Xtreme 4x4 (1)
Xtreme 4x4
1Xtreme 4x4 is a half hour series airing on Spike TV that began in January 2005 as part of Spike's weekend Powerblock line up. The show uses a how-to format, where the hosts build or modify vehicles in order to turn them into off-road-oriented rigs. They also periodically show various forms of off-road racing from across the United States. These include such events as rock crawling, desert racing, sand drags, mud racing, and trail riding adventures. The hosts, Ian Johnson and Jessi Combs, were selected as part of a publicized, nationwide search for hosts where viewers were encouraged to send in their videos and resumes to Spike TV executives. Both hosts have appeared on other automotive shows including Discovery Channel's Monster Garage and TLC's Overhaulin'.
Seasons & Episode
Our "tube chassis in a box" needs some axles! Using only basic hand tools and a welder, we'll fabricate a wicked front axle from two bargain junkyard housings. Plus: we visit Hudlow Axle, to get some handmade shafts for our custom creation.
Our F-150 update rolls on, with a supercharged 5.4L bringing the boom! We'll update the electronics to handle our V-8 and reuse some key components to save money. Plus: high-stakes racing at the East Coast King of the Hammers Qualifier!
After the engine in our diesel rig pulled almost 1,000 HP on the dyno, we realized we had too much truck for the trail! So we're turning it into a hardcore mud buggy! And, we'll help a viewer upgrade his driveline in our first "Driveway Rescue"!
We're rebuilding our Toyota Tacoma from the ground up, making it a 100% self-contained expedition vehicle. The foundation: a comprehensive suspension upgrade, including a solid front axle, heavy duty leaf springs, and all-terrain tires.
Our budget-friendly, ready-made rock crawler project continues, with a 5.3L salvage yard engine and link suspension. Plus: start-to-finish coverage from the SETTC, one of the most demanding hill climb events around!
We outfit our Toyota for adventure, with solar battery panels, a rooftop tent, serious body protection -all the items that make an expedition vehicle, an expedition vehicle! Plus: a trip to Moab, for the Easter Jeep Safari.
It's down to the details on our "buggy in a box" build! 42" tires, air struts, and full hydraulic steering bring our crawler closer to the trail. Plus: what's the perfect wedding gift for a wheelin' husband? Find out, on this week's Driveway Rescue.
We ready our rig's drivetrain for hardcore wheeling, including an upgraded Turbo 400 transmission, and an NP205 transfer case with enhanced low-range capability for steep hills. Plus: a look at the latest in powdercoating technology!
Our expedition-ready Tacoma receives an air compressor, heated shower, and more...but what can this rig handle on the trail? With the IFS replaced by a solid axle, and all the amenities you could want, our Tacoma is ready for the long haul!
Final assembly of our buggy-in-a-box begins with gears and lockers, high-steer knuckles, and all the essential off-road accessories. Plus: we drop by a viewer's house to help out on his project, on this week's Driveway Rescue.
With a plethora of aftermarket upgrades available, the Jeep JK has tons of hardcore off-road potential! We upgrade ours with capable body protection, a set of heavy duty axle assemblies, and flow-through Magnaflow exhaust!
Now that our JK's got the parts to perform, we'll give it rugged good looks: a sleek, gunmetal finish, suspension seats, stainless steel roof rack, and a hard-hitting sound system. Then we'll see if our ride is ready for the coming zombie apocalypse!
You've got questions - we've got answers! Today we scour through our viewer emails and give you info to keep your project on track. Including: fuel cell security, selecting the right tire for your axle, wiring a fan, and more!
If you plan to conquer steep hills, you need the right rig! Today on Xtreme 4x4, our Two-Car Garage Crawler gets twin-stick shifters, dual braking, and more! Plus: complete recovery gear for one viewer on this week's "Driveway Rescue".
The paint is worn, and there's a thin layer of surface rust on the body. It was totaled in a wreck. But there's a HEMI inside our salvage yard 2007 Jeep Wrangler, and that's what we need to create an over-the-top trail rig!
You want the excitement of short course racing, but don't have the money for a race team? There may be a short course RC car in your future! We've got the upgrades to get the most bang for your buck. Plus: Full-scale Dirt Riot action in Moab!
Our pre-fab buggy is almost complete! Today on Xtreme 4x4, we'll wire up our rig, with an emphasis on easy operation and field repair. Then we'll take it to the tall rocks at Mayhem Off Road Park to see how it handles extreme obstacles!
Ridiculously tall gear shifters...just a couple of gauges...and miles of power and style! Hot rods are cool, and we're building an off-road version, using a junkyard JK. This week we'll drop the body back onto the frame and tackle the interior and the roll cage.
This year on Xtreme 4x4, we've taken the show on the road, heading to your house to help on your projects in our Driveway Rescue van. Today we'll help a viewer install a power steering upgrade on his FJ40. Plus: updates on our earlier Driveway Rescues.
When one of our viewers took us for a ride in his wobbly, lifted Jeep TJ, we told him we'd take a look at it. What he doesn't know is we're rebuilding it from the ground up, with trail-tested suspension, a powerful straight-six 4.0L and more!
A nationwide team of auto techs drop by the Xtreme 4x4 shop to transform a viewer's beat-up TJ into a fully-loaded dual-purpose rig! The build continues with stainless exhaust, a custom rollcage, and high-tech axle assemblies.
We told a viewer that we'd take a look at the shaky suspension on his lifted TJ. But we called in a nationwide team of 16 auto techs from 9 shops to rebuild his ride! Today: hydraulic-assist steering, revamped electronics, and selectable lockers.
Ian and a crew of seasoned auto techs wrap up a major rebuild of one lucky viewer's Jeep TJ. We'll take him to the trail and sit him behind the wheel, for his first serious off-road adventure!
Xtreme 4x4 is a half hour series airing on Spike TV that began in January 2005 as part of Spike's weekend Powerblock line up. The show uses a how-to format, where the hosts build or modify vehicles in order to turn them into off-road-oriented rigs. They also periodically show various forms of off-road racing from across the United States. These include such events as rock crawling, desert racing, sand drags, mud racing, and trail riding adventures. The hosts, Ian Johnson and Jessi Combs, were selected as part of a publicized, nationwide search for hosts where viewers were encouraged to send in their videos and resumes to Spike TV executives. Both hosts have appeared on other automotive shows including Discovery Channel's Monster Garage and TLC's Overhaulin'.