Episode 98 – IFS, Is It Really That Bad?

Welcome to the High Sierra 4×4 Podcast!! I’m your host Greg Bakken and joining me is my tenacious and tolerant co host Jeff Bakken. We have been wheeling for a combined 30 years and we are here to share our passion for off roading with you!!

Episode 98!!

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What’s up Jeff?

Cal4wheel Convention

Finally some Toyota love! Seriously, Greg and Jeff, I was impressed by your knowledge, and only wished you had this podcast about 5 years ago. Every axle problem, and solution you mentioned, I’ve gone though. Busted stock birf, hub studs, knuckle studs, have seen it, and upgraded each one of these. I think the worst was when the hub studs went, the dowel holes got wallowed out, and I had to replace the entire hub. Can’t wait to hear more.

Announcements:

March Giveaway

Main Topic: IFS or Straight Axle?
Hey guys, been listening since the beginning of the old show.
As a toyota guy you make me laugh and scream sometimes in the same episode.
I wheel a 97 4Runner that is and always will be IFS, I’m currently running 35s and it does everything I want it to do, including wheeling 10 days straight in Moab without a single issue. There are thousands of 4runners, Tacomas, FJCs, 100 series LCs and the like that get wheeled with IFS and rack and pinion steering. Please I beg of you, stop beating up on our trucks lol.

You guys put on a great show, keep up the great work.
Jason

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Events and Happenings:
Meet and greet

by NV241OR
I have listened to these guys from day one of their other podcast. I always look forward to new episodes and love hearing about old stories, mishaps, and plenty about axles. Greg, go take a jaunt on a fireroad in your JK! Jeff, build a new rig!

Outro:
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Episode 97 – The Beginning of Toyota Talk

Episode 97 – The Beginning of Toyota Talk

Welcome to the High Sierra 4×4 Podcast!! I’m your host Greg Bakken and joining me is my tenacious and tolerant co host Jeff Bakken. We have been wheeling for a combined 30 years and we are here to share our passion for off roading with you!!

Episode 97!!

This podcast episode is brought to you by Northridge4x4.com the best online store in the industry for your 4×4 parts

HIGHSIERRA4X4 – 10% off and free shipping on orders over $70 to the lower 48.

What’s up Jeff?

Announcements:

March Giveaway

Main Topic: Toyota Axle Modifications

Suggested Thread of the Week!
Rear lighting options
http://www.aceengineeringandfab.com/The-GateKeeper_p_142.html

Listener Feedback:

Send us your questions and comments!!!
podcast@highsierra4x4.com

Events and Happenings:

Meet and greet

Outro:
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Episode 96 – Off Roading, How to Get Started

Episode 96 – Off Roading, How to Get Started

Welcome to the High Sierra 4×4 Podcast!! I’m your host Greg Bakken and joining me is my tenacious and tolerant co host Jeff Bakken. We have been wheeling for a combined 30 years and we are here to share our passion for off roading with you!!

Episode 96!!

This podcast episode is brought to you by Northridge4x4.com the best online store in the industry for your 4×4 parts

HIGHSIERRA4X4 – 10% off and free shipping on orders over $70 to the lower 48.

What’s up Jeff?

Jeep dream
Fender flare options for my jeep
Trailmod removable fenders http://www.trailmods.com/shop/trailmods-removable-fender-flares

Announcements:

March Giveaway

Main Topic: How to get started

https://www.highsierra4x4.com/forum/shop-talk/modificcations/7694-where-to-start

Answering the question of what you want to do with your vehicle.
What, why, when, where and how? and then How Much?

Based on budget you can start to establish a plan.
Phases if you will.

Most people start with a small lift and bigger tires.
Budget boost
Muds vs all terrains.
Rocker protection
Skid Plates
Bumpers
Recovery

Phase 2
Replacing suspension components
Bigger tires, Mud terrians
More skid plate
Winch
Upgrade axle shafts
Steering

Phase 3
Dana 60s
Motor Swap
Bigger tires
Hydraulic Steering
Roll Cage
Trailer

Thread of the Week:
Suggested Thread of the Week!

Listener Feedback:

Hey guys, love the show!! I have a quick question for you regarding brakes. I have an older toyota and I’m in need of some brakes. Should I buy new pads and rotors or upgrade to the V6 calipers?
Dave

Trail Gear

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Events and Happenings:

Meet and greet

Outro:
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Episode 95 – Spontaneous Tails From the Trails

Episode 95 – Spontaneous Tails From the Trails

Welcome to the High Sierra 4×4 Podcast!! I’m your host Greg Bakken and joining me is my tenacious and tolerant co host Jeff Bakken. We have been wheeling for a combined 30 years and we are here to share our passion for off roading with you!!

Episode 95!!

This podcast episode is brought to you by Northridge4x4.com the best online store in the industry for your 4×4 parts

HIGHSIERRA4X4 – 10% off and free shipping on orders over $70 to the lower 48.

What’s up Jeff?

Main Topic: Tails from the trails

Suggested Thread of the Week!
Why buy a Rubicon?

Listener Feedback:

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Events and Happenings:

Meet and greet

Outro:
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Episode 94 – Off Road Storage Solutions

Episode 94 – Off Road Storage Solutions

Welcome to the High Sierra 4×4 Podcast!! I’m your host Greg Bakken and joining me is my tenacious and tolerant co host Jeff Bakken. We have been wheeling for a combined 30 years and we are here to share our passion for off roading with you!!

Episode 94!!

This podcast episode is brought to you by Northridge4x4.com the best online store in the industry for your 4×4 parts

HIGHSIERRA4X4 – 10% off and free shipping on orders over $70 to the lower 48.

What’s up Jeff?
Undercover Boss Greg Adler from Transamerica

Main Topic: Storage Solutions

How do we organize our vehicles?
http://www.artecindustries.com/Fuel_Cell_Mounts
Storage Solutions
http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/body-chassis/129-1206-carry-smarter-off-road-truck-and-jeep-storage-solutions/

Thread of the Week:

Suggested Thread of the Week!
Why buy a Rubicon?

Listener Feedback:

Send us your questions and comments!!!
podcast@highsierra4x4.com

The brothers Bakken have been bringing up the dealerships up some lately so I thought I’d talk a bit from the other side. First off dealerships are like cops, doctors and lawyers, most are good but a few turds will ruin the punch. I’ve been in the auto industry since I started work at 16. Started in parts for 6 yrs worked my way to service for another 6 yrs at a large dealership conglomerate and now have been installing transmissions at the Super Duty plant for the past 17. So like a Kardashian I’ve been around

I’ll start with the power steering issue. Once you buy the vehicle Jeep is a customer just like yourself, they have to pay the dealership for the parts and repairs. Throwing parts at a problem gets expensive just like it would be for customer pay. Most problems have a trouble tree for the tech to follow. Often the problem with leaks is the fluids are so similarly colored now with the use of synthetics and such tight packaging it’s hard to tell the origin unless its a major failure. The guidelines they have to follow dictate the dye at that point. It’s aggravating coming back but it will MOST times aid in getting the correct fix. Most times a reflash is actually a computer update not just a code clear. Just like your home pc updates are put out often to keep emissions in check. It could be as simple as a timing change for certain regions.

Contrary to belief the tech wants it fixed right the first time as well, they don’t get paid for bring backs. They also don’t mind the warranty although it pays less. The manufacturer will pay but the customer may choose otherwise. Don’t be afraid to ask to talk to your tech, you both have your vehicle in common and have something at stake. Sometimes its like the telephone game, you tell the service writer one thing but it translates differently on the work order. The tech may have seen a similar problem many times and a few key questions/answers may get it diagnosed quicker and more accurately. Also sometimes it just doesn’t act up while the tech has it. Many times I called the customer personally to talk it out,ask questions about when its cold, rainy, after a long drive etc to better my odds of getting it fixed.

Having your vehicle inop is stressful for sure, but try to take a deep breath and calmly talk to your writer. If its the first time for the problem give them a chance to fix it. They want you happy and coming back as well. Customer loyalty is everything to the manufacturer’s.
Loyalty pays off for you as well. If you have your oil or other services done for you take it back to the dealership. Most times they are pretty competitive to the quick lubes. If you happen to have a problem outside of warranty it’s much easier to get it covered if you have a long history of factory care for your car. I’ve seen a car have a major repair covered 10k out of warranty because they were on their 5th Cadillac and had always had all their service done with us.
If it’s truly horrible service call customer care, every manufacturer has a # to call. They want you to be happy and buy more of their vehicles. None of them want you to buy another brand.
That’s all I got I think. Your mileage may vary as the saying goes but it’s what I’ve witnessed and lived. Feel free ask any questions or voice any opinions.

Events and Happenings:

Meet and greet

Outro:
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Episode 91 – Snow Time!!

Episode 91 – Snow Time!!

Welcome to the High Sierra 4×4 Podcast!! I’m your host Greg Bakken and joining me is my tenacious and tolerant co host Jeff Bakken. We have been wheeling for a combined 30 years and we are here to share our passion for off roading with you!!

Episode 91!!

This podcast episode is brought to you by Northridge4x4.com the best online store in the industry for your 4×4 parts

HIGHSIERRA4X4 – 10% off and free shipping on orders over $70 to the lower 48.

What’s up Jeff?

Jeep is back?

Announcements:

January Giveaway

Main Topic: Snow Run

Thread of the Week:

Suggested Thread of the Week!
Side by side vs Street Legal wheeler

Listener Feedback:

Send us your questions and comments!!!
podcast@highsierra4x4.com

Events and Happenings:

Meet and greet

Outro:
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Episode 90 – Bumpers, Long Arms and a Good Time!!

Episode 90 – Bumpers, Long Arms and a Good Time!!

Welcome to the High Sierra 4×4 Podcast!! I’m your host Greg Bakken and joining me is my tenacious and tolerant co host Jeff Bakken. We have been wheeling for a combined 30 years and we are here to share our passion for off roading with you!!

Episode 90!!

This podcast episode is brought to you by Northridge4x4.com the best online store in the industry for your 4×4 parts

HIGHSIERRA4X4 – 10% off and free shipping on orders over $70 to the lower 48.

What’s up Jeff?

Jeep is back?

Announcements:

January Giveaway

Main Topic: Body Armor Continued

How do you prioritize what you buy or make first?

This will all come down to personal preference, but I think there are a few things to consider.

What trails do you plan to tackle in your immediate future?
What are the conditions of those trails?
Rocky, muddy, fire roads, jagged rock…Etc.

If you have a stock Rubicon, and you plan to take it through the Rubicon, you will definitely want some armor before you go.

Often times, you will find that Body Armor and recovery points go hand and hand.
Bumpers have shackle tabs or hooks built into them.
Rock sliders become Hi Lift points.
Roll cages become places to attach straps to help keep you up right in a hairy situation.

Because, most runs you ever go on, one of the first requirements will be for your vehicle to have recovery points. The factory stuff is often times junk!! So, most likely, the first piece of armor you buy will be front and rear bumpers.

Thread of the Week:

Suggested Thread of the Week!
Long Arms on a daily driver?

More Flex?
More bump compliance
Smooth out the ride
Speed
Is stability an issue?

Listener Feedback:

Hey guys, I just wanted to drop an email and tell you that I am really enjoying the podcast. I started in at episode 80 stuck in snow and wanted more so I started from episode 1 and love your stories and the good information you provide. Keep up the good work and do you still have shirts so I can support your podcast from down south in the Central Valley (Bakersfield). Thanks Jon…oh by the way I wheel a well equipped 04 TJ Rubicon on 35’s…

Send us your questions and comments!!!
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Events and Happenings:

Meet and greet

Outro:
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Episode 89 – The Benefits of Body Armor!!

Episode 89 – The Benefits of Body Armor!!

Welcome to the High Sierra 4×4 Podcast!! I’m your host Greg Bakken and joining me is my tenacious and tolerant co host Jeff Bakken. We have been wheeling for a combined 30 years and we are here to share our passion for off roading with you!!

Episode 89!!

This podcast episode is brought to you by Northridge4x4.com the best online store in the industry for your 4×4 parts

HIGHSIERRA4X4 – 10% off and free shipping on orders over $70 to the lower 48.

What’s up Jeff?

Announcements:

January Giveaway

Main Topic: Body Armor
You’ve spent tons of money on your rig to prepare it for your off road adventure!! You’re planning to head out into the middle of nowhere and you want to be as prepared as possible.

You need to protect your investment not only from the terran you are tackling but also protect yourself from possible breakage!!

How can you we do this?

Things to consider…

Weight
The heavier it is, the stronger it may be, but that can have other side effects…Heavier rig means more upgrades, stiffer suspension, more body roll, etc.

Material
Aluminum, steel or tin foil? This is where the balancing act of weight vs strength comes into play. Lighter means weaker.

Clearance
Bumpers vs tires, skid plates, diff covers, driveline skid plates/pinion skid plates, diff skid plates, rock sliders, bumper clearance…

Frame mounted vs body mounted.
Rock sliders, roll cages, fender flares…

Do you really need it?

Listener Feedback:

Really enjoyed “family rig” episode. Great points of needs and wants. I’ve thought a lot about this and have a couple additions. Age; being comfortable and able to wheel for a long day and not feel beat up. Modifications; you’re farther from home, and your wheeler buddy support, so being able to source stock parts out of town would be important to get you home. How about dual use using an overland trailer? Opens up a whole new discussion.

My list was: jeep 4 door ( just to many of them around, Chevy mini blazer ( just not enough room), dodge Dakota ( was a serious option, but research found a weak steering), what I ended up choosing was a Hummer H3. I found a truck version and am very happy with it. V8 motor, decent aftermarket support, GM parts avaliable. Now I’m building an overland trailer to go with it. The downside- IFS, and it’s expensive.

Send us your questions and comments!!!
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Meet and greet

Outro:
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Episode 86 – Listener Question and Comments!!

Episode 86 – Listener Question and Comments!!

Welcome to the High Sierra 4×4 Podcast!! I’m your host Greg Bakken and joining me is my tenacious and tolerant co host Jeff Bakken. We have been wheeling for a combined 30 years and we are here to share our passion for off roading with you!!

Episode 86!!

This podcast episode is brought to you by Northridge4x4.com the best online store in the industry for your 4×4 parts

HIGHSIERRA4X4 – 10% off and free shipping on orders over $70 to the lower 48.

What’s up Jeff?

Announcements:

January Giveaway

Main Topic: Listener Questions and Comments

Thread of the Week:

Suggested Thread of the Week!
Replacement LED driving lights.

Listener Feedback:

Hey guys,
I just listened to your show where you requested ideas for next years SEMA build. I think it would be great to take an old 60’s era CJ and completely modernize it. Make it look old but have it built with all modern parts. Crate motor, axels, interior, lift, the whole 9 yards. Also I would be willing to let you use my 62 Willis for the build 😀. Love the show, Keep up the great work.
Thanks,
Jeremy aka “Flash”

Great podcast with a lot of good info. Looking to upgrade my front axle on a 2015 Wrangler unlined Sahara and was curious if anyone had any input (good or bad) on the teraflex 44 housings or any other manufactures with similar housing upgrades? J-

I have a questions about a 4×4 chevy tahoe 99. I have fixed my rear differential 3 time because for some reason my tires are locking on turns does anybody know how I can fix that and how can I keep it to where my 4×4 drive together???
Miguel

As I am new to wheeling, I really enjoy listening to your Pod Casts! Thank you for putting in the time and energy into this program. Bought our JK in June completely stock. They are right about Jeep standing for “Just empty every pocket”.
JP

We are looking for some feedback on the forum

Send us your questions and comments!!!
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Events and Happenings:

Meet and greet

Outro:
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Episode 85 – The Best Off Road Vehicles You Can Buy Right Now

Episode 85 – The Best Off Road Vehicles You Can Buy Right Now

Welcome to the High Sierra 4×4 Podcast!! I’m your host Greg Bakken and joining me is my tenacious and tolerant co host Jeff Bakken. We have been wheeling for a combined 30 years and we are here to share our passion for off roading with you!!

Episode 85!!

This podcast episode is brought to you by Northridge4x4.com the best online store in the industry for your 4×4 parts

HIGHSIERRA4X4 – 10% off and free shipping on orders over $70 to the lower 48.

What’s up Jeff?

Announcements:

January Giveaway

Main Topic: 10 Best Off Road Vehicles You Can Buy

Five Used Trucks You Should Never Consider Buying

2011 Dodge Ram 1500
Dodge Ram pickup trucks are popular for their bold design and best in class ride quality; Ram fans may be surprised to learn their favorite truck made our list. The standard V-6 engine in the 2011 Ram is underpowered and gets no better fuel economy that the optional V-8. Standard equipment is also a tad on the light side. However, these deficiencies can be avoided by purchasing a Ram 1500 with the engine and optional equipment you want. What cannot be overcome is the 2011 Ram 1500 received only a three star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and in a frontal crash the rating drops to an unacceptable two stars. If you want to buy a Dodge Ram pass on the 2011 model year, just to be safe.

Any Ford Truck with a 5.4L Engine
The 5.4L 3-valve engines used in Ford Trucks from 2004 to 2010 develop camshaft phaser issues, especially when engines exceed the 100,000 mile mark. The first sign of an impending failure is a slight tick at idle, as the problem worsens owners complain of a noticeable loss of power. Engines running rich will clog catalytic converters and trigger check engine light illuminations; repairs are expensive. Even worse many repairs merely mask the problem for short periods of time only to have the issue return necessitating an engine overhaul or replacement. Thinking about buying a Ford pickup? Pop the hood, check the engine specifications, and run away from 5.4L equipped models.

The 10 Best Off-Road Vehicles You Can Buy Right Now

Thread of the Week:

Suggested Thread of the Week!
Snow stuck thread.

Listener Feedback:

Send us your questions and comments!!!
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Events and Happenings:

Cal4wheel Winter Fun Festival
January 15-17, 2016

Outro:
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