiently across a wide range of speeds.
emissions scandal
"[1304.1s] Some didn't have huge significant recalls on their recent trucks, but they were just coming off what a couple of years ago, coming off some of the emissions, scandals there."
It means a car company lied about how much pollution its cars make, which can cause legal trouble and damage to the brand.
An emissions scandal occurs when a manufacturer is found to have manipulated or falsified data about a vehicle’s exhaust emissions, often leading to regulatory penalties and consumer backlash.
Chevrolet Suburban 2500
"He's got a 2500 Chevy Suburban with an 8.1."
It’s a big, sturdy pickup‑style SUV that can haul lots of gear or people. The 2500 name means it’s built for heavier loads than the regular Suburban.
The Chevrolet Suburban 2500 is a full‑size, four‑door SUV produced by General Motors. The 2500 designation refers to the heavy‑duty version designed for towing and payload capacity.
toe
"It's rated toe, something crazy like 12,000 pounds."
It’s a way to describe how the wheels are angled. If they point slightly toward each other or away, it changes how the car turns and how tires wear.
Toe refers to the angle of a wheel relative to the vehicle’s centerline. Positive toe means wheels point inward; negative toe points outward, affecting handling and tire wear.
4-speed automatic
"As mean as that 8.1 is, towing in the mountains, especially 10, 12,000 pounds, with a 4-speed automatic."
It’s a type of gearbox that changes gears by itself, and it only has four speeds to choose from.
A 4-speed automatic transmission has four forward gear ratios and shifts automatically based on speed and load, common in older trucks and SUVs.
downshift
"So if it's got a downshift, it's going to feel like a downshift at all the way."
When the car shifts to a lower gear, it helps you go faster or climb steep hills.
A downshift is the act of moving to a lower gear, which increases engine speed and torque for acceleration or hill climbing.
reliability of older transmissions
"I don't know if he would smack you, but he would definitely remind us that reliability on some of the older transmissions..."
Older automatic gearboxes can break more easily, so it’s good to check their maintenance history before buying.
Older automatic transmissions may have higher failure rates due to wear, inadequate fluid, or design flaws; newer models often address these issues.
4L60
"[1481.8s] some of the 4L60."
The 4L60 is a type of automatic gearbox that helps cars shift gears automatically. It’s been used in many GM cars and trucks for a long time and is known to last a lot of miles.
The 4L60 is a four‑speed automatic transmission used in many GM vehicles from the early 1990s to the mid‑2000s. It’s known for its durability and was a common choice in trucks, SUVs, and some cars.
4L80
"[1482.8s] 4L80 was quite good."
The 4L80 is a newer automatic gearbox that can handle more power than the older 4L60. It’s used in many GM cars and trucks and is considered stronger.
The 4L80 is a stronger, four‑speed automatic transmission that succeeded the 4L60. It was introduced in the mid‑1990s and is praised for its higher torque capacity and improved reliability, especially in heavier vehicles.
8-speed transmission
"But objectively, towing with an 8-speed or a 10-speed transmission"
A car’s gearbox that can shift through eight different speeds, helping it run smoothly and use fuel better.
An 8-speed transmission has eight gear ratios, allowing the engine to operate efficiently across a wide range of speeds and loads.
towing
"towing with an 8-speed or a 10-speed transmission"
Pulling a heavy load, like a trailer or another car, behind your vehicle.
Towing refers to pulling a vehicle or trailer behind another vehicle, requiring strong engine and transmission performance.
acceleration testing
"drag racing, in acceleration testing"
Checking how fast a car can speed up from 0 to a certain speed.
Acceleration testing measures how quickly a vehicle can increase speed from a standstill, often used to evaluate performance.
drag racing
"drag racing, in acceleration testing"
A race where cars try to go as fast as possible over a short straight track.
Drag racing is a motorsport where two vehicles compete over a short straight distance, focusing on acceleration and speed.
RPM window
"keep yourself in that a most effective window or range of RPM all the time"
The part of the engine’s speed range where it works best; staying in this zone helps you get good power and smooth driving.
The "RPM window" refers to the optimal range of engine revolutions per minute where power and efficiency are maximized, allowing a driver to keep the vehicle in its most effective gear.
modern transmissions
"modern transmissions, especially modern automatics"
Newer automatic gearboxes that have more speeds and shift faster, making cars feel smoother and use less fuel.
Modern transmissions, especially automatics, have evolved to include more gears (often 6‑8 or more) and use technologies like dual‑clutch or continuously variable systems to improve performance, efficiency, and shift quality.
slush box
"old slush boxes, three speeds, not great"
An old type of automatic gearbox that only had three speeds and didn’t shift smoothly, making cars feel slow and unresponsive.
A "slush box" is an old, low‑torque automatic transmission that typically had only three forward speeds and was known for sluggish acceleration and poor fuel economy.
manual transmissions
"But I would like to see some more future options with manual transmissions"
A manual transmission is a gearbox where you change gears by hand, giving the driver more control over how the car moves.
A manual transmission requires the driver to shift gears using a clutch and gear stick, offering more direct control over engine power.
Cummins
"It went away from the Cummins in 2018, I believe"
Cummins makes big diesel engines that many trucks use. They’re famous for being strong and reliable.
Cummins is a leading manufacturer of diesel engines, known for powering trucks and heavy equipment worldwide.
Toyota Tacoma
"[1646.1s] But like Tacoma still has one."
The Tacoma is a small pickup truck that Toyota has made for many years. It’s popular because it can handle rough roads and is easy to maintain.
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck known for its off‑road capability and long-term reliability.
Rowan Gears
"It's a niche thing, especially in a diesel truck, I actually think Rowan Gears has a lot of fun."
Rowan Gears makes gearboxes that help trucks shift gears smoothly and last a long time, especially in big diesel trucks.
Rowan Gears is a specialty company that designs and manufactures high-performance gear sets for trucks, especially diesel pickups. Their products are known for durability and smooth shifting in heavy-duty applications.
G56 six-speed commons
"Those last, you know, 2017, 2018, G56, six-speed commons are a lot of fun to drive."
A G56 six-speed commons is a set of gears that lets a truck shift through six speeds smoothly, making it easier to drive and better for heavy loads.
The G56 six-speed commons are a type of gear set used in heavy-duty trucks, featuring a 6-speed transmission with common-rail fuel injection technology. They provide improved torque delivery and smoother shifts compared to older gearboxes.
exhaust brake
"when you use the exhaust brake and you're locked into a gear, that exhaust brake does a lot."
An exhaust brake is like a built‑in engine brake that helps slow the truck down by making it harder for exhaust gases to escape.
An exhaust brake is a device that restricts airflow in the exhaust system, creating back pressure that slows the engine and helps decelerate a vehicle without using the service brakes.
gauntlet testing
"I think there's something like we were doing a gauntlet testing last week, right?"
It’s like a marathon for cars, where they drive nonstop to see if anything breaks or behaves badly after long use.
Gauntlet testing is a rigorous, high‑speed endurance test where a vehicle runs continuously for an extended period to identify weaknesses or failures that may not appear in shorter tests.
hot brakes
"We saw a couple of trucks, semis, having issues on the mount and with hot brakes or losing brakes."
When brakes get too hot, they can lose effectiveness or even stop working properly, which is dangerous.
Hot brakes refer to brake components that become excessively hot during operation, often leading to reduced braking performance or failure.
automated manual
"But imagine if we were in manually like six speed vehicles and then those semis, I mean mostly went to automated manuals, right?"
It’s like having a manual car that shifts gears for you automatically, so you don’t have to use a clutch.
An automated manual is a transmission that combines the efficiency of a manual gearbox with automatic shifting, often using electronic controls to shift gears without a clutch pedal.
automated transmissions
"Some of the automated transmissions in modern semi trucks are really impressive."
These are gearboxes that change gears on their own, so you don’t have to shift manually. They’re common in big trucks to make driving easier.
Automated transmissions are gearboxes that shift gears automatically without driver input, often used in heavy-duty trucks to improve efficiency and reduce driver fatigue.
Western Star
"I had the really cool opportunity to get to drive a western star."
Western Star makes big trucks that are used for hauling heavy loads. They’re known for being tough and reliable.
Western Star is a brand of heavy-duty trucks produced by Navistar International, known for durability and performance in commercial trucking.
steering column
"using a column mounted or a stock mounted steering column"
The steering column is the part that runs from the steering wheel down to the steering gear, letting you turn the car left or right.
The steering column is the shaft that connects the steering wheel to the steering mechanism, allowing the driver to control vehicle direction.
engine brake
"engine brake"
Engine braking is when the engine itself helps slow down a truck, especially useful on steep downhill roads.
Engine braking uses the engine’s compression to slow a vehicle, often used in heavy trucks when descending hills.
advanced driver assistance system
"[1816.8s] And it seems like the newer vehicles, all of them, including semi trucks... [1825.5s] have a computer that's trying to think for you more frequently, right, thinking for the driver instead of the driver."
An advanced driver assistance system is a computer in the car that helps you drive by watching what’s around and giving you warnings or even steering help. It’s like having a smart assistant that keeps you safe on the road.
An advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) is a set of technologies that help drivers with driving tasks, such as lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, and collision avoidance. These systems use sensors, cameras, and software to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and can intervene or provide warnings to improve safety.
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