S3, E97 - Chris Picconi

“Four by four” means a truck with four-wheel drive (4WD), which can send power to all four wheels for better traction on loose surfaces like dirt, snow, or gravel. For a daily driver, it’s a traction and confidence feature, even if the truck isn’t meant to be a dedicated off-road rig.

Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts your speed to help maintain a set following distance from the car ahead. Unlike basic cruise control, it can slow the truck down and then resume when traffic opens up, reducing fatigue in stop-and-go driving.

HomeLink is an in-car system that can wirelessly control compatible garage doors, gates, and other home automation devices. It’s convenient because you can operate them from the truck without needing a separate remote.

A limited-slip differential (often shortened to “limited slip”) helps transfer torque to the wheel with more grip when one wheel starts to spin. That improves traction during acceleration and on uneven surfaces—useful even if the truck is mostly an around-town vehicle.

All-terrain tires are designed to balance on-road comfort with off-road capability, typically offering tougher sidewalls and a tread pattern that can handle dirt, gravel, and light mud. They’re a common choice for drivers who want one tire for daily driving plus occasional rough-road use.

The “Gladiators” refers to the Jeep Gladiator, a midsize pickup built on Jeep’s off-road-focused DNA. In this segment, it’s one of the host’s top candidates for a daily truck that can still tow/haul and handle light off-road use.

A two-inch lift refers to raising a vehicle’s ride height by about two inches, usually via suspension components. More ground clearance can help with off-road obstacles, but it can also affect drivability and tire fitment.

“35s” is shorthand for 35-inch tires, a common off-road tire size. Larger tires improve obstacle clearance and traction on loose surfaces, but they can increase cost and may contribute to slower acceleration and more drivetrain strain.

The Ford Ranger is Ford’s midsize pickup, and this segment focuses on how pricing and option packages can quickly make it expensive. The host also compares engine choices, mentioning the new 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and the difference between push-button ignition versus key ignition on lower trims.

“Turbo 4” refers to a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Turbocharging uses exhaust energy to force more air into the engine, which can improve power, but the host notes it can feel laggy depending on conditions and tire size.

The Ford Bronco is Ford’s off-road-oriented SUV, and the host mentions driving the Ranger’s 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the Bronco. That’s used to support his opinion that the turbo engine “drives great,” even if he later complains about turbo lag in other trucks.

A push-button ignition (start) replaces a traditional key cylinder with a button to start the engine. The host uses it as a trim-level preference, arguing that if you’re paying more, you should get the convenience feature.

The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup known for being durable and practical, and it’s often chosen by buyers who want a truck that can handle daily use and light work. In this segment, the host focuses on how the Tacoma feels inside—especially the seating position and dashboard layout—plus how it can look “rental-like” depending on the wheel/tire setup.

Lease deals are promotional terms offered by automakers/dealers that can reduce the monthly cost or total cost of leasing a vehicle. The host notes that lease deals “went away,” then later says there are “incredibly generous lease deals” in the segment they’re shopping.

“Halftones” here refers to a truck’s graphic/paint pattern—typically a dotted or stippled design used as a visual styling element. The host says they haven’t really considered it and worries it might be “too much truck,” even though the deals are attractive.

The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that’s widely available in many trims and powertrains, which makes it a common “shopping benchmark” for truck buyers. In this segment, the host mentions using employee pricing and discusses how expensive it can get when optioned, even when starting from an XLT.

“Coyote” is the enthusiast nickname for Ford’s 5.0-liter V8 engine (the Coyote V8) used in many F-150s. The host is saying that if they were buying an F-150, they’d choose that V8 rather than a smaller engine.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size pickup, and the Z71 LT Trail Boss is a specific off-road–oriented configuration that typically targets buyers who want tougher tires/suspension and more rugged styling. The host calls it “pretty nice” and frames it as a strong value before discounts and incentives.

The Dodge Ram is a full-size pickup line known for trims that range from work-focused to more comfort-oriented versions. The podcast mentions looking at discounts and incentives and then being drawn to the Big Horn specifically. It’s discussed as a truck that can make financial sense when deals are available.

The Ram Big Horn is a mid-to-upper trim level of Ram’s full-size pickup lineup, typically positioned as a value-focused option with more comfort and appearance features than the base models. Here, the host says they’re drawn to the Big Horn, especially when paired with the Night or Backcountry package.

“Hurricane” is the name Ram uses for its 3.0-liter inline-six engine family, and “standard output” refers to the lower-power tune within that engine line. The host compares it to a previous “Rebel” configuration they tested, emphasizing how quiet, smooth, and easy to live with it felt.

A package is a bundled set of options (often appearance and convenience/off-road features) sold together as one trim/option group. The host is pointing out that the Ram Big Horn becomes especially appealing when equipped with the Night or Backcountry package.

The Chevrolet Bel Air is a classic American car nameplate that’s often associated with the early era of popular muscle and performance culture. In the podcast, it’s mentioned alongside Mustangs and Camaros as part of the lineup that helped define the market’s interest in that style of car. It comes up because Bel Airs are a recognizable part of classic car history.

The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that’s been produced for decades in various performance-focused forms. In the podcast, it’s grouped with other iconic models as popularity and interest in that style of car grew. It’s discussed because it’s a familiar benchmark for what people want from classic performance cars.

The Ford Mustang is a long-running American sports coupe/convertible known for performance and a huge enthusiast following. It’s mentioned in the context of how muscle-car style popularity grew over time. The podcast brings it up as part of the lineup of classic performance cars people compare and chase.

“Rustamodding” is a slang term for taking a rusty, neglected car and turning it into a modified build instead of restoring it to factory condition. It’s often associated with using donor parts, modernizing components, and embracing the car’s patina rather than chasing “numbers-matching” originality.

“OE parts” means original equipment parts—components made to match what the manufacturer installed when the car was new. In collector circles, using OE parts is often seen as more “correct” for restoration than using aftermarket replacements.

“Square body Chevy’s” is a nickname for Chevrolet trucks from the late-1970s to early-1980s with more angular, boxy bodywork. The speaker is using it as an example of classic trucks that have become expensive and are “blowing up” in the collector market.

The speaker is specifically calling out mid-80s to early-90s Toyota 4x4 pickup trucks as a recent auction-price surge. “4x4” indicates a drivetrain with four-wheel drive, which is a major part of why these trucks are desirable for both off-road use and collector appeal.

“Collector vehicle markets” refers to the buying and selling ecosystem for enthusiast cars and trucks where prices are driven by desirability, rarity, and condition—not just basic transportation value. In this segment, the host argues that shifts in who’s buying (generations) strongly affect demand and pricing.

“Generational change” here means that different age groups develop different tastes in cars, which changes demand over time. The speaker’s point is that when one generation stops collecting a type of car, prices can soften—then later another generation’s preferences can make the same cars surge again.

This refers to a niche market where buyers seek older “collector” pickup trucks specifically in 4x4 form. The host argues that this segment is currently leading the broader collector-vehicle market, driven by emotion and nostalgia.

The Dodge Viper is a high-performance sports car known for its aggressive styling and serious power. The podcast mentions it alongside a Ram SRT10, but the key point is that Vipers have proven themselves—implying strong performance and desirability. It comes up as a car people want to buy when they can find a good deal.

The Ram SRT-10 is a high-performance Dodge/Ram pickup built with a Viper-derived V10 engine. The host is pointing out that these trucks have proven durability, citing their ability to rack up 100,000–150,000 miles without major issues.

Ram is the pickup brand within Stellantis’ truck lineup, and the podcast mentions it in the context of finding good deals on performance-oriented models like the Ram SRT10. The speaker notes that these vehicles have been “proven,” implying they deliver on performance and reputation. It’s discussed because buyers may consider Ram when incentives make the price attractive.

“454 SS” refers to a Chevrolet truck package/trim associated with the big-block 454 cubic-inch V8. In this context, the host is using it as another example of 1990s-era trucks that are becoming the next affordable classics.

The Ford F-150 Lightning is an electric version of the F-150 pickup, discussed here as being “incredibly reliable.” The podcast also references other performance vehicles to emphasize reliability and ownership confidence. It’s brought up because electric trucks are often evaluated on how well they hold up in real use.

The Ford Edge is a mid-size crossover SUV aimed at mainstream buyers who want comfort and practicality. The podcast references it in a “leading edge” way, connecting it to how certain vehicles become classics over time. It’s mentioned as part of the conversation about what might be considered classic in the future.

This is a Toyota 4x4 pickup configuration with a V6 engine and an extra-cab body style. The key enthusiast angle here is how specific trim/body choices (like extra cab) and condition/mileage affect pricing in today’s collector-truck market.

The “collector car market” is the pricing world for older, desirable vehicles where buyers treat them more like investments than daily transportation. In this segment, the host argues that limited supply and strong demand can push prices far beyond what similar trucks would cost as normal used vehicles.

“Supply and demand” describes how prices move when there are fewer trucks available than buyers want. Here, the host ties it directly to collector-truck pricing: limited supply plus rising demand increases sale prices.

A GMT400 “crew cab” refers to the full-size cab layout with four full doors on GM’s GMT400-era trucks. In this segment, the host highlights that finding a GMT400 crew cab can still be a value buy compared with other similar OBS-style crew cabs, especially when mileage and engine choice line up.

The host is referring to early-production Ford F-250 trucks equipped with the Power Stroke diesel. Early years matter to collectors because they can be tied to specific engine generations and limited availability, which can drive prices up even at relatively low mileage.

“Ebb and flow” is a way of saying the collector-vehicle market isn’t steady—prices and buyer interest can rise and fall over time. The host uses it to temper the earlier “insanity” pricing claim by noting there are soft spots and sudden spikes.

“Rest of mod” is shorthand for a restomod—an older vehicle that’s been modernized with newer components (often drivetrain, suspension, and electronics) while keeping the classic look. The speaker is arguing that celebrity and trend-driven interest pushed prices up, especially for Broncos and similar classics.

“Modern transmission” here refers to replacing an older gearbox with a newer transmission to improve shifting, drivability, and reliability. In restomods, the transmission upgrade is often paired with engine swaps to make the whole drivetrain work together.

The Toyota Land Cruiser 80 series is a classic, body-on-frame SUV known for durability and long service life. In this segment, the host focuses on how the market has exploded for high-mileage examples, turning them into expensive collector buys.

The Lexus LX 450 is a luxury version of the Land Cruiser platform, positioned as a more comfortable, nicer-trim alternative. Here it’s used as a comparison point: the host says it can be more desirable because it tends to have better interior materials and fewer common annoyances.

Power seats are seats adjusted by electric motors, typically controlled by switches. In older vehicles, non-working power seats are a common annoyance that can reduce value because they’re expensive to diagnose and repair.

“Crack dash” refers to a dashboard that has cracked, usually from age, heat, and material aging. It’s a visual and sometimes functional issue that can make an older SUV look worn out, hurting buyer confidence and resale value.

“Retro mod” describes updating an older vehicle with modern upgrades while keeping its classic look and vibe. In this segment, the host credits early Land Cruisers like the FJ45 as some of the first trucks to get that treatment, and suggests the trend has made them “soft” (less raw) over time.

The Jeep CJ-5 is a classic, open-top (or removable-top) Jeep model from the CJ lineup that became a popular platform for off-road use and restoration. The host says early Jeeps like CJ-5s and CJ-7s still offer value, especially when they’re not rare special editions.

The Jeep CJ-7 is the longer-wheelbase successor in the CJ series, also widely used for off-road and restoration. The host groups CJ-7s with CJ-5s as still being relatively good-value early Jeeps when they’re not rare special trims.

“Six figure territory” means the asking price or sale price is in the range of 100,000 dollars or more. In this context, it’s describing how much Land Cruiser heritage editions can sell for when they have low mileage.

In used-car pricing, “mileage is everything” reflects how strongly odometer readings affect perceived wear and remaining life. For Land Cruisers specifically, lower miles can dramatically increase value because buyers expect fewer accumulated issues and more usable lifespan.

The Toyota Supra from the 1990s is a highly collectible sports coupe known for its performance reputation and strong enthusiast following. In this segment, the host specifically references the “last generation” 90s Supra as a comparison to the Land Cruiser market.

The “2JZ” refers to Toyota’s 3.0-liter inline-six engine family used in many 1990s Supras. It’s especially known in enthusiast circles for its strength and tuning potential, which is why “2JZ” is often used as shorthand for the Supra’s performance reputation.

JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market. It refers to vehicles that were originally sold in Japan, and they often have different specs (like right-hand drive) compared with what was sold in the U.S. Enthusiasts pay premiums for certain JDM models and trims because of that uniqueness.

Right-hand drive means the steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle, which is common in Japan and the UK. In collector-truck markets, right-hand drive can be a big selling point (or a drawback) depending on buyer preferences, and it affects how desirable certain JDM imports are.

“CJ eights” refers to the Jeep CJ8, the rare CJ variant in the classic Jeep CJ lineup. The host is emphasizing that CJ8 examples are especially desirable and can command much higher prices than CJ5/CJ7. In collector terms, rarity and condition drive that jump.

Coilovers are an adjustable suspension setup that combines a coil spring and shock absorber into one unit. Enthusiasts use them to fine-tune ride height and handling, which is why they show up in many collector-truck and off-road builds.

Patina is the worn-in look a vehicle develops over time—things like faded paint, surface rust, and age-related wear. In collector circles, some buyers value patina because it signals originality and history rather than a perfectly restored appearance.

In collector jargon, “survivors” are vehicles that have remained largely intact and original rather than being heavily modified or fully restored. The idea is that originality (especially body and frame condition) can matter more than flashy upgrades.

“258” is shorthand for the Jeep 4.2L inline-six engine (often called the AMC 258). The host is emphasizing that this engine’s stock configuration is a big part of what collectors value, and they describe its character as unusually durable and mechanically “busy” (like lifter tick behavior).

An “LS swap” means replacing a vehicle’s original engine with a GM LS-series V8 (often from a modern Camaro/Corvette). In collector discussions, it’s controversial because it can improve drivability and parts availability, but it may reduce originality and therefore value.

“4L60” refers to a GM 4-speed automatic transmission used in many LS-era swaps. It’s commonly paired with LS engines because it’s widely supported by aftermarket parts and tuning, which is why it comes up in modification talk.

“Lifter tick” is a common description for a tapping noise from the valve train, often related to hydraulic lifters and oil pressure/maintenance. The host uses it to characterize the AMC 258’s mechanical sound and perceived toughness.

“Zero compression” is an extreme way of saying the engine can still run despite very poor cylinder sealing. In reality, true zero compression would normally mean the engine can’t run, so the host is using it as hyperbole to stress how tough they think the engine is.

Cummins is a diesel-engine brand known for durability, especially in heavy-duty trucks. The host compares the Jeep 258’s “keep running” reputation to the way many people talk about Cummins diesels.

The host is distinguishing between Jeep body materials: an original steel body is generally more valued in collector circles than fiberglass because it’s easier to assess for rust damage and it’s typically the factory-correct material. They also connect originality to frame condition—rusted or rotted-out structures hurt value.

In truck/SUV collector discussions, the frame is the structural underbody that everything mounts to. Rust or rot in the frame is often more serious than cosmetic issues because it can be expensive or unsafe to repair, which is why it strongly affects collector value.

The Land Rover Defender 90 is a short-wheelbase version of the Defender, known for its rugged, utilitarian roots. In this segment, the host specifically discusses the Defender 90 arriving in the U.S. and how its ergonomics and steering feel stood out to him.

“GM derived v8” refers to a V8 engine design that traces back to General Motors’ engine family. The host uses it to explain why the Defender 90 he drove felt disappointing in day-to-day usability—suggesting the engine choice didn’t fix the overall package.

“r28 common swap” refers to an engine swap using a specific donor/engine reference (the host is likely talking about swapping in a different powerplant). In this context, it’s used to explain why modified Land Rovers can hold value better than stock ones.

A “modern powertrain” means updating the vehicle’s core mechanicals—typically the engine and transmission—so it shifts and responds like a newer car. In this segment, it’s part of the restomod formula: keep the old look, but modernize the drivetrain for daily usability.

“Air conditioning” here is mentioned as part of the “drives new” checklist for older-looking trucks. It’s not a specialized engineering term, but it’s a specific comfort feature being treated as a modern upgrade requirement.

“Four-link suspension” is a rear suspension layout that uses four control arms (links) to locate the axle. It’s commonly used on trucks because it can be tuned for ride quality and traction, and it helps control axle movement under acceleration and braking.

“Four-wheel disc brakes” means the truck uses disc brakes on all four wheels, rather than drums on the rear. Disc brakes generally provide more consistent stopping and better heat handling, which helps with repeated braking.

“Power locks” are door locks operated electrically, typically via a switch or remote. In older vehicles, adding power locks is a common “modern convenience” upgrade that improves usability without changing the exterior look much.

“Power windows” are window regulators driven by electric motors rather than hand cranks. On classic trucks, converting to power windows is a typical restomod-style upgrade for convenience.

A “touch screen stereo” is an in-dash infotainment head unit controlled by a touchscreen. In restomods, it’s often used to add modern audio features (like Bluetooth/USB) while keeping the truck’s interior looking period-correct.

A “junkyard” is where end-of-life vehicles are stored for parts or scrap. The host’s point is that restomodding can be more acceptable when the original car is already destined for scrap, because it prevents a complete loss of the vehicle.

A “scrap yard” is a facility that processes vehicles (and other metal) for recycling. The speaker uses it to describe cars that are beyond saving, arguing for resurrecting those instead of destroying remaining originals.

The International Harvester Traveler is a classic full-size SUV/wagon built by International Harvester, and this one is specifically the long-wheelbase wagon version. In this episode, it’s notable because the host talks about keeping the truck’s original powertrain while modernizing key driveline and braking components.

The “IH 345” refers to an International Harvester 345 cubic-inch V8 engine, and “Big Buck” is a nickname used by enthusiasts for this engine family. The episode emphasizes that the truck kept this original V8 rather than switching to an LS swap.

“Dana 44” is a specific axle model (front and rear) made by Dana, commonly used in off-road and 4x4 vehicles because it’s robust and has a lot of aftermarket support. The host lists it as part of the truck’s original drivetrain hardware.

“Dana 300” refers to a Dana transfer case used in four-wheel-drive trucks. The host says it was a one-year-only option for Scouts, implying this truck’s drivetrain is somewhat rare compared with the more common transfer-case choice.

“Fuel introduction” here most likely means adding a modern fuel-delivery system (such as fuel injection) to improve drivability and starting compared with older carburetion. The host pairs it with other upgrades while still keeping the original engine/transmission.

Suspension is the system that connects the wheels to the body and controls ride quality and wheel control over bumps. Updating it on a classic truck typically means improving damping, springs, and alignment geometry for better handling and comfort.

Heavy-duty steering components are upgraded parts designed to handle more stress than stock steering hardware, often for off-road use or larger tires. The host mentions them as part of a package to make the truck feel more “modern” and controlled while still looking original.

The “scout market” refers to the collector-car niche centered on International Harvester Scout vehicles. In the segment, the hosts describe how Scouts were long overlooked, then started gaining attention as more people rediscovered the model and its parts availability/pricing.

The “bronco effect” is a collector-car market phenomenon where a newly hyped or newly launched model (in this case, Ford’s Bronco) sparks renewed mainstream interest in older versions of the same nameplate. That attention can raise demand and prices for related collector vehicles because more people suddenly recognize the brand and want one.

The “scout effect” is the same kind of attention-driven shift as the “bronco effect,” but applied to International Harvester Scouts. The host argues that as mainstream awareness grows, even casual enthusiasts who previously didn’t know what a Scout was start “pining” for them, which can lift demand in the collector market.

“Scout” refers to the off-road-focused SUV/truck brand that Volkswagen Group owns today. The host discusses the Scout market and notes Volkswagen delayed the launch of a “new” Scout, which affects how quickly buyers jump in.