Average Joe 4X4

11/02/2026

UPDATE

🔧 Last Wednesday’s progress on the F-150 transmission swap!

My son and I got the front and rear driveshafts removed and the electrical connections disconnected from the transfer case. Next up: the six bolts holding the transfer case to the transmission, then getting it out of the way so we can keep moving toward pulling the failed transmission.

We’re tackling this in our own garage, without a lift, and filming along the way. An Average Joe father-and-son project—one step at a time.

The reman transmission is here waiting. Still some work between us and that first test drive!

🎥 We’re putting together videos covering the prep, removal, and installation—including the driveshafts and transfer case. Subscribe to Average Joe 4X4 on YouTube so you can follow along when they’re released:
https://www.youtube.com/

Who else has spent some quality father-and-son time under a truck? 😂

10/28/2026

“Garage F-150 Transmission Swap — No Lift!”

Well… the transmission in our 2005 F-150 4x4 called it quits. Time to get our hands dirty! 🔧

The truck is in the garage, up on blocks, and the reman transmission just arrived. My son and I will be tackling the replacement—and filming it for Average Joe 4X4 on YouTube.

No lift. Just an Average Joe, his son, and a transmission that needs replacing.

We’re putting together a few videos covering the prep, transmission removal, and installation. Since the driveshafts and transfer case have to come out too, we’ll cover removing and reinstalling those along the way.

If you’ve ever looked under your truck and wondered, “Could I do this in my own garage?”—this series is for you. You’ll see what it takes, where we get hung up, and how we work through it.

Will that first test drive put this Ford back in business? Follow along and find out. 🤞

“Follow the garage build. Coming soon to Average Joe 4X4 on YouTube.”
👉 Subscribe now so you’re ready when the videos drop:
https://www.youtube.com/

Have you changed a transmission in your garage? What part gave you the biggest fight? 👇

09/21/2026

So I ordered the Skyjacker ADX 2.0 shocks back in July 10th.

Waited a few weeks and no package so I called, they said waiting for them to be shipped, expected arrival date September 17th.

No worries, called today since still no sight of them, they checked status and now its October 2nd week sometime? And that's not guaranteed .

Note they did have *on backorder posted, but when I ordered them in July that was not the case...It will be roughly 120 days til I hopefully get them.

Anyone else haveing issues with Skyjacker and parts delivery???
I really like the shocks for the JKU, but do I cut bait and look for other shocks?

09/14/2026

With Pat Soffe – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

09/14/2026

Just published a new video from our recent trip to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

The Dragon Bravo Fire destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and many surrounding cabins in 2025. We returned to see what the area looks like today, visit the former lodge site, walk through the remaining cabin area and check out the North Rim Campground.

This isn’t our usual AJ4X4 off-road video—we made the trip in the Mustang—but we wanted to document what remains and show what visitors can currently expect.

In July 2025, the Dragon Bravo Fire changed the North Rim of the Gr...

08/04/2026

With Aqua Jeepgirl – I just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers 🎉

Thanks! I appreciate the support. Looking forward to seeing more of Aqua Jeepgirl adventures! 👊🇺🇸🚙

07/30/2026

A little overdue, but this story is too good not to share...

Back on **June 19th**, I stopped by the ** Off-Road Expo**. Believe it or not, I didn't even bring the camera out that day—I was just there to enjoy the show, check out the latest products, and meet some great people in the off-road community.

After about an hour and a half, my wife and I had seen just about everything and were literally walking out the exit. My hand was on the door when TREAD started announcing the raffle winners...

**$750...**
Not me.

**$500...**
Still not me.

**$250...**
Then I heard my name!

I couldn't believe it.

The prize was **$250 in TREAD Bucks** to spend with any vendor at the show.

After walking around a little longer, I stopped by ** 4 LED Supply** and started talking with the owner. We talked about lighting, my Jeeps, and what I had planned for my builds. I decided on their **Command Control Panel**, and that's where things got even better.

Not only did I get to use my $250 in TREAD Bucks, but he also gave me the **show discount** and a **military discount**. By the end of it all, a controller that normally sells for around **$320** only cost me **$24 out of pocket!**

That's the kind of experience you don't forget.

I really appreciate companies that take the time to talk with customers instead of just trying to make a sale. It was great meeting the folks at Code 4 LED Supply, and I want to sincerely thank them for treating me so well.

I'd also like to thank **TREAD Off-Road Expo** for putting on a fantastic event and giving attendees opportunities like this. It made for a pretty memorable day!

This controller is going into my **1995 YJ**, and you'll be seeing the installation and a real-world review in an upcoming AJ4X4 video, and show how they perform over time.

Thanks again to everyone involved.

07/30/2026

Anyone have any experience installing the Red Arc Tow Pro Elite?

After towing the Turtleback Trailer up to Brianhead, and driving it back down on a 10% grade, brakes got a little interesting .

07/18/2026

And so it begins!!! 8 piece Core4x4 control arm kit.👍👍👍

Waiting on my Skyjacker ADX 2.0 shocks to be shipped!

Been running with the stock control arms, for what 8 years! Don’t judge…

03/20/2026

Volunteering at the UPLA booth at Matt’s Off-road Games today.
Come out and say hi!!!