Xtreme 4x4
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'.
Cast: Ian Johnson
22 episodes
- 1. Hemi-SpherePremier 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.CC30minJan 1, 2005
- 2. Hemi-Sphere Part 2Part 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.CC30minJan 8, 2005
- 3. Fab FordExclusive 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.CC30minJan 15, 2005
- 4. 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.CC30minJan 22, 2005
- 5. Ranger ResurrectionProject 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.CC30minJan 29, 2005
- 6. Ranger Resurrection Part 2Ranger 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.CC30minFeb 5, 2005
- 7. Budget JeepIan 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.CC30minFeb 12, 2005
- 8. Budget Jeep Part 2On 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.CC30minFeb 19, 2005
- 9. Banks CumminsWant 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.CC30minFeb 26, 2005
- 10. Banks Cummins Part 2Part 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.CC30minMar 5, 2005
- 11. Banks Sidewinder PayoffBoost and suspension come together when Ian and Jessi build and test a Baja-proven off-road race truck!CC30minMar 12, 2005
- 12. Project A.J. Part 3Part 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.CC30minJun 4, 2005
- 13. Budget Jeep ContinuesWith 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!CC30minJun 11, 2005
- 14. Poison Spyder BuggyHow’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!CC30minJun 18, 2005
- 15. Poison Spyder Buggy Part 2Very 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.CC30minJun 25, 2005
- 16. Project A.J. Part 4Project A.J. gets put back together - suspension, steering, wiring - this show is all about the details.CC30minJul 2, 2005
- 17. Ranger Resurrection Part 4Project 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.CC30minJul 9, 2005
- 18. Project A.J. Part 5From boxes of parts to the ultimate trail rig, Ian and Jessi are in the final stages of Project A.J.CC30minJul 16, 2005
- 19. Poison Spyder Buggy Part 3Jessi and Ian are wired up as they hop back on Project Poison Spyder Buggy.CC30minJul 23, 2005
- 20. Project A.J. PayoffTime for the ultimate payoff of the Budget Jeep and Alloy Jeep.CC30minJul 30, 2005
- 21. SubUrban GorillaProject 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.CC30minAug 6, 2005
- 22. SubUrban Gorilla Part 2Plans for the SubUrban Gorilla’s twin turbos are drawn and mocked into place.CC30minAug 13, 2005
Viewers also watched
Xtreme 4x4
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'.
Creators and cast
- Cast
- Ian Johnson
