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'.
Hemi-Sphere
Jan 1, 2005
Premier episode: Ian and Jessi take a 2004 Dodge ¾ ton Hemi Ram and turn it into a monster of a street machine by installing a 13” air bag kit. Plus: off road racing action with the CORR Series race from Crandon, Wisconsin.
Hemi-Sphere Part 2
Part two of Project HemiSphere: Ian and Jessi take the Dodge out for a test run, then return it to the shop for a major brake upgrade, fender flairs, new air filter/box kit, and some automatic side steps that round out the project. Plus UROC rock crawling competition from Jellico, TN.
Fab Ford
Exclusive to Xtreme 4x4, Fabtech’s new 8” lift kit is installed on a ’05 Ford Super Duty, including a big wheel and tire swap – and a hardcore payoff in the field. Plus men conquer pea gravel at one of the toughest hill climbs anywhere! – Gravelrama from Cleves, Ohio.
Project A.J.
The ultimate catalog jeep begins as “Project AJ,” an alloy jeep build using the ultimate in aftermarket parts. Plus Tough Truck racing from the 4-Wheel Jamboree in Indianapolis, IN.
Ranger Resurrection
Project Ranger Resurrection kicks off. This 5 show project will transform a junk short box into a killer desert racer. Plus, coverage of the Mud Bash from Smoke Run, PA.
Ranger Resurrection Part 2
Ranger Resurrection part two – Ian and Jessi fab up a cool desert racer – all from a wrecked Ford Ranger. Plus desert racing from The Hammers in Johnson Valley, CA.
Budget Jeep
Ian and Jessi turn an ’83 CJ into an affordable crawler on a budget. Plus a profile on Bob Chandler – the granddaddy of the Monster Truck – and founder of Big Foot.
Budget Jeep Part 2
On this episode of Xtreme 4x4, Project AJ is back as the team does custom fab on their Ultimate Alloy Jeep. Plus, heading to New Mexico for a rock crawler's paradise.
Banks Cummins
Want serious power out of your diesel? Check out Ian and Jessi’s install of a Banks turbo kit on a 2005 Dodge Ram. SCORE race in Laughlin, Nevada featuring the Banks Power Truggy and driver Wayne Lugo.
Banks Cummins Part 2
Part two of our “Money in the Banks” Cummins diesel power upgrade. Ian and Jessi take this truck out to experience the massive power gain in this truck. Plus – the Borg Warner Shootout from Crandon, Wisconsin.
Banks Sidewinder Payoff
Boost and suspension come together when Ian and Jessi build and test a Baja-proven off-road race truck!
Project A.J. Part 3
Part III of Project AJ – Ian and Jessi’s ultimate aluminum Jeep build. In this episode, our Xtreme team tackle the drive train – including the top end build of a 383 small block Chevy, with a performance fuel injection. They will marry it to a TCI 700R4 Transmission – and the rock solid Atlas II transfer case. The duo hope to fire this monster up and hear it roar by shows’ end.
Budget Jeep Continues
With half their $5000 budget spent, Ian and Jessi have some more cash to throw into their budget CJ. In this episode: brake lines, shocks steering are addressed, as well as tube bending on a budget. We’ll also look at some rock crawling drive train innovation with a cool crawler in the shop which utilizes a Saturn engine and a transmission mounted longitudinally in the frame! No transfer case!
Poison Spyder Buggy
How’s this for pressure. Ian and Jessi have two weeks to start and finish a competition rock crawler from scratch!... well sort of! Part one of their Poison Spyder project crawler includes the delivery of a complete LS1 engine, and custom pre-fabricated chassis. Also, transmission, transfer case, and the rebuilding of some graveyard diffs, plus suspension, links, shocks and driveshafts will all be installed in this episode!
Poison Spyder Buggy Part 2
Very little sleep has been had by our dynamic duo over the past week – as Project Poison Spyder nears completion! In this episode – wheels and tires, brakes, wiring, steering, interior, body – all happen in this half hour! And at this episode’s conclusion? Ian and Jessi will fire it up and begin the break-in. No time for a real field test – that will come later.
Project A.J. Part 4
Project A.J. gets put back together - suspension, steering, wiring - this show is all about the details.
Ranger Resurrection Part 4
Project Ranger Resurrection looks nothing like it did when Jessi unearthed it from the bone-yard! It's time to wrap the roll cage and design the suspension.
Project A.J. Part 5
From boxes of parts to the ultimate trail rig, Ian and Jessi are in the final stages of Project A.J.
Poison Spyder Buggy Part 3
Jessi and Ian are wired up as they hop back on Project Poison Spyder Buggy.
Project A.J. Payoff
Time for the ultimate payoff of the Budget Jeep and Alloy Jeep.
SubUrban Gorilla
Project SubUrban Gorilla begins as Ian and Jessi have finished building their buggies and need a tow rig to get them on and off the trail.
SubUrban Gorilla Part 2
Plans for the SubUrban Gorilla’s twin turbos are drawn and mocked into place.
