metal – High Sierra 4×4 Podcast

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!!!
podcast@highsierra4x4.com

Events and Happenings:

Meet and greet

Outro:
podcast@highsierra4x4.com
www.highsierra4x4com/podcast
www.facebook.com/highsierra4x4
www.highsierra4x4.com

Episode 59 – Matson From Metalcloak

Welcome to the High Sierra 4×4 Podcast!! I’m your host Greg Bakken and joining me is my 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!! Whether you’re looking for a Sunday drive or some hard core rock crawling!! We will cover it all!

Episode 59!!

This episode is brought to you by metal cloak!! It’s your jeep only better!!

What’s up Jeff?

Announcements:

October Giveaway:
RareParts Ball Joints!!

Main Topic: Matson from MetalCloak

http://www.metalcloak.com/

Matson,
Tell us a little about yourself, How long have you been wheeling?
How did you get involved with Metalcloak?
MetalCloak is very unique to me in that Matson and his team have been bringing products to the market that go outside the box of normal offroad products. For example your High Clearance fenders. Can you tells us more about them?
http://www.metalcloak.com/category-s/284.htm
Now let’s talk about the gamechanger suspension system. I’m running the Rock Sport Edition but you guys also have the several other variations of the suspension system. Tells what sets the Gamechanger system ahead of the game?
http://www.metalcloak.com/category-s/284.htm
What is a true dual rate spring
Can you tells more about the Duroflex joints that Metalcloak runs on their control arms?
What benefits can I achieve by running the 6Pak shocks?
Metalcloak also offers bumpers. Can you tell us more about your frame built bumpers?
http://www.metalcloak.com/JK-Wrangler-Frame-Built-Bumpers-s/254.htm

Customer service and resources
http://www.metalcloak.com/Gear-and-Tech-s/23.htm
916-631-8071

https://www.facebook.com/metalcloak
Tweets by metalcloak
https://www.youtube.com/user/MetalCloak
https://instagram.com/metalcloak/

Listener Feedback:

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

Events and Happenings:

SEMA 2015 Las Vegas Nevada

http://www.cal4wheel.com/winter-fun-festival

Outro:
podcast@highsierra4x4.com
www.highsierra4x4com/podcast
www.facebook.com/highsierra4x4
www.highsierra4x4.com

Episode 46 – Fabrication Month!!

Welcome to the High Sierra 4×4 Podcast!! I’m your host Greg Bakken and joining me is my co host Jeff Bakken. We have been wheeling for 15 years and we are here to share our passion for off roading with you!! Whether you’re looking for a Sunday drive or some hard core rock crawling!! We will cover it all!

Episode 46!!

Tabandslot.com offers self serve, on demand laser cutting services (with No Setup Fees) to artists, fabricators, and small business. Make your dreams a reality over at tabandslot.com

What’s up Jeff?

Announcements:

August giveaway:
Tabandslot.com offers self serve, on demand laser cutting services (with No Setup Fees) to artists, fabricators, and small business. Make your dreams a reality over at tabandslot.com
Dave from Tab and Slot Episode 40

Main Topic: Fabrication Month!!

https://www.highsierra4x4.com/podcast
Episode 40 – Dave from Tab and Slot.com
Episode 41 – Welding Feat. Andy From Miller Welding
Episode 43 – Air Compressors with Wood Industries
Episode 44 – Tube Benders feat. Joe from Rogue Fab
Episode 45 – Cris from Bend-Tech

Listener Feedback:

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

Thread of the Week:

Suggested Thread of the Week!
Aftermarket Programmers

Events and Happenings:

Cantina for the Con
September 5th-6th at the Spillway

Lucas Oil Off Road Expo
Fairplex, Pomona CA
October 3rd-4th

Homepage

Booth 6420

Outro:
podcast@highsierra4x4.com
www.highsierra4x4com/podcast
www.facebook.com/highsierra4x4
www.highsierra4x4.com

Episode 41 – Welding Feat. Andy From Miller Welding

Episode 41 – Welding Feat. Andy From Miller Welding!

Episode 41!!

Tabandslot.com offers self serve, on demand laser cutting services (with No Setup Fees) to artists, fabricators, and small business. Make your dreams a reality over at tabandslot.com

What’s up Jeff?

Announcements:

August giveaway:
Tabandslot.com offers self serve, on demand laser cutting services (with No Setup Fees) to artists, fabricators, and small business. Make your dreams a reality over at tabandslot.com

Lots of projects going on this month like the High Sierra 4×4 Expedition Trailer.
https://www.roguefab.com/
Rogue Fabrication sells tube benders, Tubing Notchers, Die Sets and fabrication tools

Why should you buy a Tubing Bender from Rogue Fab? Price and performance. If you have shopped around you have seen what other manufacturers charge for die sets. Or you have seen the benders that don’t bend strong tubing and only bend to 90 degrees. Why spend over $1000 on a bender or make huge compromises in functionality when you could have bought a RogueFab bender and had all the features you need for less money?

http://www.metalmartrancho.com/
Located in Rancho Cordova and serving the greater Sacramento area with sales in steel sheet and tube, aluminum products and stainless steel. We also have nuts & bolts, casters and a large selection of remnant metals in all products. Shearing and cutting available. For all your metal needs, check out Metal Mart!

Main Topic: Andy From Miller Welding

Andy, welcome to the show!!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you came to work for Miller?
Fabricators – Needing to know how to weld, can you tell us exactly what happens when we are welding?
What elements play into the factors of a clean weld?
Can you explain what MIG, TIG and Stick Welding?
When would I want to use what?
Being on a limited budget, what kind of welder would I want to look for?
How do I determine what I can do with that welder?
Do you have any resources or recommendations to help build my welding skills?
What about safety?

http://www.millerwelds.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MillerWelders
https://www.youtube.com/user/nielsmiller/videos
https://instagram.com/miller_welders/
Tweets by MillerWelders

Listener Feedback:

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

Thread of the Week:

Suggested Thread of the Week!
To celebrate Fabrication month High Sierra 4×4 is teaming up with Tab and Slot.com to give one lucky winner a fabrication project or their very own!

Tab and Slot.com is known for turning your designs into reality with custom CAD work using Tab and Slot design to ensure the finished product is what you envisioned. They are going to give one lucky winner their choice of fabrication project. If you own a Jeep JK you can opt to receive one of their custom Jeep JK Front or Rear bumper kits. Or if you prefer you can receive one of their custom welding tables. Either way you will have an awesome fabrication project of your very own!

Events and Happenings:

Sierra Trek
Thursday, August 06, 2015 – Sunday, August 09, 2015
Episode 39

Cantina for the Con
September 5th-6th at the Spillway

Outro:
podcast@highsierra4x4.com
www.highsierra4x4com/podcast
www.facebook.com/highsierra4x4
www.highsierra4x4.com

Episode 16 – Ultra 4 MetalCloak Stampede

Intro: Welcome to the High Sierra 4×4 Podcast!! I’m your host Greg Bakken and joining me is my co host Jeff Bakken. We have been wheeling for 15 years and we are here to share our passion for off roading with you!! Whether you’re looking for a Sunday drive or some hard core rock crawling!! We will cover it all!

Episode 16!!

What’s up Jeff?

Announcements:

Sweet things in the works!!
Interviews, SEMA Build, Giveaways
March Giveaway!!

Thread of the Week:

Podcast Suggestion Thread!
SoCal Meet and Greet

Main Topic: MetalCloak Stampede

2015 MetalCloak Stampede – Rancho Cordova, CA

Listener Feedback:

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

Events and Happenings:

Meet and Greet coming soon!!
May 21st

Outro:
podcast@highsierra4x4.com
www.highsierra4x4com/podcast
www.facebook.com/highsierra4x4
www.highsierra4x4.com

Episode 11 – How To Visit The Rubicon

Episode 11 – How to Visit the Rubicon

Episode 11!!

What’s up Jeff?

Announcements:

April Giveaway!! Head to the forum now to see what it is!!

Thread of the Week:

Podcast Suggestion Thread!
Salvage Jeep rebuild!

Main Topic: Trail Review – The Rubicon!!

History of the Trail
17.2 miles long
Entrances to the trail
Typical avenues of travel
Staging areas

Visiting the Rubicon
If you have the driving skills, a brand new stock Wrangler can be driven through the Rubicon, taking the bypasses. Most people should expect sheet metal damage, at a minimum. Larger tires (33”), a lift kit (3”), body protection (rocker guards) and a locking or limited slip differential should be considered to prevent damage.

Maps

Cantina for the Con

Listener Feedback:

A few episodes ago you asked that XJ Cherokee owners email you to let you know that we listened to your podcast. I have listened to every episode, even on your previous network, as I enjoy your show. I believe there are probably numerous XJ listeners in your audience after all there is a huge parts aftermarket for the XJ and they are still very popular on the trail. XJ’s are very capable Jeeps when prepared correctly just like any other Jeep. Mine is a 1992 four door California Jeep still in great condition. I have installed frame stiffeners and have had no problems that you allude to with having a unitized body. It is used as our second car and can still comfortably carry the whole family and yet go off road, something you appear to nervous to do with your $40,000 JKU.

I think XJ’s are one of the “best bang for the bucks” out there. Mine has an 8 inch left with long arm suspension, lockers front and rear, body armour (store bought and self made) plus many other upgrades and still has air conditioning and power windows. The wife likes to drive it off road also, and is becoming decent at it. We do all kinds of off road driving from the Colorado Rockies to Ocotillo Wells at Anza Borrego,Ca. I don’t really care to do STRICKLY rock crawling, as you are just asking to tear up your rig or break something NEEDLESSLY that you have spent a lot of time and money on. It has gone over its fair share of rocks when needed. I nicknamed the Wrangler looking body style Jeeps “Belly button” Jeeps as everybody has one.
Respectfully Doug

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

Events and Happenings:

2015 MetalCloak Stampede – Rancho Cordova, CA
Meet and Greet coming soon!!

Outro:
podcast@highsierra4x4.com
www.highsierra4x4com/podcast
www.facebook.com/highsierra4x4
www.highsierra4x4.com