Podcast Summary
Off-Road Adventures, Product Reviews, Interviews: Discover off-road experiences, learn about new products, and listen to expert interviews on The Off-Road Podcast. Prepare for unexpected situations with medical supplies from Medical Gear Outfitters using code 'offroadpodcast' for a discount.
The Off-Road Podcast, sponsored by Medical Gear Outfitters, discussed various off-road adventures, product reviews, and interviews. A notable mention was Ben's discovery of a leak in his new tent trailer and fixing it. Aaron shared his experience of butchering chickens and processing them for long-term storage. The group also talked about upcoming events, including the grand opening of Ironman 4x4's Beaverton store. Medical Gear Outfitters was emphasized as a go-to source for off-road medical kits and supplies. Always be prepared for the unexpected on the trail by checking out their website and using the code "offroadpodcast" for a 10% discount.
Off-roading adventures and vehicle modifications: Participants shared their recent off-roading experiences, discussed the importance of proper tires and suspension setup, and looked forward to upcoming events and trips.
During a discussion about off-roading experiences and vehicle modifications, a few participants shared their recent adventures and discoveries. One person mentioned their new tires, which they initially hesitated to buy due to the condition of their old ones. Another person highlighted the importance of having the right suspension setup for specific off-roading conditions, such as snow. The group also touched upon the topic of hunting and shared their hunting stories. One person even shared a photo of a large buck they had hunted. Another participant mentioned their upcoming Moab trip and the Jeep Jamboree event. Overall, the conversation showcased the group's shared passion for off-roading and the various adventures and challenges that come with it.
Tire pressure adjustment for off-roading: Adjust tire pressure based on season and terrain for optimal off-roading experience. Run 40s for snow wheeling without town articulation and drop down to 37s in the summer.
When it comes to off-roading with larger tires, adjusting the tire pressure according to the season and terrain is crucial. A good rule of thumb is running 40s for snow wheeling without town articulation and dropping down to 37s in the summer. It's also important to consider gear changes and possibly adding a supercharger for better performance. Other topics discussed included the importance of research versus winging it, the experience of installing skid plates, and the strange occurrence of two guys in a white vehicle being sought after by the Forest Service. Additionally, the conversation touched on the topic of electric off-road vehicles, such as the French-made Kilo EV and the Mini-Moke Californian. While these vehicles may not be as capable as traditional off-road rigs, they offer a unique experience and represent the ongoing trend towards electric vehicles.
Off-roading Advice from Quinn, 74 Weld: Quinn, the off-roading enthusiast and CEO of 74 Weld, encourages newbies to jump into off-roading, learn through experience, and enjoy the journey despite potential embarrassing moments.
Quinn, the owner CEO of 74 Weld, is a passionate off-roader who started his journey by buying a Jeep and getting it fixed at Off-Road Warehouse. He shared his love for off-roading, favorite brands like Jeep and BFG tires, and his advice for new off-roaders to just get out there and do it. Quinn also shared his embarrassing moment of flopping his buggy on its side at Trail Hero in front of a large crowd. Currently, 74 Weld is working on portals for various vehicles including Toyota, Ford Bronco, and Jeep models. Quinn emphasized the importance of learning through experience and enjoying the journey of off-roading.
Toyota market: Toyota's market is large with a dedicated enthusiast community, offering potential business opportunities. Portal axles present unique challenges, but advancements in technology make a bolt-on solution viable.
Toyota's market is significant and should not be overlooked, even if one may not personally identify with it. The speaker acknowledges the presence of a large Toyota enthusiast community and the potential business opportunities it presents. Another key point discussed was the development of portal axles, which present unique challenges due to their size and compatibility with OEM brake packages and wheel dimensions. Despite these challenges, the speaker is confident that the timing is right for a bolt-on portal axle product due to advancements in drivetrain technology and the overall improvement of vehicle components. In essence, the market is ready for a bolt-on portal axle solution that doesn't compromise on certain aspects.
Portals: Portals are a type of gearbox that provide approximately 3.8 inches of lift, allowing for larger tires without a suspension lift, improving ground clearance and maintaining ride quality.
Portals are a type of gearbox that provide lift at the wheel, allowing for larger tires to be used without the need for a suspension lift. This results in improved ground clearance and better ride quality, as the factory suspension remains intact. Portals work by transferring power from a gear to two other gears, with the gear reduction coming from having a smaller top gear and a larger bottom gear. The idlers in the portal do not affect the gear ratio, but they are essential for transferring power. The lift provided by portals is approximately 3.8 inches, which is equivalent to adding almost an eight inch larger tire in terms of ground clearance. While portals can be used on both solid axle and independent suspension vehicles, those on independent suspension result in a CV lift rather than a traditional lift. Overall, portals offer a cost-effective and efficient solution for those looking to run larger tires without compromising ride quality or suspension performance.
Off-road portal suspension: Portal suspension systems for off-road vehicles offer increased ground clearance, improved wheel geometry, extended CV boot life, and simplified maintenance with unit bearings, enabling wheel speed sensor integration and handling high speeds.
Portal suspension systems offer significant benefits for off-road vehicles, including increased ground clearance, improved wheel geometry, and extended CV boot life. These advantages come from the ability to independently adjust the height of the lower arm, allowing for a range of lift options. A key innovation in the design of these portals is the integration of unit bearings, which simplifies maintenance and enables wheel speed sensor integration. The portals are capable of handling high speeds, with the limiting factor being the bearings rather than the gear set. Daily use is possible with these portals, as demonstrated by an engineer who commutes long distances with one. Overall, the use of portal suspension systems can enhance the performance and durability of off-road vehicles.
Gear vs tire noise: In off-road vehicles, gear noise from straight cut gears is insignificant compared to tire noise, especially at high speeds. Tire noise is the primary concern and cannot be drowned out.
The gear noise from straight cut gears in off-road vehicles is insignificant compared to tire noise, especially at high speeds. This was a concern during development, but the team ultimately decided to use straight cut gears and, if necessary, switch to helical gears to address any noise issues. The tire noise is much more prominent and cannot be drowned out. The team also uses lightweight oil and recommends full synthetic oil for their portals, which don't generate significant heat. The cost of the portal kit is $25,000, with the only optional addition being a Willwood parking brake kit for an additional $1,200. The team is planning to expand their offerings to include Toyota platforms and UTVs, following a similar approach of scaling down technology from high-performance race vehicles.
Automotive parts manufacturing: 74 Well focuses on creating high-performance components for both racing and mass-market vehicles, prioritizing durability and compatibility across various platforms like Toyota and Ford, and aims to expand offerings based on customer demand.
The automotive parts manufacturer, 74 Well, focuses on creating high-performance components for both racing and mass-market vehicles. They prioritize durability and compatibility across various platforms, such as Toyota's Tacoma, 4Runner, and FJ Cruiser. The manufacturer's commitment to Ford's Bronco and Raptor projects is also noteworthy due to their market potential and Ford's dedication to their success. Additionally, they aim to expand their offerings to include more Toyota parts and explore new markets based on customer demand. The company's goal is to provide top-tier components for various vehicles, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Jeep parts expansion: Koi and team plan to complete first production run of new aftermarket Jeep parts by end of year, available through Dixie 4x4, Adventure Offroad, Rebel Offroad, and Jeep dealerships in Colorado, New York, and Florida, targeting high-end build shops and public
Koi and his team are bringing their new aftermarket Jeep parts to market and expanding their dealer network. They plan to have their first production run completed by the end of the year and will be available through various dealers such as Dixie 4x4, Adventure Offroad, Rebel Offroad, and Jeep dealerships in Colorado, New York, and Florida. They aim to supply these parts to shops that specialize in high-end builds and push them out to the public through these channels. You can find more information about their products and updates on their website and social media platforms. Koi also mentioned that they are a part of the Firearms Radio Network and encouraged listeners to check out their sponsors, including Warren, Medical Gear Outfitters, and Kobe Valve. They welcome listener questions and comments and can be found on iTunes, Spotify, and Facebook under the name Horsepower Hour. Remember to tread lightly, be safe, and courteous when off-roading.