2024 Recap & HUGE 2025 Plans!

Hey everyone, Josh here! It’s been a wild ride, and I wanted to share some of the highlights from 2024 and give you a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2025.

2024: A Year of Builds, Trips, and Revivals

2024 was jam-packed! I spent a ton of time fabricating the Big Chief, even building a roll cage with some affordable tools. Safety was a priority, so I got some new welding gear and a respirator. We also had some fun with the Hangover Run, where my Highlander got to flex its muscles, even though the Big Chief had a small hiccup. I even hosted a wheeling party on my property, despite the weather.

One of the coolest things we did was revive some cheap or even free vehicles we found on Facebook Marketplace, and I got to work with my dad on a tractor’s hydraulics. I did end up selling my WK Grand Cherokee, but that made way for an awesome 5,300-mile road trip to Anchorage with the family! I also started tearing down my Jeep for the m715-style build, and we managed a double motor swap in a single weekend. SEMA was incredible, and I’m grateful for the YouTube connections that made it possible.

Tips for Getting More Done

I learned a few things this year about staying productive:

1. Get it on the Calendar: Schedule everything!
2. Be Prepared (but not too prepared): Do your research, but don’t get bogged down in details.
3. Clean Up and Organize: A tidy workspace is a happy workspace.

2025: Hold on to Your Hats!

2025 is shaping up to be even bigger! Here’s a glimpse:

• Arizona Wheeling Trip: I’m kicking things off with a trip to Arizona to wheel in a friend’s Rubicon.
• Big Chief Drivetrain: I’m aiming to finish the Big Chief’s cage and move on to the drivetrain by April, getting it ready for the Rubicon Trail.
• Mystery Car Challenge & King of the Hammers: My dad’s getting $1,500 to buy a non-running car in Arizona, and we’re going to try to get it running, drive it to King of the Hammers, and then rally it 1,200 miles home.
• Grandpa’s Truck Engine Swap: Alex is swapping the engine and transmission in his grandpa’s truck.
• Bronco Suspension: Alex is also tackling the front-end suspension on his Bronco.
• Rubicon Trail Trip: The big one! I’m taking my family and friends to the Rubicon Trail.
• Moab 40th Birthday Trip: I’m planning a trip to Moab for my 40th in 2026.
• Baja or SEMA: Fall is still up in the air, but Baja or SEMA are possibilities.
• Derby Car Build: Alex might build another derby car.
• Rally Race: We’re hoping to organize another rally race on my property.

Fantasy Builds

We even had some fun brainstorming fantasy builds. I’m dreaming of a 1978-81 El Camino Super Sport, and Alex is picturing a Toyota Celica GT autocross “sleeper”.

Let me know what you want to see more of in the comments, and if you’re in the Pacific Northwest, tell us about any events we should check out! Also, check out our new merch.