S3, E90 - Have You Heard? Truck News!

Amsoil is a brand/company best known for engine oils and other automotive lubricants. In this segment, the hosts mention using Amsoil products in their trucks (“rigs”) and promoting related accessories and filters.

“Synthetic” refers to synthetic engine oil, which is chemically engineered for more consistent lubrication across a wider range of temperatures than conventional oil. The segment frames Amsoil’s synthetics as the same products the hosts use in their trucks.

Lubricants are fluids used to reduce friction and wear between moving parts. In addition to engine oil, the segment mentions other lubricant-related products like greases and additives.

Grease is a thick lubricant used where oil would leak or where heavy-duty lubrication is needed. The segment groups greases with other maintenance products like additives and filters.

Filters are components that remove contaminants from fluids like engine oil or from air intake systems. In the segment, “filters” are mentioned as part of the maintenance ecosystem alongside lubricants and additives.

Additives are chemicals blended into oil or other fluids to improve specific properties, such as cleaning, corrosion protection, or friction control. The segment mentions additives as part of Amsoil’s broader lineup.

A tire gauge is a tool used to measure tire pressure. The segment promotes a free tire gauge with orders, implying it’s a useful maintenance item for keeping tires properly inflated.

This is the website domain for Kershaw, a brand known for knives. The segment is a sponsorship read and not a truck-specific technical topic.

EDC stands for “everyday carry,” meaning items people keep with them regularly for daily use. The segment uses it to describe a category of knives.

“Pursuit Rated Heavy Duty” is a marketing/testing label for a heavy-duty truck that’s intended to survive and perform under pursuit-style driving. In this segment, it’s tied to verification testing for acceleration, braking, and track laps.

Ram is the pickup-truck brand within Stellantis. In this segment, the hosts are talking about Ram’s heavy-duty “Pursuit Rated” emergency-response truck program.

This is a 2027 Ram heavy-duty emergency-response truck built for high-speed pursuit and repeated hard stops. The segment highlights testing and performance verification claims, including acceleration, braking, and track endurance.

“Zero to 60 acceleration” measures how quickly a vehicle speeds up from a complete stop to 60 mph. It’s commonly used as a straightforward performance benchmark for how responsive the truck is under acceleration.

Anti-lock braking (ABS) helps prevent wheel lockup during hard braking, maintaining steering control. “20 full anti-lock brake stops from 60 to zero” indicates repeated severe braking tests to verify braking performance and component durability.

“Gratton Raceway Dynamics testing” refers to a controlled track test program used to evaluate vehicle durability and performance under repeated driving conditions. The segment says the truck completed 32 laps without major component failures.

The Dodge Ram (often referred to as the Ram 2500/Heavy Duty line) is a full-size pickup platform used for both consumer and specialized applications. The podcast specifically references the 2027 Ram 2500 Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV), which is built on the Ram 2500 base for emergency services. That’s why it comes up—because it highlights how the truck platform is being adapted for critical-duty use.

This is the base configuration the ERV is said to be built on: a Ram 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab with 4x4 drivetrain. “4x4” indicates power is sent to both the front and rear axles for improved traction.

The segment identifies the 2027 Ram 2500 ERV as the emergency-response variant. It’s described as being based on a Ram 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab 4x4 and configured for gas power.

“Phototorque” is being used here as a stand-in for torque (rotational twisting force), and the “Hemi” refers to Chrysler’s hemispherical combustion-chamber engine design. The segment claims this 6.4-liter Hemi produces 429 lb-ft of torque for heavy-duty use.

Top speed is the maximum speed a vehicle can reach under specified conditions. The segment cites a 103 mph top speed as part of the truck’s pursuit/emergency performance verification.

An alternator is the electrical generator that powers the vehicle’s systems and recharges the battery. A “400 amp” alternator indicates high electrical output, which is useful for emergency vehicles running radios, lighting, computers, and other power-hungry equipment.

The gear ratio is how many times the driveshaft turns for each rotation of the axle. A higher numerical ratio (like 4.10) typically improves acceleration and towing/payload ability, but can reduce highway cruising efficiency.

A heavy-duty rear axle is a stronger axle assembly designed to handle higher loads and tougher duty cycles. It’s common on commercial and fleet trucks where the vehicle may carry heavy payloads and see frequent stop-and-go use.

Upfitting is the process of modifying a vehicle after it’s built—often by adding equipment like radios, light bars, storage, or specialized racks. Fleet and public-safety trucks are commonly upfit to match a department’s needs.

Payload is the maximum weight the vehicle can carry in addition to its own weight—typically passengers, cargo, and equipment. For fleet trucks, payload matters because upfit gear and tools can add up quickly.

Zero-to-60 time measures how quickly a vehicle accelerates from a complete stop to 60 mph. It’s a common performance metric, especially for comparing how different drivetrains and gear ratios feel in real driving.

Tire-limited speed means the test reached a maximum speed before the tires could safely provide more grip or stability. In other words, the tires became the limiting factor rather than the engine or brakes.

A hairpin is a very tight, near-180-degree turn, typically requiring heavy braking and careful throttle control. It’s a demanding cornering test because it stresses traction and steering response.

Reverse camber turns are corners where the road surface is shaped so the outside edge is lower than usual, which can reduce tire grip compared with a standard cambered corner. They’re used to make handling tests more challenging and reveal stability/traction limits.

MSP’s requirements refers to a specific set of handling/vehicle standards used by a public-safety agency (here, likely a police or state patrol organization). The speaker is saying the truck met those official criteria during testing.

Volkswagen Amarok is a mid-size pickup sold in various international markets. The host notes it wasn’t offered in the US, which is part of the reason listeners are watching for a possible new Volkswagen pickup for North America.

This refers to the executive leadership of Volkswagen’s North American operations. The quote is used to support the idea that a Volkswagen pickup for North America is still being considered.

The “midsize truck space” is the market segment for mid-sized pickups—bigger than compact trucks but smaller than full-size models. When multiple brands enter, competition increases and shoppers get more choices and incentives.

Hyundai is mentioned as a brand that’s “coming in” to the midsize truck market. That signals increased competition among automakers targeting the same buyer segment.

Kia is mentioned as having announced it will enter the midsize truck market. The host frames it as part of a wave of new competitors in that segment.

In automotive marketing, the “B-segment” is a class of smaller vehicles (typically compact cars/crossovers). The hosts mention it to speculate whether Hyundai is thinking about building pickups on a smaller, unibody-based platform rather than a traditional truck architecture.

A unibody (unit-body) is a vehicle structure where the body and frame are integrated into one shell. It’s common on passenger cars and many crossovers, and it affects ride, weight, and how a vehicle can be built for truck-like use.

“PYO” appears to be the name of a specific aftermarket-leaning wheel style the hosts are discussing. They describe its size and features (16x6.5, heavy-duty aluminum, five-spoke, and multiple outer holes) and note it’s becoming harder to find.

A heavy-duty aluminum wheel is designed to handle the stresses of trucks used for towing/hauling. Aluminum helps reduce weight compared with steel, while “heavy duty” implies stronger construction for durability.

In wheel/tire talk, “fitment” means whether a wheel and tire physically fit a specific vehicle without interference. It includes clearance to suspension components, fender/body, and how the wheel sits relative to the hub.

“Worldly custom fabrication” is referenced as the company that engineered the wheel options for modern fitments. In this context, it’s a vendor/brand identity tied to the wheel product being discussed.

Wheel offset is the distance between the wheel’s mounting surface and its centerline. It determines how far the wheel sticks out or tucks in, which directly affects clearance and fitment on a given truck.

Backspacing is the distance from the wheel’s mounting surface to the inner edge of the wheel. It’s used to predict clearance to suspension components and brakes, and it’s often compared alongside offset when selecting wheels.

The bolt (lug) pattern is the arrangement of wheel mounting holes on the hub. It must match the vehicle’s hub so the wheel can bolt on correctly and safely.

Hub bore size is the diameter of the center opening on the wheel that fits over the vehicle’s hub. Correct hub bore size helps the wheel center properly and reduces vibration.

6061 is an aluminum alloy commonly used for wheels. T6 heat treatment is a process that strengthens the metal, improving durability compared with untreated aluminum.

Powder coating is a durable paint process where dry powder is applied and then baked to form a tough protective layer. It’s often used on wheels to resist corrosion and chipping.

SAE J2530 is a wheel standard that verifies fitment and load/safety requirements for wheels used with certain tire sizes. Certification helps ensure the wheel is engineered to handle real-world vehicle loads.

In tire/wheel fitment, “ballooning” refers to excessive tire sidewall expansion or distortion when mounted. Proper rim width helps keep the tire’s shape stable under load.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum total weight a vehicle is designed to carry, including passengers, cargo, and tongue weight from a trailer. Wheels designed for the vehicle’s GVWR are intended to handle that load safely.

WCFab.com is the website the host points to for the wheel product photos and details. It’s presented as the aftermarket source for these enthusiast-focused wheels.

“C.K.” in this context appears to be a reference to a specific vehicle photo or example being discussed, described as a red GMT 800 crew cab 2500 with particular wheels. The podcast is likely using it as a visual reference for a build or configuration rather than discussing the vehicle as a general model. Because the transcript doesn’t clearly identify the make/model beyond the GMT 800 description, the focus is on the example shown.

This is a news segment about state-level legislation intended to protect existing race tracks. It matters to enthusiasts because it can affect whether tracks can stay open or be redeveloped.

Noise complaints are formal complaints from nearby residents about excessive noise. In this context, they can lead to legal action or pressure that forces motorsports venues to close.

“City encroaches” describes urban growth moving closer to existing facilities. When housing or businesses expand outward, residents may end up living near tracks and then file noise complaints.

The Kansas Motorsports Venue Protection Act is a state law intended to protect existing racing facilities from civil lawsuits tied to noise complaints. The key idea is venue protection—so tracks that were operating before nearby development can keep operating even when new residents complain.

Civil suits are lawsuits between private parties (not criminal cases) where one side claims damages or legal wrongdoing. Here, noise complaints can be used as the basis for civil legal action against motorsports venues.

GM (General Motors) is pausing new electric truck and SUV plans mentioned in the segment. The hosts frame it as GM “pulling the plug” on new versions for now, then revisiting later due to market conditions.

The Cadillac Escalade is a large luxury SUV that’s known for high-end features and a strong presence in the full-size SUV segment. The episode mentions the Escalade IQ and says it’s not dead, implying plans are being paused or reevaluated rather than canceled outright. That makes it relevant to ongoing product strategy discussions.

The Chevrolet Silverado EV is GM’s electric version of the Silverado pickup. In the segment, it’s mentioned as one of the EV models GM is pausing for now.

The GMC Sierra EV is GMC’s electric pickup offering. The episode notes GM is pausing new versions as it reevaluates the EV market.

Hummer EV refers to GMC’s electric Hummer lineup. In this segment, it’s included among GM EV products that are being paused rather than canceled outright.

Battery electric trucks are trucks powered only by electricity stored in a battery pack, with no gasoline engine driving the wheels. The segment notes GM wouldn’t speculate about timing for next-generation battery-electric trucks.

Q1 means the first quarter of the year in business reporting. The hosts use it to describe sales timing for the Chevrolet Silverado EV.

Cadillac Escalade IQ is an electric version of the Escalade nameplate. In this segment, it’s mentioned as a large-volume EV rollout in Southern California, showing how quickly the brand moved into EVs.

“Jeep brand” refers to the Jeep division/brand identity within Stellantis (the company that owns Jeep). In the segment, it’s used to frame the Rubicon milestone as a brand-level achievement.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is a Wrangler trim focused on serious off-road capability. The hosts credit the Rubicon nameplate with popularizing enthusiast off-road packages—things like lockers, special tires, and underbody protection—across the industry.

A “skunkworks” project refers to a small, semi-independent team working on an experimental idea with more freedom than a typical corporate program. In the transcript, it’s used to describe how the early Rubicon concept was developed.

TJ is the internal generation code for the Jeep Wrangler produced in the late 1990s to mid-2000s. In the transcript, it’s used as the starting point for the first-generation Rubicon features.

Locking differentials are drivetrain components that can “lock” the left and right wheels together so they rotate at the same speed. This helps maintain traction when one wheel loses grip—common in off-road conditions.

A transfer case splits power from the transmission to the front and rear axles in a 4x4 vehicle. The transcript also mentions a specific low-range ratio, which is used to provide extra torque for crawling over obstacles.

Skid plates are protective metal (or composite) panels mounted underneath a vehicle to shield vulnerable components like the oil pan, transmission, and transfer case. “Heavy duty” implies thicker or more robust protection intended for off-road impacts.

BFGoodrich is a tire brand, and the transcript is referencing a specific off-road tire size (32-inch) used on the Wrangler Rubicon. Bigger off-road tires can improve ground clearance and traction on uneven surfaces.

JK is the generation code for the Jeep Wrangler that followed the TJ. The hosts mention it specifically in the context of the Wrangler moving to four-door configurations.

JL is the generation code for the Jeep Wrangler that came after the JK. The transcript uses it to show the Wrangler line continuing to evolve while the Rubicon concept remains influential.

The F-150 is Ford’s full-size pickup line, and the episode uses it as part of a comparison about how certain off-road or performance features trace back to earlier model choices. The context mentions the Raptor and connects its roots to the Wrangler Rubicon, implying a discussion about off-road design influence and lineage. It’s included because the F-150 is central to that comparison.

The Honda Ridgeline is a midsize pickup truck that’s designed to blend everyday comfort with truck utility. In the episode, it’s mentioned in a driving/trim context—specifically calling out the Ridgeline Trail Sport and comparing it to other off-road-focused models. That makes it relevant to how different trims are positioned for off-road capability.

General Motors (GM) is the automaker making the decision discussed in the segment. Here, it’s described as shutting down production of the Chevrolet Silverado medium-duty and heavy-duty line.

International Motors is a commercial truck manufacturer that GM had a manufacturing agreement with. In this segment, the hosts connect International’s role to GM’s medium-duty truck production.

Medium-duty trucks are commercial vehicles that sit between light-duty pickups and heavy-duty Class 8 rigs. They’re often used for regional hauling, service fleets, and jobs that need more capacity than a typical pickup but not full heavy-truck scale.

The GMC Savannah is a full-size van line similar to the Chevrolet Express, often used in commercial and fleet applications. Here, the hosts say GM will end production of select Savannah cutaway variants.

The Chevrolet Silverado 5,500 HD is another medium-duty/heavy-duty Silverado variant. In the segment, GM’s decision to end production includes this 5,500 HD trim along with other HD models.

The Chevrolet Silverado 4,500 HD is a heavy-duty version of the Silverado line aimed at medium-duty commercial use. The segment says GM is ending production of these HD trims as part of leaving the medium-duty market.

The Chevrolet Silverado 6,500 HD is the highest-rated of the HD trucks mentioned in this segment, positioned for medium-duty commercial hauling. The hosts say GM is ending production of these HD trucks after the manufacturing agreement ends.

The Chevrolet Express is a full-size van used for commercial fleets. The segment specifically says GM will end production of select Express cutaway variants as it exits the medium-duty commercial market.

NHTSA is the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which investigates potential safety problems. A “probe” is an early investigation that can lead to a formal recall if the issue is confirmed.

Downshifting is when the transmission selects a lower gear to increase engine speed and provide more torque. “Random” downshifts at speed can be dangerous because they may upset vehicle stability and driver control.

The Ford F-150 is Ford’s best-selling pickup, and this segment focuses on a safety issue affecting certain 2015–2017 F-150 trucks. The hosts say it’s being handled through an NHTSA investigation that has now become an official recall.

“Wheels lock up” means the tires stop rotating and skid instead of rolling. This reduces traction and steering control, which is why it’s treated as a serious safety failure mode.

The Ford Probe is a model name that the podcast ties to a safety recall process. The context says the NHTSA opened a probe, and Ford turned that into an actual recall, which is a typical sequence when regulators investigate potential issues. It’s discussed because it reflects how vehicle safety concerns can lead to formal corrective actions.

A recall notice is an official communication from the manufacturer (often coordinated with NHTSA) telling owners to bring the vehicle in for a safety fix. It’s the next step after an investigation confirms a safety-related defect.

The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV known for being a family-oriented vehicle with available seating for multiple passengers. It’s being referenced here mainly to clarify that the discussion is specifically about the F-150 and not other Ford models. That makes it relevant to the episode’s point about which vehicles are affected by the changes being discussed.

6R80 is Ford’s six-speed automatic transmission model designation. The segment says the recall applies to F-150 trucks equipped with the 6R80 transmission, not other Ford models.

The Ford Mustang is a performance-focused sports car that’s been a long-running nameplate for Ford. In this episode, it’s mentioned only to distinguish it from the F-150—indicating the conversation isn’t about the Mustang. That distinction matters because the podcast is talking about which models are being reevaluated or discontinued.

The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV built for larger families and towing/cargo capability. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned alongside the Explorer and Mustang to emphasize that the changes being discussed apply to the F-150 specifically. That helps listeners understand which vehicle line is actually affected.

Electrical connectors are the plug-and-socket interfaces that connect sensors and control electronics. In this case, connector degradation can lead to incorrect sensor readings reaching the PCM.

PCM stands for Powertrain Control Module. It’s the vehicle’s main computer for engine and transmission control, using sensor inputs to decide what gear to command.

The transmission range sensor tells the PCM which gear range the transmission is in (like Park, Reverse, Neutral, or Drive). If it sends the wrong position signal, the PCM can command an incorrect shift.

The “wrench light” is a dashboard indicator commonly used to signal a malfunction in the powertrain or emissions-related systems. In the transcript, it’s described as a hint that the PCM isn’t receiving the correct sensor signal.

VOQs are vehicle owner questionnaires or similar structured complaint/feedback records used by manufacturers to track reported issues. The transcript cites VOQs alongside warranty claims and field reports to justify the recall action.

To recalibrate means updating the vehicle’s control settings (software/parameters) so it interprets sensor data differently. Here, the PCM is recalibrated to allow more time to recognize TRS hardware failures before commanding a downshift.

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are stored fault identifiers that the PCM saves when it detects an abnormal condition. The transcript says if DTCs related to the transmission range sensor are present, the dealer will replace the lead frame.

TRS is shorthand for transmission range sensor. In this recall context, TRS-related signals are what the PCM uses to decide gear range and shift timing.