S3, E59 - SEMA 2025, Part 2
About this episode
Continuing the SEMA 2025 coverage, this episode features insights from notable brands like Bestop, Synergy Suspension, and Cobb Tuning. Listeners will hear about innovative products such as Bestop's new eTop for Broncos, Synergy's Super Duty axle kits for Jeeps, and Cobb's tuning options for Toyota vehicles. The hosts engage with guests, including Scott Birdzall and various vehicle owners, discussing their unique builds and experiences at the show. The episode is packed with technical details, product launches, and the excitement of the automotive community.
Holman continues his SEMA coverage with his first day on the show floor, grabbing interviews from Bestop, Synergy Manufacturing, Scott Birdsall, Hankook tire builders, and Cobb Tuning. The Truck Show Podcast is produced in partnership with AMSOIL, Kershaw Knives, and OVR Mag. Don't forget to check out truckshowpodcast.com for special offers from our friends and sponsors!
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Ford F-150 Raptor
"... I handle eCom sales And you also drive a Bronco Raptor I do, it's my daily"
Ford Bronco Raptor
"And you also drive a Bronco Raptor I do, it's my daily"
The Ford Bronco Raptor is a special version of the Bronco that is built for off-road driving and has more power and features for tough terrains.
The Ford Bronco Raptor is a high-performance variant of the Bronco, designed for off-road capabilities with enhanced power and rugged features.
SEMA
"So at SEMA this year we are launching colors not only for our Jeep models for eTop but also two and four door Bronco."
SEMA is a big car show in Las Vegas where companies show off new car parts and accessories. It's a place for car enthusiasts to see the latest products.
SEMA stands for the Specialty Equipment Market Association, which hosts an annual trade show in Las Vegas showcasing aftermarket automotive products and innovations.
made to order
"These are made to order, so custom built as you ordered."
'Made to order' means that the product is built just for you, based on what you want, instead of being made in large quantities. You can choose colors and features.
'Made to order' refers to products that are custom-built according to the customer's specifications rather than being mass-produced. This allows for personalization in features and colors.
Ford Raptor
"We have actually tested it, a like for like, we took my Raptor, borrowed a Raptor and it was about 10 decibels quieter than the factory hard top"
The Ford Raptor is a special version of the Ford F-150 truck that is built for off-road driving. It has a strong engine and special features that help it drive well on rough surfaces.
The Ford Raptor is a high-performance variant of the Ford F-150, designed for off-road capability and rugged performance. It features a powerful engine and advanced suspension systems for enhanced handling on rough terrain.
decibels
"it was about 10 decibels quieter than the factory hard top"
Decibels are a way to measure how loud a sound is. When someone says something is 10 decibels quieter, it means it is significantly less loud than before.
Decibels (dB) are a unit of measurement for sound intensity. A difference of 10 decibels represents a tenfold increase in sound intensity, which is perceived as roughly twice as loud to the human ear.
Bestop
"...where I've worked for Bestop for 10 years And never been a big like take the full top off"
Bestop is a company that makes soft tops and other accessories for Jeep cars. They are known for making good quality products that help make Jeeps more versatile.
Bestop is a company that specializes in aftermarket soft tops and accessories for Jeep vehicles. They are well-known for their quality and innovation in providing convertible tops for off-road vehicles.
Jeep Gladiator
"So I love the Gladiator And I've been driving one And so, because I've had one sort of as a daily driver for a couple months, I'm appreciating it more"
The Jeep Gladiator is a truck made by Jeep that is designed for off-road driving and has a bed for carrying things, like a regular pickup truck.
The Jeep Gladiator is a mid-size pickup truck known for its off-road capabilities and unique design, combining the features of a Jeep with a truck bed.
wrap
"So no, this is actually a wrap. Oh, looks good for wrap."
A wrap is a special type of vinyl that covers the outside of a car, changing its color or design without painting it. It's a way to make the car look different while keeping the original paint safe.
A wrap refers to a vinyl covering applied to a vehicle's exterior, allowing for color changes or advertising without a permanent paint job. It can protect the original paint and is often used for customization or branding.
Jeep JL
"...I sold my Jeep with that thing when I got a JL..."
The Jeep JL is the newest version of the Jeep Wrangler, a popular off-road vehicle known for its ruggedness and versatility. It has improvements in technology and comfort compared to older models.
The Jeep JL refers to the latest generation of the Jeep Wrangler, which was introduced in 2018. It features various updates in design, technology, and performance compared to its predecessor, the JK.
PRP seat covers
"These ones are custom PRP seat covers, just for the show. But, yeah, our seat covers are nice with the pockets."
PRP seat covers are special covers that go over your car's seats to keep them safe from wear and tear. They can be made to fit your car perfectly and come in different styles and colors.
PRP seat covers are custom seat covers designed to protect the original upholstery of a vehicle's seats. They are often made from durable materials and can be tailored to fit specific vehicle models, providing both protection and style.
Tuffy
"And then in the rear we have the full length locking storage. Tuffy's great, most of their products, you can either do the key or the coating."
Tuffy makes storage boxes that you can lock, which helps keep your belongings safe in your vehicle. They're especially popular for Jeep owners who need extra storage space.
Tuffy is a company that specializes in producing secure storage solutions for vehicles, particularly for off-road and utility vehicles like Jeeps. Their products often include lockable storage boxes that can be installed in various parts of the vehicle.
Ford Super Duty
"...2005 and newer Ford Super Duty Axles are pretty legit..."
The Ford Super Duty is a series of strong trucks made by Ford that can carry heavy loads and are often used for work or towing.
The Ford Super Duty is a line of heavy-duty trucks known for their towing capacity and ruggedness, often used for commercial purposes or heavy-duty tasks.
Super Duty Axles
"...2005 and newer Ford Super Duty Axles are pretty legit..."
Super Duty Axles are strong parts used in Ford's heavy-duty trucks to help them carry heavy loads and drive on tough terrain.
Super Duty Axles are heavy-duty axles designed for Ford's Super Duty trucks, providing enhanced strength and durability for off-road and towing applications.
Jeep
"...to put the Axles in underneath these Jeeps. And so what we've done is we've kind of watered it down and built a kit that includes all the bits..."
Jeep is a brand of cars that are built for driving on rough and bumpy roads. They are popular for off-roading and can be modified with different parts to make them even better for tough terrains.
Jeep is a brand known for its rugged off-road vehicles, particularly the Wrangler and Gladiator models. These vehicles are designed for off-road performance and are popular among enthusiasts for customization and upgrades.
control arms
"And then by using the existing brackets and some different control arms We're able to mount the Axles up underneath"
Control arms are parts of a car's suspension that help connect the wheels to the body of the car. They let the wheels move up and down while keeping the car stable.
Control arms are key components of a vehicle's suspension system that connect the chassis to the wheels. They allow for controlled movement of the wheels while maintaining stability and alignment.
Jeep JT
"You could put them on your JL, JT with your bracket kit and arms And then you could upgrade the Axles if you wanted to"
The Jeep JT is the model name for the Jeep Gladiator, which is a pickup truck version of the Jeep Wrangler. It's built for both off-road adventures and carrying loads.
The Jeep JT refers to the Jeep Gladiator, a pickup truck variant of the Wrangler. It combines off-road capability with the utility of a truck bed, making it versatile for various uses.
suspension kit
"The kit's basically a suspension kit minus shocks, springs So you can spec out what you want"
A suspension kit is a set of parts that you can add to your car to make it ride better and handle bumps more smoothly. It helps improve how the car feels when driving.
A suspension kit includes components that improve a vehicle's ride quality and handling by modifying its suspension system. This can involve changes to springs, shocks, and other parts to enhance performance.
lift height
"Yeah, so you can figure out what lift height you want and stuff like that Or if you have a lift on there and you want to reuse things that you already have"
Lift height is how much higher you can make your car sit off the ground. This helps the car drive over obstacles better when off-roading.
Lift height refers to the amount of elevation added to a vehicle's suspension, allowing for increased ground clearance and improved off-road capability. It can affect the vehicle's handling and stability.
bump stops
"...where you want the bump stops to set up. How much up travel you want to have..."
Bump stops are like cushions for your car's suspension. They help protect the car when it hits bumps by stopping the suspension from going too far down.
Bump stops are components in a vehicle's suspension system designed to limit the travel of the suspension and prevent damage by cushioning the impact when the suspension reaches its maximum compression.
springs
"...this JL is sitting on our three inch springs..."
Springs are parts of a car's suspension that help it bounce over bumps. They keep the car comfortable and help it handle better on the road.
Springs in a vehicle's suspension system are designed to absorb shock and maintain ride height. They play a crucial role in providing comfort and handling by allowing the wheels to move independently over bumps.
Ford F250
"So that's a F250, F350 Axle set out of the junkyard"
The Ford F250 is a strong truck designed for heavy work, like towing trailers or carrying heavy loads. It's built to handle tough conditions.
The Ford F250 is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its towing capacity and rugged performance. It's often used for work and off-road applications.
Ford F350
"And 40 inch tall tires So that's a F250, F350 Axle set out of the junkyard What's really cool,..."
The Ford F-350 is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and tow trailers. It’s built for tough jobs and is popular among people who need a strong vehicle.
The Ford F-350 is a heavy-duty pickup truck that is part of the F-Series lineup, known for its exceptional towing and hauling capabilities. It is often discussed for its strength and versatility, making it a popular choice for both work and recreation.
E-locker
"some of the F250s came with factory E-lockers in the rear"
An E-locker is a special part in a truck that helps the wheels work together better when driving on rough terrain. It can be turned on or off with a button.
An E-locker, or electronic locker, is a type of differential that can be electronically engaged to lock the wheels together for better traction in off-road conditions.
rear locker
"you can skip that part of buying the rear locker"
A rear locker is a tool that helps both back wheels of a truck turn together, which is really helpful when driving on bumpy or slippery roads.
A rear locker is a device that locks the rear differential, ensuring both wheels turn at the same speed, which improves traction in off-road situations.
driveline
"you're on your own to redo your driveline stuff"
The driveline is the system in a car that helps move it forward by connecting the engine to the wheels. It includes parts like driveshafts and axles.
The driveline refers to the components that transfer power from the engine to the wheels, including driveshafts, differentials, and axles.
14 bolt
"Some guys are pretty hot for the 14 bolts. So we have an axle bracket kit for the Ford Sterling rear axle..."
The '14 bolt' is a strong rear axle used in trucks. It's popular for off-roading because it can handle tough conditions and heavy loads.
The '14 bolt' refers to a specific type of rear axle commonly used in heavy-duty trucks and off-road vehicles. It's known for its strength and durability, making it a popular choice for modifications and upgrades in off-road applications.
Ford Sterling rear axle
"So we have an axle bracket kit for the Ford Sterling rear axle. And then we have a different bracket kit for a 14 bolt..."
The Ford Sterling rear axle is a strong part found in some Ford trucks. It's built to handle heavy loads and tough driving conditions.
The Ford Sterling rear axle is a heavy-duty axle used in various Ford trucks. It's designed to handle high torque and is often found in vehicles that require robust performance, especially in towing and off-road situations.
Ford Super
"And we've got some other stuff too This is a Ford super duty high steer kit So some of the big disco tru..."
The Ford Super Duty Lariat Tremor is a fancy, strong truck that can do heavy work and also drive off-road. It has nice features for comfort while still being tough.
The Ford Super Duty Lariat Tremor is a premium version of Ford's heavy-duty trucks, designed for both work and off-road performance. It features advanced technology and comfort while maintaining the capability to tackle tough jobs and terrains.
KOH car
"And I'm standing in front of a KOH car Who am I with?"
KOH cars are vehicles designed for a tough race called King of the Hammers, which involves driving over rocks and through deserts. They are built to handle very rough terrain.
KOH stands for King of the Hammers, an off-road race that combines rock crawling and high-speed desert racing. KOH cars are specially built for extreme off-road conditions, often featuring robust suspension systems and powerful engines.
4800 class
"I race in the 4800 class For King and Hammer"
The 4800 class is a type of race vehicle used in the King of the Hammers event. These vehicles have special features that help them drive over very rough ground.
The 4800 class in King of the Hammers refers to a specific category of vehicles that are designed for off-road racing. These vehicles typically feature a single shock suspension system, which is crucial for handling the rugged terrain encountered during the race.
sidewall
"If you don't have a strong sidewall That's usually the first thing that will fail on a tire"
The sidewall is the side part of a tire. It helps protect the tire and keeps it strong, which is important for safe driving.
The sidewall of a tire is the part that connects the tread to the rim. A strong sidewall is crucial for tire durability and performance, as it helps resist punctures and damage from road hazards.
King of the Hammers
"The first race of the new season is always King and the Hammer, so that's our Daytona Indy 500 of off-road racing."
King of the Hammers is a challenging off-road race that takes place in California. It features both rock crawling and high-speed desert racing, making it a unique and difficult event for drivers.
King of the Hammers is an annual off-road race held in Johnson Valley, California, combining elements of rock crawling and desert racing. It is considered one of the toughest off-road races in the world, attracting competitors from various disciplines.
Suzuki Samurai
"To be able to race into them I love Samurai anyway because they're just special And they're ..."
The Suzuki Samurai is a small SUV that is great for off-road driving. It’s known for being fun to drive and has a loyal group of fans.
The Suzuki Samurai is a compact SUV that became popular in the 1980s and 1990s for its lightweight design and off-road capabilities. It is often discussed for its unique styling and the cult following it has developed among off-road enthusiasts.
drive train
"What have you done to put it into race form? Because that's not a stock axle. You've upgraded the drive train..."
The drive train is the part of a car that helps move it. It includes things like the transmission and axles, which help transfer power from the engine to the wheels. Upgrading it can make the car perform better.
The drive train refers to the components that deliver power from the engine to the wheels, including the transmission, driveshafts, and axles. Upgrading the drive train can enhance a vehicle's performance and handling.
Ford Explorer
"So I was like This is an explorer village? Yeah, so I do"
The Ford Explorer is a popular family SUV that has been around for many years. It’s known for being roomy and good for both city driving and outdoor adventures.
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that has been a staple in the American automotive market since its introduction in 1990. Known for its spacious interior and versatility, the Explorer is often discussed for its family-friendly features and off-road capabilities.
Toyota Tacoma
"...those would be the Toyota Tacoma and the Toyota 4Runner..."
The Toyota Tacoma is a smaller truck that people often use for both work and play. It's known for being tough and good for off-road driving.
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck known for its off-road capability and durability. It's popular among enthusiasts for its tuning potential and versatility.
Toyota 4Runner
"Those would be the Toyota Tacoma And the Toyota 4Runner For the 4th and 6th gen respectively"
The Toyota 4Runner is a tough SUV that can handle rough roads and off-road adventures. It’s known for being reliable and is a great choice for people who like to explore outdoors.
The Toyota 4Runner is a rugged SUV that has built a reputation for its off-road prowess and durability since its debut in the early 1980s. It is often favored by outdoor enthusiasts and those needing a reliable vehicle for tough terrains.
Toyota Tundra
"Inside of Toyota we've got Tundra LXGX"
The Toyota Tundra is a large truck that is great for heavy-duty work and towing. It’s known for being tough and reliable, making it a good choice for people who need a strong vehicle.
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck that has gained popularity for its strong performance and reliability since its launch in 1999. It is often discussed for its towing capacity and off-road capabilities, making it a favorite among truck enthusiasts.
Toyota Land Cruiser
"Sequoia What else am I missing? Land Cruiser Yeah, it's all coming"
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a fancy SUV that is very good at driving off-road and is built to last a long time. People love it because it combines comfort with the ability to handle tough terrains.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and long-lasting durability, with a history dating back to the 1950s. It is often discussed for its blend of comfort, performance, and ruggedness, making it a top choice for adventurers and luxury buyers alike.
Ford Ranger
"We have purchased a Raptor Ranger Actually we've purchased two Raptor Rangers"
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