More Jeepster Commando Episodes

XOR - Xtreme Off-Road Builds

Parts Used In This Episode

Currie Enterprises
Complete Axle Assemblies, RockJock 60 VXR 1-Ton Housings(Front w/Brackets, 3 1/2in Tubes, Ball Joint Style Forged 1 Ton inner Cs) 35-Spline, Yukon Grizzly Lockers, 5.38:1 Gears
Dupli-Color
Paint, General Purpose, Enamel, Flat, Black, 12 oz., Aerosol, Each
Dupli-Color
Paint, General Purpose, Enamel, Gloss, White, 12 oz., Aerosol, Each
Dupli-Color
Paint, Primer Surfacer, Flat, Red Oxide, 12 oz., Aerosol, Each
Raceline Wheels
RT231 Monster Beadlock Wheels, 17x9.5
Summit Racing
Steering Column, Tilt, Floor Shift, Steel, Natural, 2 in. Diameter, 30.0 in. Length, Each
Summit Racing
Steering Wheel, Vintage, Billet Aluminum, Black Grip, Chrome Spokes, 9-Bolt Mount, Each
Summit Racing
Summit Racing Seat and Seat Bracket Pro Pack, Combo, Scat Rally 1000 Seats, Black, Vinyl, Brackets, Sliders, Kit
Yukon Gear & Axle
Grizzly Locker, Dana 60, 35 Spline, 4.56 Up Ratio, Each
Advance Adapters
Atlas 2 Speed Transfer Case
Auto Meter
Gauge Kit, Analog, Old Tyme Black, Speedometer, Water Temperature, Fuel Level, Voltmeter, Oil Pressure, Kit
Automotive Workwear
Official shop shirts of PowerNation
BDS Suspension
4-1/2" Glide-Ride Leaf Springs Jeep Wrangler YJ 2" Glide-Ride Leaf Springs Jeep Wrangler YJ Fox 2.0 Series Shocks
Design Engineering, Inc. (DEI)
Heat Protection, Acoustic Insulation, Boom Mat, 12 1/2 in. x 24 in., Self-Adhesive, Set of 20
ESAB
The Official Welding and Cutting Supplier of Xtreme Off Road, featuring the all-new Rebel 215 Multi-Process Welder
Hotwire Auto
Custom ECU Flash, and Engine Wiring Harness
Maxxis International
Sponsor
PowerTrain Products
Re-engineered, Remanufactured, Chrysler, Jeep, 4.0L, Engine
RockAuto.com
Alternator, Starter, Water Pump, Thermostat, Coolant Hoses
Sawblade.com
7", Low RPM, Metal Cutting Circular Saw with Miter, cutting up to 2" pipe. This saw includes a QSaw, 48T 7" Carbide blade for cutting Stainless Steel. Powered on 110AC and weighing less than 10 lbs
Single Source
Single Source Inc was founded in 1995 to establish a new standard in customer service within the collision refinishing industry.
The Industrial Depot
Tools, shop supplies, fasteners

Episode Transcript

(NARRATOR)>> SOMETIMES YOU'VE JUST GOT TO HIT THE ROAD. OVER THE NEXT FOUR DAYS WE'LL SEE THE KENTUCKY COUNTRYSIDE, FROM BLUE GRASS HILLS TO STEEP MOUNTAINS. DITCHING THE INTERSTATE AND TAKING THE BACK ROADS. WE'LL LEARN ALL ABOUT BOURBON VISITING TWO OF KENTUCKY'S MOST ESTEEMED WHISKEY MAKERS, AND OF COURSE WE'LL SPEND PLENTY OF TIME AT THREE OF KENTUCKY'S FINEST OFF ROAD PARKS, DIRTY TURTLE, WILD CAT, AND BLACK MOUNTAIN. WELCOME TO THE XTREME OFF ROAD ADVENTURE, BOURBON AND BOULDERS.

(IAN)>> WE ARE READY FOR ANOTHER XTREME OFF ROAD ADVENTURE. WE ARE OUT OF THE SHOP AND I AM AGAIN WITH TOM FROM ROCK AUTO DOT COM IN THE ROCK AUTO DOT COM GIVEAWAY '68 JEEPSTER. NOW THIS YEAR WE WENT ONE STATE NORTH UP TO KENTUCKY FOR A LITTLE BIT OF FOUR WHEELING AND SOME SIGHT SEEING.

(NARRATOR)>> OUR FIRST STOP IS DIRTY TURTLE OFF ROAD PARK, A LONG TIME KENTUCKY FAVORITE. IT'S LOCATION BETWEEN LOUISVILLE AND CINCINNATI DRAWS THOUSANDS OF WHEELERS EACH YEAR.

(SCOTTIE)>> WE ARE 286 ACRES OF PRIME OFF ROADING. WE HAVE ANYTHING FROM EASY, TO MODERATE, TO EXTREME. WE HAVE 37 MILES OF TRAILS THAT WE KNOW OF, THAT WE MARK AND MAINTAIN. SO BRING THE KIDS, BRING THE FAMILY, THE MORE THE MERRIER.

(NARRATOR)>> A HALF MILE INTO THE WOODS WE SPOTTED A STEEP HILLSIDE THAT LOOKED LIKE A LOT OF FUN. RIGHT OFF THE BAT IAN LOST HIS ALTERNATOR.

(TOM)>> EXTRA ALTERNATOR FELL OUT, DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT.

(IAN)>> SOMEONE CLOSE MY TAILGATE FOR ME PLEASE. THERE WE GO. THIS TIME WE'LL TAKE THE EASY WAY.

(TOM)>> THIS JEEP STARTED OUT AS A TWO WHEEL DRIVE JEEP, AND NOW IT'S FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. I THINK THIS IS THE MOST FUN IT'S HAD IN ITS HISTORY SINCE 1968.

(ROB)>> YOU ALMOST GET TEARED UP DON'T YOU?

(TOM)>> I DO, I DO. 50 YEARS AND YOU'RE FINALLY ON THE TRAIL HAVING FUN.

(NARRATOR)>> THE REST OF THE DAY WE TOOK IT EASY, SOAKING IN THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF FOREST AROUND US. THE TRAILS WERE HARD PACKED DIRTY AND SMOOTH SAILING. A LONG, STEEP STRAIGHTAWAY GAVE THE RAZOR A CHANCE TO OPEN IT UP! WHILE MOST OF US OPTED FOR LOW END TORQUE. WHEN WE GOT BACK TO THE PARK ENTRANCE KYLE BURNETT DECIDED TO TAKE SOME LAPS AND CATCH SOME AIR.

LUCAS MURPHY IS NO STRANGER TO THIS ONE MILE SHORT COURSE. HE RACED HERE JUST TWO DAYS AGO.

(LUCAS)>> IT'S A SUPER FORGIVING SHORT COURSE. WE RACE ON IT, AND YOU CAN GET OUT THERE ON YOUR RAZOR, OR YOUR JEEP, OR YOUR BUGGY AND GO OUT THERE AND SEND IT OFF A COUPLE OF THE TABLE TOP JUMPS AND HAVE A GREAT TIME.

(NARRATOR)>> WHEN LUCAS ISN'T RACING HE LOVES WHEELING WITH HIS FAMILY, AND HE ISN'T AFRAID TO HIT THE TRAILS IN HIS DAILY DRIVER, A 2015 WRANGLER UNLIMITED WITH OPEN DIFFERENTIALS. NO MATTER WHAT HE'S DRIVING YOU'LL ALWAYS FIND AN OPTIMA UNDER THE HOOD.

(LUCAS)>> IT'S PROBLEM FREE. I MEAN WE CAN RELY ON IT. IT MAKES GOOD POWER. IT CAN HANDLE THE VIBRATION AND DELIVER THE POWER WE NEED TO RUN ALL OF OUR ACCESSORIES, AND IT'S SOMETHING WE DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ON OUR RACE DAY. WE HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT EVERYTHING ELSE, BUT BATTERY IS NOT ONE OF THE THINGS WE'RE WORRIED ABOUT.

(BRIAN)>> DIRTY TURTLE OFF ROAD WAS A PRETTY NEAT PLACE. THE AREA WAS JUST WIDE OPEN, AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU'RE SURROUNDED BY TREES AND A MOUNTAIN VALLEY, AND IT WAS REALLY IMPRESSIVE.

(JUSTIN)>> THIS WAS ACTUALLY MY FIRST TIME COMING TO DIRTY TURTLE OFF ROAD PARK. SO YOU KNOW, JUST THE EXPERIENCE OF GETTING A LITTLE BIT OF ROAD DRIVE AS WELL AS A NICE DAY AT THE PARK WAS KIND OF RIGHT UP JKS' ALLEY AS FAR STREET DRIVABLE BUT THEN ABLE TO WHEEL. OH YEAH, OH YEAH, THIS IS A REALLY GOOD PARK. IT'S ON MY LIST TO COME BACK TO.

(NARRATOR)>> JUST A SHORT DRIVE 50 MILES SOUTHWEST TO LOUISVILLE, AND WE'RE READY TO EXPERIENCE A UNIQUE KIND OF METAL CRAFTING.

(SALLY)>> YOU ARE IN THE WILSON ARTWORKS STUDIO SHOP. IT IS THIS AREA RIGHT HERE, AND THAT'S REALLY ALL WE NEED.

(NARRATOR)>> IN 1978 SALLY WILSON AND HER HUSBAND THOMAS INTRODUCED THE WILSON CUP. A HAND MADE FUNCTIONAL PIECE OF ART PERFECT FOR A MINT JULIP. AFTER THOMAS PASSED AWAY IN 2009 SALLY DISCOVERED REBECCA NAIDU, A LOUISVILLE NATIVE WHO IS EXCITED TO CARRY ON THE COPPER CRAFTING TRADITION. FROM A DULL PIECE OF PIPE, THE WILSON CUP TAKES SHAPE. FIRST THE EDGES ARE GROUND SMOOTH ON A BELT SANDER. THEN WITH A HAND FILE. NEXT THE PIPE IS HEATED WHILE BEING TURNED.

(IAN)>> REBECCA WHAT ARE YOU DOING RIGHT NOW?

(REBECCA)>> I'M ANNEALING IT AND GETTING IT FIRE HOT.

(IAN)>> WHY?

(REBECCA)>> CAUSE THEN WE'RE GONNA HYDRO FORM AND SHAPE IT.

(NARRATOR)>> THE CUP RECEIVES A CURVED FLANGE UP TO THE RIM, THE CHARACTERISTIC SHAPE OF THE WILSON CUP. AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF SANDING THE COPPER REVEALS ITS GLOW. THE BOTTOM IS SOLDERED INTO PLACE AND THE CUP IS BUFFED. IT CAN BE FINISHED OFF WITH ORNAMENTATION OR ENGRAVING IF DESIRED.

(KRIS)>> EVERY STEP OF THE WAY ITS' LIKE AN EVOLUTION, AND THE FACT THAT THEY'RE DOING IT BY HAND WAS IMPRESSIVE TO SAY THE LEAST. IMPRESSIVE ENOUGH THAT I EVEN PURCHASED THE CUP THAT WE MADE ON TV. I JUST THOUGHT IT WAS A PIECE OF ART AND IT'LL LOOK GREAT ON MY BAR.

(NARRATOR)>> COMING UP, BEAUTIFUL SCENERY AND TOUGH TRAILS AT WILDCAT ADVENTURE'S OFF ROAD PARK. PLUS THE REBIRTH OF AN OLD KENTUCKY FAVORITE.

(NARRATOR)>> PAST BLUEGRASS HILLS AND COUNTRY ESTATES WE CROSS INTO HOLLOWED GROUND FOR BOURBON MAKING. WOODFORD DISTILLERY OPENED IN 1996, BUT BOURBON HAS BEEN MADE ON THIS SITE SINCE 1812, LONGER THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN KENTUCKY. COMPARED TO MANY DISTILLERS WOODFORD IS RELATIVELY SMALL. THEY USE ONLY FIVE CYPRUS WOOD FERMENTERS BUT EACH BATCH OF WHISKEY IS FERMENTED FOR FIVE TO SEVEN DAYS.

(ELIZABETH)>> THAT'S LONGER TO DEVELOP THE GREAT FLAVOR THAT WE HAVE THAN YOUR INDUSTRY STANDARD OF THREE DAYS, BUT IN THAT TIME SPACE WE'RE ACTUALLY MAKING SURE THAT WE'RE REALLY HAVE A GOOD CONVERSION OF OUR SUGARS INTO ALCOHOL.

(NARRATOR)>> PERHAPS THE MOST ICONIC FEATURE OF THE DISTILLERY IS ITS THREE COPPER STILLS, HAND CRAFTED IN SCOTLAND. WOODFORD IS THE ONLY AMERICAN WHISKEY MAKER TO TRIPLE DISTILL ITS SPIRITS.

(CHRIS)>> THIS IS RUNNING THESE STILLS INDIVIDUALLY ONE AT A TIME. THEY'RE NOT CONNECTED TO EACH OTHER. IT'S A PURE BATCH PROCESS TO MAKE A VERY COMPLEX, RICH WHISKEY STYLE.

(NARRATOR)>> WITH THE WHISKEY IN CHARRED OAK BARRELS IT TRAVELS DOWN A GRAVITY FED BARREL RUN TO BE AGED FOR AT LEAST SEVEN YEARS IN A HEAT CYCLED RACK HOUSE. ONCE THE BOURBON IS BOTTLED IT'S READY TO BE SHIPPED AROUND THE WORLD.

(KRIS)>> IT WAS JUST SO COOL SEEING BASICALLY GO FROM A GRAIN TO A GLASS BOTTLE.

(NARRATOR)>> WILDCAT ADVENTURES OFF ROAD PARK IS A NEWLY DEVELOPED TRAIL SYSTEM LOCATED IN THE HILLS OF SOUTHEASTERN KENTUCKY. WE HAD HEARD GOOD THINGS ABOUT IT AND WHAT WE EXPERIENCED WAS EVEN MORE IMPRESSIVE THAN WE IMAGINED. THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE THE TRAILS, TIGHT, TRICKY, AND GORGEOUS. ABOUT 20 MINUTES IN WE HIT A TRULY BREATH TAKING SECTION. UNDER A TALL FOREST CANOPY SURROUNDED BY RUNNING WATER AND ROCK WALLS THE ENVIRONMENT FELT MORE LIKE A SOUTH AMERICAN JUNGLE THAN THE HILLS OF KENTUCKY.

(TOM)>> COMING DOWN THROUGH THOSE ROCK FORMATIONS AND THE WATER COMING DOWN, THAT SECTION THEY CALL "JURASSIC PARK" AND IT REALLY DID LOOK LIKE THAT. BIG LEAVED PLANTS, AND THAT WAS A HOOT.

(BRIAN)>> IMMEDIATELY YOU'RE JUST FORCED INTO TERRAIN AND A CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT TO PUT YOUR JEEP INTO. A BIT HAIR RAISING BUT CERTAINLY A LOT OF FUN.

(LUCAS)>> MAN THEY CERTAINLY HAVE IT GOING ON. THE TRAILS ARE REALLY, REALLY UNIQUE. I MEAN THE TRAIL WE WERE ON TODAY IS LIKE BEING IN A JUNGLE. IT'S AWESOME, AND I THINK THEY SAID THEY HAVE 1,600 ACRES THAT HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN CUT OF THE 2,000 THAT THEY HAVE AVAILABLE.

(KRIS)>> WE GOT UNDER SOME OF THESE LEDGES WHERE THERE'S WATER COMING OUT, AND IT DID FEEL JUST LIKE A RAIN FOREST AT TIMES. SUPER DENSE VEGETATION, LOTS OF GOOD ROCKS, MUD.

(ERIC)>> THE ONLY TIME I'VE EVER BEEN TO WILDCAT OFF ROAD PARK IS WITH MY RAZOR BUDDIES. SO TO BE DOWN THERE IN A JEEP AND GET A TAKE AND DO A TRAIL THAT WILL HANDLE A JEEP WAS JUST ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.

(NARRATOR)>> THOSE OF US IN JEEPS ENVIED KYLE BURNETT IN HIS COMPACT, WELL EQUIPPED RAZOR. THE UTV MARKET HAS BEEN GROWING STEADILY FOR YEARS AND OFF ROAD PARKS HAVE TAKEN NOTICE. UTV FRIENDLY TRAILS ARE POPPING UP ALL OVER KENTUCKY. KYLE APPRECIATES IT.

(KYLE)>> SPENT A LOT OF TIME WITH THE JEEPS OVER THIS PAST WEEK AND YOU KNOW, I'VE BEEN ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH THESE GUYS, BUT TO ACTUALLY HAVE A UTV FOCUS ON THE TRAILS, IT KIND OF DIVERSIFIES THE TRAIN. YOU'VE GOT ROCKS, YOU'VE GOT ALL THE THINGS BIG JEEPS CAN RUN BUT YOU CAN ALSO TAKE THE UTV'S IN THERE AND STILL KEEP UP WITH THEM.

(NARRATOR)>> AND WHILE SIDE BY SIDE WHEELS DISCOVER MORE AND MORE PLACES TO RIDE, RT PRO IS MAKING UTV COMPONENTS TOUGHER AND BETTER PERFORMING.

(KYLE)>> WE FOCUS ON QUALITY PARTS, DURABLE PARTS THAT CAN WITHSTAND SERIOUS BEATING. I MEAN I'VE NOTICED EVEN HERE THE HIGH CLEARANCE ARMS I WOULDN'T BE GETTING PAST SOME OF THESE BOULDERS WITHOUT THE HIGH CLEARANCE, AND I'M NOT WORRIED TO HIT A ROCK BECAUSE I MEAN, WE USE 41-30 TUBING. I'LL CLIMB UP THIS NO PROBLEM AND KNOW I CAN DRIVE OUT OF HERE WITHOUT ANY ISSUES.

(NARRATOR)>> THE TRAILS WERE TIGHT INDEED, BUT THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE WAS YET TO COME. A STEEP, TREACHEROUS SECTION THAT LEAD TO WILDCAT DOME. WE WERE TOLD A MAGNIFICENT VIEW WAITED AT THE TOP, AND WE WERE DETERMINED TO GET THERE, WHETHER BY HEATING UP THE TIRES, BY KEEPING MOMENTUM AND GETTING A GOOD BOUNCE...

...OR FOR SEVERAL OF US BY WINCHING. SOMETIMES THINGS GOT A LITTLE BIT TIPPY.

[ engine revving ]

(NARRATOR)>> IT WAS HANDS DOWN THE TOUGHEST OBSTACLE WE HAD TACKLED SO FAR. A DEEP RUT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE MADE IT HARD TO GET MUCH WEIGHT ON THE FRONT TIRE, BUT AN HOUR LATER WE HAD ALL MADE IT TO THE TOP. THE EFFORT WAS WORTH IT. WE COULD SEE FOR MILES, INCLUDING WOOD CREEK LAKE JUST SOUTH OF THE PARK. AFTER PUSHING OUR RIGS PRETTY HARD, A LESS DEMANDING TRAIL WAS IN ORDER. WE SPENT THE EVENING EXPLORING A PIECE OF KENTUCKY HISTORY, AN ABANDONED TRAIN LINE, COMPLETE WITH A TUNNEL BUILT IN 1882. AFTER A HOT SUMMER DAY, THE COOL, DAMP TUNNEL FELT GREAT. WILDCAT ADVENTURES MAY BE ONE OF KENTUCKY'S NEWEST PARKS BUT IT'S GROWING ALL THE TIME. IT'S DEFINITELY WORTH CHECKING OUT. UP NEXT, MEET THE CREW BEHIND A NEW DISTILLERY HONORING OLD TRADITIONS. PLUS IF YOU WANT BOULDERS, BLACK MOUNTAIN'S GOT THEM.

(NARRATOR)>> ON THE SOUTHERN EDGE OF FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY, STANDS A PLACE THAT HOLDS DEEP MEMORIES FROM A TIME LONG PAST. A PLACE THAT OVER THE COURSE OF FOUR DECADES HAD FALLEN INTO DECAY.

(MARIANNE)>> EVERY BUILDING NEEDED A NEW ROOF.

(WILL)>> IT HAD BEEN SHUT DOWN SINCE 1972.

(MARIANNE)>> THE CASTLE HAD TWO HUGE HOLES.

(WILL)>> IT'S PRETTY AMAZING WHAT HAPPENS WITH NATURE WHEN NOBODY DOES ANYTHING WITH PROPERTY FOR 30, 40 YEARS.

(NARRATOR)>> STARTING IN 1887, COLONEL EH TAYLOR MADE BOURBON HERE. THE BUILDINGS OF THE OLD TAYLOR DISTILLERY HELD STRONG SYMBOLIC MEANING. THE CASTLE WHERE DISTILLING TOOK PLACE WAS A FORTRESS OF TRUST AND PROTECTION AGAINST THE FORCES OF PROHIBITION. THE KEY SHAPED POOL NEAR BY WAS LITERALLY THE KEY TO BOURBON. IT HELD LIMESTONE FILTERED SPRING WATER ESSENTIAL TO BOURBON MAKING. OLD TAYLOR DISTILLERY THRIVED FOR 30 YEARS, BUT WITH PROHIBITION ON THE HORIZON IT WAS FORCED TO CLOSE ITS DOORS. IN 1935 BUSINESS RESUMED UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP. HOWEVER, WHEN BOURBON SALES SLUMPED BEGINNING IN THE '50'S IT WAS TOO MUCH TO HANDLE. ALTHOUGH BOURBON WOULD CONTINUE TO AGE IN THE WAREHOUSE, OLD TAYLOR CEASED PRODUCTION ONCE MORE, THIS TIME APPARENTLY FOR GOOD, BUT THREE YEARS AGO THE DISTILLERY SAW NEW LIFE WHEN STEPS WERE MADE TO REOPEN UNDER THE NAME CASTLE AND KEY.

(WILL)>> I'VE BEEN PRACTICING LAW FOR A LONG TIME, AND DECIDED I WANTED TO DO SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT. SO I STARTED LOOKING FOR A DISTILLERY FOR SALE. FINALLY GOT UP THE COURAGE TO COME DOWN AND HAVE A LOOK. CALLED THE REALTOR, AND CAME DOWN, AND HERE WE ARE.

(NARRATOR)>> MARIANNE BARNS WAS ASKED TO JOIN THE TEAM, BECOMING KENTUCKY'S FIRST FEMALE MASTER DISTILLER. THE POSITION ALLOWS HER TO USE HER CHEMICAL ENGINEERING DEGREE IN WAYS SHE'D NEVER IMAGINED.

(MARIANNE)>> IT REALLY TAKES A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF FLAVOR DEVELOPMENT, AND HAVING A PASSION FOR LEARNING. YOU CAN READ EVERY BOOK IN THE WORLD, BUT UNTIL YOU GET INTO THE PLANT AND GET YOUR HANDS ON THE PRODUCT IT'S REALLY HARD TO TRULY UNDERSTAND THE ART OF MAKING BOURBON. EVERYTHING STARTS WITH THE GRAIN, WATER, AND WOOD. THERE ARE OTHER PROCESSES AND OTHER INGREDIENTS BUT THOSE ARE THE THREE BASIC COMPONENTS TO BOURBON.

(NARRATOR)>> ONE OF THE MOST IMPRESSIVE SITES AT CASTLE AND KEY IS RICK HOUSE "B". 548 FEET LONG, IT CAN HOLD 32,000 BARRELS. INSIDE YOU'LL FIND FRANKFORT NATIVE GARY TATE. "SHORTY" TO EVERYONE HERE. SHORTY NOT ONLY MANAGES THIS WAREHOUSE, HE IS A THIRD GENERATION WORKER ON THESE GROUND.

(SHORTY)>> MY GRANDFATHER STARTED IN 1951 AND MY FATHER STARTED IN 1978, AND MY MOTHER IN '82.

(NARRATOR)>> THERE ARE 18,000 BARRELS IN THE WAREHOUSE. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM CAREFULLY PUT IN PLACE BY SHORTY. THIS BUILDING IS PART OF SHORTY'S PAST AND HIS FUTURE.

(SHORTY)>> WELL IT'S JUST A FAMILY, IT'S LIKE A FAMILY HEIRLOOM TO ME. I'D DO ANYTHING IT TAKES TO MAKE IT WORK. THAT'S MY GOAL. I'VE POURED EVERYTHING I'VE GOT INTO IT AND I WON'T STOP.

(MARIANNE)>> WE'VE FELT A RESPONSIBILITY TO THE DISTILLERY, AND TO THE HISTORY THAT WAS MADE HERE TO BRING IT BACK TO LIFE.

(WILL)>> THE PRIMARY FOCUS AND GOAL FOR US IS TO MAKE A REALLY, REALLY GOOD BOURBON. IN ADDITION TO THE BOURBON MAKING THIS A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN COME AND ENJOY. THAT WAS IN THE SPIRIT OF COLONEL TAYLOR. WHEN YOU LOOK AT IT AND YOU SEE WHAT ALL WENT INTO IT AND HOW GRANDIOSE IT ACTUALLY IS, AND WHAT A GROUND ZERO FOR THE HISTORY OF BOURBON IN KENTUCKY THIS PLACE WAS, YOU JUST GET THE FEELING THAT THERE ARE A WHOLE LOT OF SPIRITS RUNNING AROUND HERE HELPING US IF YOU WILL TO BRING THIS PLACE BACK AND BRING IT BACK TO ITS GLORY.

(NARRATOR)>> UP NEXT, CAN OUR COMMANDO CONQUER BLACK MOUNTAIN? WE'LL FIND OUT.

(NARRATOR)>> WHEN WE PICKED UP THIS '68 COMMANDO IT WAS A TWO WHEEL DRIVE MODEL WITH A MAZDA VSIX, BUT IT DIDN'T MATTER. ALMOST EVERYTHING IN THIS WAGON WAS HEADING TO THE SALVAGE YARD. OUR NEW DRIVETRAIN IS BASED ON AN UPDATED FOUR LITER STRAIGHT SIX. 40 INCH MAXXIS MT'S ARE SITTING ON THE ALUMINUM BEAD LOCKS. THEN WE ADDED A SET OF LEAF SPRINGS FROM BDS SUSPENSION ALONG WITH FOX TWO POINT ZERO SHOCKS. NEXT AN OPTIMA YELLOW TOP BATTERY, AND A HEAVY DUTY BRAKE KIT FROM POWERSTOP. SINCE THE JEEPSTER'S GETTING PLENTY OF PUNISHMENT OUT ON THE TRAIL, WE USE LOCTITE THREAD LOCKER TO KEEP OUR BOLTS IN PLACE, AND TO FINISH IT UP A FAUXTINA PAINT JOB MAKES THIS 50 YEAR OLD LOOK 50 YEARS OLD. SO HOW DOES THE COMMANDO PERFORM? IN A WORD, INCREDIBLE. THE UPDATED FOUR LITER GIVES US DEPENDABLE POWER ALL DAY LONG. PLUS A COMPLETE SET OF ENGINE ACCESSORIES FROM ROCK AUTO DOT COM MAKES SURE WE DON'T GET STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.

(TOM)>> ROCK AUTO SELLS PARTS, MOSTLY FOR DAILY DRIVERS. WE ALSO SELL PARTS FOR HOT RODS, AND CLASSICS, AND THIS JEEP IS A GREAT MIXTURE OF ALL THAT. THE PARTS FROM ROCK AUTO START IN THE BACK WITH THE FUEL PUMP AND GO ALL THE WAY UP TO THE FRONT WITH THE RADIATOR. THE SAME PARTS YOU HAVE ON YOUR DAILY DRIVER.

(NARRATOR)>> THE OPTIMA BATTERY IS PERFECT FOR A TRAIL RIG. WITH ITS ABSORBED GLASS MAT DESIGN, THE YELLOW TOP CAN BE MOUNTED ON ITS SIDE. THIS GIVES MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY WHEN LAYING OUT THE ENGINE BAY. THE OPTIMA PRODUCES PLENTY OF POWER, AND RESISTS SHOCK AND VIBRATION. THE POWERSTOP Z-36 EXTREME TRUCK AND TOW KIT IS A GREAT MATCH FOR THE JEEP. THE CARBON FIBER CERAMIC BRAKE PADS GIVE US IMPROVED STOPPING POWER, AND THEY'RE IDEAL FOR RIGS WITH LARGER WHEELS AND TIRES. THE DRILLED AND SLOTTED ROTORS STAY COOL AND CLEAN FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE. THE KIT MAKES BRAKE INSTALLATION QUICK AND EASY.

(KRIS)>> WE SPECIALIZE IN THE ONE CLICK BRAKE KIT. THAT MEANS YOU GET EVERYTHING IN ONE BOX. YOU GET PADS, ROTORS, HARDWARE, LUBE, AND BREAK IN INSTRUCTIONS.

(NARRATOR)>> THE 40 INCH MAXXIS RAZOR MT'S ARE A PERFECT CHOICE FOR DUAL PURPOSE USE. ON THE ASPHALT THEY OFFER A SMOOTH RIDE, MUCH QUITTER THAN YOU'D EXPECT FROM A MUD TERRAIN TIRE. ONCE ON THE TRAIL WE'VE GOT PLENTY OF TRACTION.

(BRIAN)>> IF YOU HAVE A JEEP IN YOUR GARAGE AND YOU DECIDE ONE DAY I'M JUST GONNA TAKE A RIGHT TURN OFF THE ROAD AND GO WHEEL, AND EXPLORE, YOU CAN DO THAT WITH THAT TIRE, AND ONCE YOU GET THERE IT'S GONNA GET YOU OUT TOO.

(NARRATOR)>> WE ALWAYS WANTED THE COMMANDO TO KEEP THAT CLASSIC VINTAGE IRON STYLE. SO A SET OF LEAF SPRINGS JUST MAKES SENSE. THE BDS LEAVES ARE SMOOTH STABLE ON THE ROAD BUT GIVE US TONS OF FLEX WHEN WE'RE IN THE DIRTY. PLUS A SET OF FOX TWO POINT ZERO SHOCKS HELPS DAMPEN THE SUSPENSION.

(JUSTIN)>> OH I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. YOU GET A CLASSIC JEEP. I'M A JEEP ENTHUSIAST WAY BEFORE I STARTED WORKING FOR JKS. SO THE OLD LINES OF COMMANDO, AND THEN A SPRUNG OVER WITH A YJ TYPE SETUP AND 40 INCH TIRES, YOU CAN'T BEAT IT. I MEAN THAT IS A FANTASTIC JEEP. I'D LOVE TO OWN THAT ONE FOR SURE.

(NARRATOR)>> OUR FINAL STOP IS JUST OUTSIDE HARLAN, KENTUCKY, NEAR THE VIRGINIA BORDER. BLACK MOUNTAIN OFF ROAD ADVENTURE AREA HOLDS 150 MILES OF TRAILS ACROSS 7,000 ACRES. THE LAND WAS FORMERLY USED FOR COAL MINING BUT WAS SITTING IDLE UNTIL 2004 WHEN IT OPENED AS A PARK FOR ALL KINDS OF FOUR BY FOURS.

(KEN)>> WE LIKE TO SAY THAT WE HAVE TO HAVE DIFFERENT TRAILS. ATV'S AND THINGS LIKE THAT LIKE TO MAKE LONGER TRIPS. SO YOU HAVE TO HAVE THOSE AND TRUCKS DON'T CARE IF THEY GO HALF A MILE AS LONG AS IT'S REAL HARD TO DO AND THEY BREAK SOMETHING WHILE THEY'RE HERE, MAKES THEM HAPPY. WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY.

(NARRATOR)>> WHEN THE PARK RECEIVED THIS LAND FROM THE COUNTY THE ROCK GARDEN HAD ALREADY BEEN BUILT.

(KEN)>> WELL THIS WAS PUT IN BY THE COAL COMPANY CAUSE THEY ACTUALLY CHANGED THE CREEK. IT USED TO BE HERE AND THEY CHANGED IT TO THE OTHER SIDE SO THEY COULD DO SOME MINING OVER ON THIS SIDE.

(NARRATOR)>> AND TO CONTROL EROSION HUNDREDS OF BIG ROCKS WERE MOVED TO THE FORMER CREEK BED. WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING IT COAL MINERS CREATED ONE OF THE MOST ENJOYABLE TRAILS IN KENTUCKY.

(KEN)>> IT MAKES A WONDERFUL ROCK GARDEN. THERE'S PROBABLY MORE VIDEOS MADE IN THIS THAN ANYTHING HERE. WELL IF YOU COME TO BLACK MOUNTAIN BE PREPARED TO HAVE A GOOD TIME.

(JUSTIN)>> THERE'S NOTHING BETTER THAN BEING IN A JEEP WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN, AND NO RADIO ON, JUST ENJOYING THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF THE ROLLING COUNTRY, AND A GOOD GROUP OF PEOPLE TO GO WITH.

(KRIS)>> WE'RE ALL OUT THERE FOR THE SAME REASON, TO HAVE FUN, TO GET UP THE TRAIL, TO TEST OURSELVES, TO TEST OUR VEHICLES. YOU KNOW REALLY AWESOME COMPANIES, AWESOME PEOPLE TO WORK WITH, TRAIL RIDE WITH, AND YOU KNOW I'D TRAIL RIDE WITH THEM ANY DAY.

(BRIAN)>> WHEN YOU SPEND A WEEK WITH A BUNCH OF WHEELERS YOU KIND OF GET TO KNOW EVERYBODY REALLY WELL. BEING ABLE TO SHARE KNOWLEDGE, BEING ABLE TO SHARE EXPERIENCES, AND REALLY JUST GET OUT THERE IN NATURE AND ENJOY THE BROTHERHOOD, IT'S BEEN GREAT. IT'S BEEN REALLY GOOD.

(TOM)>> A MIXTURE OF SIGHT SEEING, TECHNOLOGY, SCIENCE, BEAUTIFUL SCENERY, FRIENDLY PEOPLE, COMRADERY AMONG THE OFF ROAD GROUP, AND BOURBON.
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