How to Plan Your 4x4 Build - Dirt Every Day Extra

On this episode of Dirt Every Day Extra, Fred Williams touches on a variety of points to consider when planning your first 4x4 build, depending on the type of terrain you want to explore.
We’ve provided this free episode on KZbin to give you a taste of Dirt Every Day Extra so you can decide if you'd like to subscribe for more episodes.
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[@fueledupcanyon]

my first truck was a 99' blazer that was in my family since the year it rolled off the assembly line & i must say these s10's will always have a special place in my heart. after countless hours on upgrades here & there and an engine rebuild later, i still have the truck in storage & i still use it once in a while. i thought about selling it a few times but after growing up with it all these years i think it's safe to say i'll be holding onto it forever.

[@dillonkoch72]

It's literally 3 hoses oh no lol

[@wyattearp3848]

Don’t sell it

[@austinrich6464]

Check out outfitterdesign.com and there one ton idler bracket set up. Should have came that way. I love my jimmy. Fits in, in ever state still, almost 20 years later. Plus pick and pulls in ever state seem to have um so in a pinch wile traveling u can almost always get what u need.they have a special place in my heart too

[@nedaCFilms]

I have a ‘99 S-10 Blazer and just love that thing! It’s my time machine back to 1999 lol.

[@mjlsx376]

Most modern “4-wheeling” consists of pavement driving with light bars, tow mirrors, bumpers, and lift kits.

[@danthebig__z4852]

SS you forgot big ass rims with no front driveshaft

[@jamesflores9456]

lol thats a kid at my school solid font axle no drive shaft but it can have a train horn

[@thenewnormal8853]

And a 14'in exhaust Tip

[@elsydeon666]

Usually in either full-size diesel pickups with huge flags or JKs (usually 4-door models)

[@geo6111]

You forgot mud tires roaring on pavement.lol

[@crezychameau]

I actually prefer these videos to the regular episodes. No drama, exageration, staging... Just calm, sound information and advices. I get that the episodes have to be entertaining, and that this isn't to a lot of people, but I enjoy this a lot more.

[@EvanMoon]

Fred speaks truth, I guess my school bus on 48 inch tires with the jet engine is not the best idea. I need to go buy a samurai (his sword would be good in the woods)

[@MrMrsregor]

build not modify, because if you do enough custom modifying, you end up with a vehicle that has almost no stock parts (in my jeep the frame, body, and seats are about the only jeep parts left). that is when you can say "build"... if you just add bigger tires and light bar, then you should be saying "modify"

[@stephendee7839]

You're half way there. Give it a second motor and that will fix everythung

[@terranceboyer633]

i have a 2003 S10 ZR2. mine is red. it is a manual. mine also has a cap. it also pulls my pop up camper. I'm stoked you guys made a video with this truck in it. most people look past these ZR2s. do some videos with this truck please..please...please. I'd like to see what kind of direction he plans on going with this truck. thanks Fred.

[@nedaCFilms]

I might be doing some videos on my ZR2 project in the future. Btw, these ZR2 models are just cool friggin trucks lol 😎

[@kyledavenport3201]

Fred - post Irma left a lot of torn up FS Roads, trails, and parks in Ga, Fl, and the east coast. How about a video telling people how to get involved with trail clean up?

[@ghomerhust]

"how to use your offroad truck to clean up obstacles"

[@Malficion]

I want an LT4 swapped Suzuki Samurai... 😂 Edit: 4:25 😲 He knows the legend.

[@luisalvarado3527]

2002 s10....Classic 😎

[@rcuevas76]

Luis Alvarado shitty engine 4.3 and 2.2

[@brandon18054]

4.3 Vortecs will run forever. The rest of the truck will fall apart before the engine dies.

[@rcuevas76]

brandon18054 im sorry i known like 2-3 people and my pops. i had a bud bought it new 2001 blazer back in the day replaced the twice after 100000 plus. my dad rip :( had a lil 2000s10 2.2 shitty engine also rebuilt and replaced engine still ended up broke

[@rcuevas76]

brandon18054 im not a ford fan but i think in those years the ford 4.0 v6 was a lil better but not the best

[@grandprismatic]

That is a ZR2 S10 which has the factory G80 rear locker, factory lift, skid plates, Bilstein shocks, manual T-case lever and also came with that same tire new. The 4.3L is a good motor if you have taken care of it. Same motor in the Cyclone's and Typhoons minus the Garrett turbo

[@WoogieKamikaze]

I got a 99 f150 lariet flareside 5.4 with a 5 inch lift kit, 35s on 17s. Upgraded disk brakes all around, spot lights behind the grill, swapped rear gear and pinion to 4.56, decent engine upgrades with a tuner. Not the best set up, however it is mine and I love it, also for where I live, all we have is miles of mud to get to town. Its a great truck.

[@workingcountry1776]

My 07 Ranger 4.0 4x4 stock with 235-75-15 tires and open differentials has gotten me anywhere I've needed to go. I love how maneuverable it is and how my truck fits on some Jeep and ATV trails. A rear locker and slightly taller tires would be nice though. And yeah, a cheap winch for occasional bad choices

[@BLKSTONE4WD]

1993' Nissan D21 Hardbody 4x4 here, very tough machines with plenty of potential. Aftermarket is there but not saturated, only thing is finding one.. especially with no rust. Otherwise these things are unstoppable.

[@xXMrAwesome560Xx]

i built a 2000 ford f-150 for my first 4x4 and all i really did was torque the stock keys to make it level and i threw some nitto terra grapplers under it and it works really nice in the mud

[@captainchaos7706]

Ive got a zr2 like that one, and I love it. It is surprisingly good off road because its so light

[@xxlukehart99xx]

Captain Chaos I've got a zr2 as well good offroad but light it is not

[@xxlukehart99xx]

It weighs damn near the same as a silverado

[@iangratton1459]

>See's S10 🎵HEY BROTHER🎵

[@chandlerhayes4840]

DOES HE HAVE PANTS ON?!? like why is he hiding behind the truck

[@DirtyDude]

Hell yeah.....I'm working on first 4x4 build a 2004 chevy s10 blazer it's been fun so far

[@coreycaswell6006]

thank you for your time and insight.

[@BainBoyd]

I got a cheap ZJ that I've lifted and done some stuff to, I want to strongly second the notion of an XJ as a first 4x4. The rear leaf Springs would save a lot of time in making nice suspension geometry, and the u-joint style axle shafts are a big plus.

[@ramairgto72]

XJ / ZJ / WJ are all great first 4x4 . Without the Wrangler price-tag.

[@OldGriz708]

My last XJ came to me without any running gear what so ever. I found a set of D44s out of a scout and a wagoneer. I bought an old Chevy 292 at the local wrecking yard that only had 34,000 miles on it. I put new seals, gaskets, and freeze plugs in it, ran perfect. I took a sm465/205 out of a truck I flipped a few years before. Added lockers and a used set of mud tires on it. I drove it a couple of years than sold it to a 16 year old kid who's daddy bought him anything he wanted. I had maybe $1500 in it and sold it for $5,150.

[@dmwil1]

Some great advice in this video!

[@yusheng4637]

I always consider three things essential: aggressive tire (not only for traction, but also hard to puncture on the trail), winch (have a way to get you out), and skid plates. Light bars, steel bumpers, lifts, yes they are good to have and may make your rig look bad ass, but they are not the key to keep you in and out of a trail.

[@269adventures]

Fred you got my head spinning lol 😂

[@mikesteward2283]

I had a 89 F150 4×4 it had BF Goodrich AT. And it did very good in mud.

[@skieltsch]

just got an 08f150 and cant wait to start upgrades!

[@BeefaloBart]

First things need to be Reliability and Cooling. Won't matter how good the tire or axle if you break down or overheat.

[@michaelc5019]

I drive a 2000 CRV. Going to do an OME 2in lift on some 215 75 15 General Grabbers and redo all my steering and suspension bushings. Snow and ice here in Indiana has it bad moments, and I simply don’t want to get stuck because of bad weather anywhere

[@dalton9493]

Michael C I did the same to my 97 I welded together a winch mount that I could attach to my trailor hitch. Great little car to go hunting in.

[@crazyncman21]

Michael C I have a lifted crv too

[@dalton9493]

I wish I could put a v6 in mine I'm to stupid to figure out how to do it.

[@TBGaels32]

I wonder if a good lift kit, tires and a winch on something like this would be a good platform like this? I’ve got several S-10 blazers that I want to do some overlanding in.

[@wheelitzr2]

Nice! I started with a ZR2!

[@sonnylueders8296]

Great vid

[@TRX450RVlogger]

god damn love the ZR2 S-10's

[@ryantwomey3463]

they are great love my red one

[@kidsythe]

Gotta 2000 f250 short WB. 33×9 on 16s. Kumho trail ventures. Just the rv package springs. Lockers front and rear. 12500 lbs winch. I just unbolt the sway bars when off roading. Does alright. I mean, ill sink in the mud, but every where else.

[@Khorsathedark]

Good episode sir! Good place for the n00bs.

[@wa7shf]

You Da Man Fred

[@BluePatch-pc7sx]

Very nice, thanks

[@ratodoesgato]

I live in the U.K. (and therefore naturally know jack shit about trucks) but I saw a lifted Chevy Silverado (perhaps 05ish at a guess I couldn't really see), cruise past me other other day and I thought it looked the fucking business.

[@MisterTwister88]

ratodoesgato You live in the land of the Land Rover, never mind Chevy 😃

[@timothymarland1151]

That means you have the fancy accent

[@ratodoesgato]

Timothy Marland it's true that I wear a top hat every day..

[@user-se6oh6dc7q]

I have a 2003. Zr2 chevy s-10 and I love it it is yellow

[@crazyncman21]

I have a lifted crv it's the most fun car to take offroad where I live. Everything is custom. Almost no aftermarket support

[@dominickirkwood]

I love it

[@TinManKustoms]

Yes I agree with the winch BUT invest in a front receiver hitch this way you can move your winch to either end of your truck

[@jorgejefferson8251]

thats not just an s-10 , but a Zr2 s-10. yes they made Zr2's before this year. it was chevy's off road vehicle, and they were very off road capable right off the showroom floor in s-10 pickup variant and also in the blazer configuration.

[@smalltown6424]

I started with a 78 Chevy Luv, went to 85 toy, and now have an 88 Samurai.

[@nsh040909]

Small Town Is the samurai better for rock crawling than 85 Toyota?

[@The_CrackGoblin]

Tell your camera man he has incredible taste in trucks Also that color is super rare for the zr2 line

[@MikeBrownOhio]

Hey Fred, Have you ever thought about building a 03 to 12 Chevrolet Trailblazer for mild off roading??? If so what would you do or recommend???

[@richardmiller1256]

Wish I had seen this a year ago when I bought my 99 Isuzu rodeo. Great truck stock, but no aftermarket support.

[@pico3tinez]

What type of lift would be good for my gmc sonoma

[@chefdan87]

Its not that bfg all terrain tires are bad in the mud, its that they are completely useless in the mud.... Lol

[@EliKazmaier]

cool little truck

[@joem1755]

Finding parts for a Colorado is a pain, but good thing I know a guy that can weld...

[@atom31b]

The real challenge. I am building a 2006 Chevy trailblazer. Will probably be full of stuff that is sacrilege to you guys, strut spacers and wheel spacers. It's the truck I got though.

[@Snowman3g]

I have a 97 bravada AWD and live in Minnesota the tires I got right now are stock 235-275-15. How much bigger of a tire can I get without messing with the cv axels? I heard as Long as your cv axels aren’t strained or are at least straight it ok to increase the size of the tire.

[@justinfahnestock5067]

Good advice

[@xNevlosx]

What 6-8 inch lift kit should I put on my 2003 Ram 2500 Hemi? I just want something that will ride smoother.

[@jacobmathews460]

How do I make my 2002 s10 4x4 LS get better gas mileage?

[@ctrl-alt-awesome5189]

Yep, those autovaz russian Lada niva things are really nice and there are infinite parts for them out of the us

[@wyatthutchison9692]

Just bought a cj5 v6 as my first car with a winch running for 2600 what do y'all think I should do first to it I'm thinking a 3 inch lift

[@greym6436]

Miss my old S-10....I still rock my 05 z71 4wd...👍

[@22mangles]

For water crossings which we have plenty of in OZ ,would you opt for extended diff breathers, I have had bits of water in diff and Gbox (Toyota prado 99)what damage is water doing in there ?

[@waltersteffens6154]

Love the ZR2 best little truck GM ever made

[@noahbloom6205]

Too bad the flares are a pain in the neck to find cause they don't make them anymore

[@johnnoel600]

I've got a 2005 LJ Rubicon. Want to run 35's and will off-road it in Winrock. What lift kit do you recommend?

[@hemichandler2415]

Like my go to mods are under body protection bull bar snorkel rear bar and rock sliders and a whinch

[@x-man5056]

Anyone know where to get new rubber seals for ZR/2 wheel well flairs? Tried Steel Rubber....Nope.

[@angusmcgreggor5524]

I really just want to see a 2wd to a 4wd conversion on a jeep cherokee/comanche

[@p3pp3rcoat70]

"Buy a vehicle with alot of aftermarket support" as hes standing in front of one of the only gm trucks with little to no aftermaket support in the key areas ever produced. I own a zr2 and as much as i love the thing to death i do wish i got a fullsize instead just for that support.

[@dillonkoch72]

Schecter333 what can't you find for your Z ?

[@austinrich6464]

If u like the ifs look up outfitterdesign.com dana 30 locker front diff. custom bolt on independent front suspension set up, and there one ton idler bracket set up. Oh and hd front drive shaft.

[@williamrshirley]

Had a GMC Jimmy, first upgrade would be front end, I had no end of problems, the stock hubs are a joke it ate several of them with stock tires and street usage.

[@T_rev208]

Fred straight axle my Nissan 720 extra cab pickup and I also want a cage and harness right now I put lower gears in out of a 620 and I have a welded front diff, I know dangerous for ifs suspension and I just have done little things like a light bar and most of the maintenance you know and I bedlinered the whole truck and put a cb radio , I want to put Toyota straight axle and I heard it's easy to go leaf suspension all the way around and use the Toyota steering components with a Toyota ifs steering box but Idk and I don't really weld so yeah I need advice

[@kjecrew]

He should long travel that S10. C4 Fabworks makes a kit for 4x4's, I have one on my truck its awesome.

[@bobtherocker4598]

I guess that there's a lot of people who watch DED that don't know this shit already but I've been doing all this since I was 15. Come on Frederick! get to work building something I'm ready for the advanced class, not intro to off roading

[@tristinreilly9604]

I love how it says *EXCLUSIVELY ON MOTOR TREND ON DEMAND* in the start picture it, it should say *EXCLUSIVELY ON MOTOR TREND ON DEMAND except for KZbin a month later*

[@AGeerhead]

My 85 for bronco II has old full sized axles on it so we don't need a lift kit ;)

[@NorCalExplorer-JS]

I had a 1989 Bronco 2 and it would go any where. Sold it for an Xterra because of my feet were bad and needed a automatic, but it will not go half the places I took the old bronco in.

[@TravisQuiller]

I'm not sure that's how that works

[@scrimmy6969]

The ZR2 does not need a lift kit. My ZR2 has 32" BF mud terrains. I have over 11 inches of ground clearance at the front skid plate. My buddies F350 on 40's only had around 8 or 9 inches. That truck is more than capable as it is with better tires. I can go thru mud holes or even mud puddles that will get a truck on 44's stuck.

[@DraconX3]

scrimmy6969 Damn right. ZR2 life baby 😎

[@crashandburnbirner]

scrimmy6969 Yeah ok...

[@colinsmith7875]

scrimmy6969 Iv had my zr2 for two years now and I love that little truck only been able to get her stuck twice both times was in mud up to the bottom of the doors

[@scrimmy6969]

Always going to be some fucking idiot who comments. And you are the winner!!

[@BBBILLY86]

ZR2 owner for 9 years. Had mud tires on it from day one. The little truck that could!!!!

[@ACA332]

Hey that's my truck! S10 lift kits suck, most options either kill your CV joints or your ball joints. Solid front axle is the way to go. OR just rock the stock 31's. Just my opinion.

[@brandonhayward9270]

ACA332 I rock the stock zr2 rims on 31's on my LS s10 with 2.5" level kit, all my bushing and joints now hate me, turning rubs, I had to resort to the addition of wheel spacers (1.5") and a angle grinder to fit some of the zr2 fender flairs and I still cant turn full lock, but above all it has been CHEAP and affordable to meet my off road needs great budget truck and first timers like myself to get working on a truck for first time

[@ACA332]

They're definitely affordable and plentiful. But like you said adding height or even going up 1 inch in tire size is asking a lot of the stock suspension geometry. I'm 100% stock, with a brand new set of Duratrac 31's. Even adding mud flaps was touch-and-go and they still rub at full lock with a new set of tires!

[@thug_573]

thats one sexy ass truck, always loved the S-10, too bad theres like none on-sale where i live id buy one ASAP

[@DirtyDude]

Thug _ oh yeah there totally worth the hunt

[@-._._._-_._._.-]

Tacoma all the way

[@thug_573]

we've got a toyota hilux (2014) that my father inherited from one of his relatives its an absolute beast and the S-10 when you compare the looks it kinda got a similar type of a pattern

[@thug_573]

But there has been photos released about an apparently a 2017 S-10 design but im not sure if its just a hoax, looks legit but could be just a fool

[@DirtyDude]

I think the Calarado replaced the s10

[@dillonbrist3588]

93 Chevy 1500 2wd any recommendations for a lift

[@joshuaburgess3701]

Is it just me or did it look a little too much like Fred was wearing a yellow bow on his head. At first I thought it was like the rock hair from cheap truck challenge type of deal

[@inqufox1750]

I've been looking for an off road bumper/winch bumper for my 1984 S15 jimmy sense i got it, is there anyone that can help me find one or know of one?

[@Nopalitos_12]

I live in a city curbs, potholes, and people are the only things to go over

[@954ethan3]

i can’t wait till i’m 16 and i can buy a 90s z71 chevy

[@nateb8507]

I have an 06 Chevy Colorado and I can't find squat for off road accessories for it. Even a brush guard/bullbar would have to be completely custom. It's a shame, it's a very capable little truck.

[@HNRichard]

Apparently here in Asia, these Blazers (S10 5-door wagon) sold as Opel and Chevrolet. They're quite crappy, with their gutless and uneconomic 2.2 and rare 4.3 V6 that only a few people really bought them. Even the Jeep Cherokee XJ aged well than the Blazer. But the Blazer is a great car for projects, because it's getting cheaper and cheaper by the year. The cherokee however, gets more expensive.

[@CapnFlappyJaw42]

But.... what if I want to turn a non-offroading, non 4x4 vehicle, into an offroad 4x4 vehicle??

[@bestmillimeter1858]

UAZ Operator's Union, where are you

[@anneliesedeakin3434]

Would it be possible if you did a Vauxhall Frontera B? Many thanks

[@rossthomas774]

I actually like this s10 its pretty decent looking tbh

[@davect01]

Had this very model in this very color. Loved it, but it had serious issues. Drive shaft freezing up was the last straw

[@thenewnormal8853]

Dave Taylor The front diff on these truck are very weak it's a common problem that's why most people do a SAS

[@Cbwilson95]

Dave Taylor not as much the diff but the cv axles and angles from ( what you shouldn't do) cranking the keys, the hubs/ wheel bearing and tie rods

[@TheDolli310]

Well supported by the aftermarket eh? Guess buying a KL Trailhawk was a mistake then.

[@brokeguysgarage7249]

Those bfg ats actually aren't bad in mud.

[@Johnda88]

Im being gifted a base 2000 S10 extended cab with thats V6 4x4 with 230K miles. How do I take this truck and turn it into a great offroad hunting truck?

[@terracethornhill]

"All of those vehicles that have a huge aftermarket support, you will find a lot of parts for." -Fred Williams, 2017

[@leoh1674]

so I have a 2001 ram 1500 5.2L v8. It's rear wheel drive, what can I do to improve it's offroad abilities without spending a lot or doing a 4x4 conversion?

[@eamonmurtaugh2907]

Just buy a 4x4, it will save a ton of time and hassles, 2x2 trucks are known to get stuck in wet grass.

[@Low97ss]

That S10 though

[@ninjathecatto6851]

My first, and current truck is a '95 Eddie Bauer Bronco. Anyone know of some cheap, but decent quality, upgrades I can toss on my big boy?

[@danagadoiii9032]

Wait, how tall are you Fred?!

[@meowmemeow23]

What kind of camper shell is that?

[@bendavis9524]

Looks like a zr2 based on the fender flares and 31's

[@DylanHasCheezburger]

2000 zr2 blazer boys

[@Cozy_coupe]

Anyone recommend a good pre runner style bumper for an s10

[@GusgusA1]

Can you link me to the f250 build please?

[@dylanzrim1011]

Nissan patrol y60 Saudi spec, with an rb30det.

[@ProductionsProduce]

Dylan Zrim dude point me in a direction to buy a new grille for the y60. Can't seem to find anything

[@dylanzrim1011]

Charles Smith what sorta grille you thinking? I'd almost consider finding someone who'd do one custom. I'm considering going full mesh as I'm going to drop a turbo in it and I might go front mount for an intercooler.

[@ProductionsProduce]

Dylan Zrim just the stock grille using the round headlights is what I was going for. Couldn't find anything

[@dylanzrim1011]

Charles Smith in Australia they're a GQ try using GQ patrol as a search. Safari in South Africa. If you happen to be from south Australia, I'd be happy to sell you mine once I fabricate a new one

[@ProductionsProduce]

+Dylan Zrim unfortunately I'm from America. I wonder though how much shipping would be for that

[@Hooks94.2]

Wish I could get everything I want for the 4wd I hope to get.

[@michealmcneal4732]

U don't see a lot of videos about S-10 every video you see on KZbin it's all about Ford's Dodge and jeeps you never see a lot about S-10 and the video that you do see on S-10 so it's mostly all about exhaust pipes

[@king21w48]

hey... I have a full size 1 ton dually... but I also don't take it on trails...