Episode 104 – Easter Jeep Safari

Episode 104 – Easter Jeep Safari

What’s up everyone, welcome to the High Sierra 4×4 Podcast!! This is the best off road podcast on the internet!! I’m your host Greg Bakken and hanging out with me today is the awe inspiring fullsize guy Jeff Bakken and the mini me Forrest we are here to share our passion for off roading with you!!

Episode 104!!

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?
What’s up Forrest?
Greg – Sick as a dog…Sold some my wheels today.

Announcements:
March Giveaway

Main Topic: EJS
http://www.rr4w.com/event-details.cfm?eventid=8
Rex

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

As a 2012 JKU (sahara) owner who has investigated the RubiCrawler adapter, this unfortunately only fits the 2007-2011 JK’s and not the newer 2012+ with the 3.6 engine as the tail of the automatic transmission is longer and not enough room for it to fit.

From Dusty at Advance Adapters:

We do not offer a Rubicrawler for 2012 and newer due to changes Jeep made in the running gear. We do offer Atlas transfer case for newer models to help lower your crawl ratio.
Thanks,
Dusty”

I ended up getting a rubicon transfer case off ebay which I’ll be swapping out the 2.72 t-case for a better rock crawling set up. I’m currently on stock D30/D44 set up (trussed and gussetted) and 35’s but the near term plan is the the Ultimate D60’s and 40’s
Was hoping I could have used the RubiCrawler rather than swapping out t-cases for either a rubicon or an Atlas, but nope.

Just thought you should know and pass along.

Thanks
Scott
Scottsdale, AZ

Thread of the Week
What did you do this weekend

Events and Happenings:
Metalcloak Stampede
April 8th – 9th

Outro:
HIGHSIERRA4X4 – 10% off and free shipping on orders over $70 to the lower 48
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Episode 103 – How to Pick N Pull

Episode 103 – How to Pick N Pull

What’s up everyone, welcome to the High Sierra 4×4 Podcast!! This is the best off road podcast on the internet!! I’m your host Greg Bakken and hanging out with me today is the awe inspiring fullsize guy Jeff Bakken and the mini me Forrest we are here to share our passion for off roading with you!!

Episode 103!!

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?
What’s up Forrest?

Announcements:
March Giveaway

Main Topic: Picking N Pull

What to expect?
Different type of pick n pulls
Is negotiation an option?
Are they worth visiting?
Do’s and Don’ts

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

Thread of the Week
What did you do this weekend

Events and Happenings:
Metalcloak Stampede
April 8th – 9th

Outro:
HIGHSIERRA4X4 – 10% off and free shipping on orders over $70 to the lower 48
podcast@highsierra4x4.com
www.highsierra4x4com/podcast
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www.highsierra4x4.com

Episode 102 – Composure on the Trail

What’s up everyone, welcome to the High Sierra 4×4 Podcast!! This is the best off road podcast on the internet!! I’m your host Greg Bakken and hanging out with me today is the awe inspiring fullsize guy Jeff Bakken and the mini me Forrest we are here to share our passion for off roading with you!!

Episode 102!!!

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?
What’s up Forrest?

Announcements:
March Giveaway

Main Topic: Trail Composure
There are lots of situations that you can find yourself in out on the trail. weather it be you going out with a couple buddies or meeting a large group for an event. There are considerations to be taken for each situation.

Is it a family friendly event
is it a party situation
keep in mind other people’s situations as well
check your ego at the door

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

Suggested Thread of the Week!
Adjusting your track bar?

Events and Happenings:
Meet and greet

Outro:
Leave comments on itunes help get the show up in the ratings to share the knowledge
HIGHSIERRA4X4 – 10% off and free shipping on orders over $70 to the lower 48
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Episode 101 – Buying a Used Vehicle 101

Episode 101 – Buying a Used Vehicle 101

What’s up everyone, welcome to the High Sierra 4×4 Podcast!! This is the best off road podcast on the internet!! I’m your host Greg Bakken and hanging out with me today is the awe inspiring fullsize guy Jeff Bakken and the mini me Forrest we are here to share our passion for off roading with you!!

Episode 101!!

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?
What’s up Forrest?

Announcements:
March Giveaway

Main Topic: Used Vehicle Buying 101

There are tons of awesome deals to have in the used car market when looking for your next rig to build. It can be scary spending your hard earned cash on something that may or may not work when you get it home.

What to think about when shopping for a used vehicle?

What to look for when physically looking at the vehicle?

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

Suggested Thread of the Week!
Dana 60 in my YJ

Events and Happenings:
Meet and greet

Outro:
HIGHSIERRA4X4 – 10% off and free shipping on orders over $70 to the lower 48
podcast@highsierra4x4.com
www.highsierra4x4com/podcast
www.facebook.com/highsierra4x4
www.highsierra4x4.com

Episode 100 – Where Have We Been?

Episode 100 – Where Have We Been?

What’s up everyone, welcome to the High Sierra 4×4 Podcast!! This is the best off road podcast on the internet!! I’m your host Greg Bakken and hanging out with me today is the awe inspiring fullsize guy Jeff Bakken and the mini me Forrest we are here to share our passion for off roading with you!!

Episode 100!!

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?
What’s up Forrest?

Announcements:
March Giveaway

Main Topic: Where have we been?

Episode 100!!!!!

What do we think Jeff?

Favorite episode

Favorite interview
Mopar – Episode 20
switch pros – episode 26

Favorite story or experience

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

Suggested Thread of the Week!
Adjusting your track bar?

Events and Happenings:
Meet and greet

Outro:
HIGHSIERRA4X4 – 10% off and free shipping on orders over $70 to the lower 48
podcast@highsierra4x4.com
www.highsierra4x4com/podcast
www.facebook.com/highsierra4x4
www.highsierra4x4.com

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!!

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?

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

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

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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www.highsierra4x4com/podcast
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www.highsierra4x4.com

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 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!!!
podcast@highsierra4x4.com

Events and Happenings:

Meet and greet

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

Episode 69 – Winter Wheeling Adventures!!

Episode 69 – Winter Wheeling Adventures!!

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!!

Episode 69!!
Veteran’s Day

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

What’s up Jeff?

Announcements:

October Giveaway:
Northridge4x4.com $200 gift card!!

Main Topic: Winter Wheeling

Snow is here!!
What do we need to hit the snow trails safely?

Recovery gear…
Read the snow…
Don’t spin…
Wide flexible tires…
Air source…
Travel light…
Locking differentials…
Cooling system…
Dress appropriate…
Be prepared…

Thread of the Week:

Suggested Thread of the Week!
Oregon Trophy Challenge 2015

Listener Feedback:

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

Events and Happenings:

Cal4wheel Winter Fun Festival
January 15-17, 2016

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

Episode 59 – Matson From Metalcloak

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

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