High Sierra 4×4 Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 96 – Off Roading, How to Get Started Feb 19, 2016

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Episode 96 - Off Roading, How to Get Started Welcome to the High Sierra 4x4 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 4x4 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 http://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 Send us your questions and comments!!! podcast@highsierra4x4.com 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 95 – Spontaneous Tails From the Trails Feb 15, 2016

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Episode 95 - Spontaneous Tails From the Trails Welcome to the High Sierra 4x4 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 4x4 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: Send us your questions and comments!!! podcast@highsierra4x4.com 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 94 – Off Road Storage Solutions Feb 12, 2016

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Episode 94 - Off Road Storage Solutions Welcome to the High Sierra 4x4 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 4x4 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 http://www.swagoffroad.com/Storage-Solutions_c_9.html 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.

Episode 93 – 10 Things You Should Never Do During a Recovery Feb 08, 2016

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Episode 93 - 10 Things You Should Never Do During a Recovery Welcome to the High Sierra 4x4 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 93!! This podcast episode is brought to you by Northridge4x4.com the best online store in the industry for your 4x4 parts HIGHSIERRA4X4 - 10% off and free shipping on orders over $70 to the lower 48. What's up Jeff? Axle talk with the JK Announcements: January Giveaway Main Topic: 10 Things You Should Never do During a Recovery Panic Rush Stand back and get the big picture Plenty of ways to get a vehicle unstuck Quickest, safest and easiest way Break the Vehicle Use non rated recovery points Recover a vehicle in reverse Stand close to the action Use tools not intended for recovery - Chains Spin your tires out of control Forget to set the parking brake Don’t listen to your spotter Thread of the Week: Suggested Thread of the Week! Snow thread Listener Feedback: Send us your questions and comments!!! podcast@highsierra4x4.com 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 92 – What’s KOH All About? Feb 04, 2016

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Episode 92 - What's KOH All About? Welcome to the High Sierra 4x4 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 92!! This podcast episode is brought to you by Northridge4x4.com the best online store in the industry for your 4x4 parts HIGHSIERRA4X4 - 10% off and free shipping on orders over $70 to the lower 48. What's up Jeff? Announcements: January Giveaway Main Topic: Ultra 4 Racing http://ultra4racing.com/uncategorize...s-differences/ 4400: ULTRA4 Unlimited Class 4500: Rubicon Express Modified Class 4600: Pro Comp Stock Class 4700: Spec Class 4800: Legends Class - Trophy Class UTV Pro UTV Sportsman - Trophy Class Thread of the Week: Suggested Thread of the Week! ARB Twin Compressor install Listener Feedback: My buddy in the yellow TJ got mired up off-roading in Tennessee recently. (The hole wasn't supposed to be that deep.) it was fairly chilly out and he didn't feel like getting soaked . He ended up walking around the side and standing on top of his TAIL LIGHT GUARDS . So there Greg tail light guards saved this man from getting wet. They aren't totally useless lol. Marc Send us your questions and comments!!! podcast@highsierra4x4.com 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 91 – Snow Time!! Feb 01, 2016

Show notes

Episode 91 - Snow Time!! Welcome to the High Sierra 4x4 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 4x4 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: podcast@highsierra4x4.com www.highsierra4x4com/podcast www.facebook.com/highsierra4x4 www.highsierra4x4.com

Episode 90 – Bumpers, Long Arms and a Good Time!! Jan 29, 2016

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Episode 90 - Bumpers, Long Arms and a Good Time!! Welcome to the High Sierra 4x4 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 4x4 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 89 – The Benefits of Body Armor!! Jan 25, 2016

Show notes

Episode 89 - The Benefits of Body Armor!! Welcome to the High Sierra 4x4 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 4x4 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 88 – Planning an Overlanding Adventure!! Jan 22, 2016

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Episode 88 - Planning an Overlanding Adventure!! Welcome to the High Sierra 4x4 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 88!! This podcast episode is brought to you by Northridge4x4.com the best online store in the industry for your 4x4 parts HIGHSIERRA4X4 - 10% off and free shipping on orders over $70 to the lower 48. What's up Jeff? Arnold’s Unimog for sale! Antenna Mounts Overland planning Vehicle Planning Announcements: January Giveaway Main Topic: Planning an Overlanding Adventure!! Overland planning Vehicle Planning Car Camping Traveling in a vehicle to an established campground. If there is a picnic table there, it is probably car camping. Back Country Adventure A one-day or multi-day off-highway trip on an adventure motorcycle or in a 4WD vehicle. Overland(ing) Vehicle-supported, self-reliant adventure travel, typically exploring remote locations and interacting with other cultures. Vehicle-Dependent Expedition An organized, vehicle-dependent journey with a defined purpose, often geographic or scientific in nature. Expedition Vehicle A 4WD vehicle or adventure motorcycle prepared for self-reliant travel over long distances, through unpredictable weather and over variable terrain Step 1. Consider your goal? Step 2. Campsites and destinations. Step 3. Use your resources. Step 4. Create your map. Step 5. Review your route. Step 6. Share your adventure!! Both with friends, family, companions and other adventures! Thread of the Week: Suggested Thread of the Week! Easter Jeep Safari!! Listener Feedback: I'm the guy who wants to run no spare rim but here is my story..... Buddy bought a set of "custom" beadlocks, they were trailready do yourself locks that were put on pretty nice rims. I don't even think he ran them before I bought them off him. There were only 4, I don't know what they started as and i'm normally a guy who wants a spare.... However getting a matching spare was going to be hard enough then there was the issue of new lock and installing it. I got thinking about the dead weight that wheel adds to my rig and money that getting another would take and decided that by building a square box that the 15" tire would fit over I could have storage space. B building it myself i'd be into it very little money, create more storage and still have a spare, seemed like a cool way to do it. yes swapping a tire on the trail wouldn't be the fastest way to do it but I'd ask to use someone else's spare if they had one that would work handy, then swap my good spare onto my rim when we got to camp or out. I do however carry electric impacts and this DIY kit allows me to push the tire right on by hand and not have to fight with a bead so breaking the back bead, taking off 18 bolts and putting it back together would be all it took to get it going. Yes time consuming but how often do most of us get flats on brand new tires? Id say not often enough for the work to be a frequent pain in the arse. As for the DIY, my jeep isn't my DD, but it's also not a trail only trailered rig. If it's just me and the fiancée going somewhere within an hour drive we take it. if dirt roads are involved I take it, and I always take it hunting. It def sees a lot of driving, I have a small shimmy at 45 that was there before the beadlocks and has increased a little now but other than that I have no issues. I do run dynabeads and did the dismounting with a buddy's tire machine then mounted myself and didn't have to worry about balancing due to the beads. I loctited all of the bolts and will maintain them and have no issues in my mind running them down the highway. Send us your questions and comments!!! podcast@highsierra4x4.com Events and Happenings: Meet and greet Outro:

Episode 87 – Picking a Family Wheeler Jan 18, 2016

Show notes

Episode 87 - Picking a Family Wheeler Welcome to the High Sierra 4x4 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 87!! This podcast episode is brought to you by Northridge4x4.com the best online store in the industry for your 4x4 parts HIGHSIERRA4X4 - 10% off and free shipping on orders over $70 to the lower 48. What's up Jeff? Announcements: January Giveaway Main Topic: Family Wheeler Greg, I have owned a few jeeps, 84 CJ7, 97TJ, and 03TJ. These rigs were great wheeling rigs for when I had no kids. Now with three kids, I want to take them out wheeling. What are a few great family rigs that you have seen out there. I am leaning toward the almighty JK but looking at the high startup cost. So what are some other great wheelers that you and your dodge loving bro would suggest? Keep it real and get out there. Bear From Minnesota What exactly do you plan or want to do with the vehicle? AC Heater 4 door Roof hardtop vs removable/soft top Power Locks Power windows Safety Cargo room Some Thoughts… Jeep JK Downfall is price Jeep Cherokee Jeep ZJ Toyota 4 runner Toyota Tacoma 4 door Landcruiser FJ 80 Landcruiser FJ 60 Thread of the Week: Suggested Thread of the Week! Podcast Suggestion Thread Listener Feedback: 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

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