Jeep Trusses, Gussets and Armor Explained: Why You Need Them + Stellantis $2.7B Loss Breakdown

Join us in this explosive episode of the Jeep Talk Show as host Tony dives deep with guest Greg Nichol, the lead tech and installer at Platinum Drivetrain Works in Hutto, Texas. With over three decades of off-roading and wrenching experience, Greg shares expert insights on Jeep trusses, gussets, and armor – why you need them (or don't), installation tips, and how they impact your rig's performance and weight. We also break down the shocking news: Stellantis (Jeep's parent company) reported a massive $2.7 billion loss in the first half of 2025. From US tariffs hitting imports to declining North American sales, we discuss what this means for Jeep enthusiasts and the future of our favorite off-road vehicles. Plus, hot takes on EVs, tariffs, economy impacts, and why America-first manufacturing could change the game. Whether you're a newbie Jeep owner or a seasoned trail warrior, this episode covers essential mods like axle trusses for preventing bends, gussets for reinforcing weak points on Dana 30/44 axles, and body armor pros/cons (spoiler: Greg's not a fan of drilling into sheet metal!). We touch on JL/JT specifics, one-ton swaps, and even body mount slider warnings. Don't miss our roundtable shoutout – join us Tuesdays at 7:30 PM CT via Zoom for live Jeep chats, trail reports, and more! Head to jeeptalkshow.com/contact for Discord invites, roundtable links, and ways to connect with the community. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Explosion Hook 02:30 - Greg Nichol Introduction 05:00 - Jeep Roundtable Reminder 10:00 - Stellantis $2.7B Loss Breakdown 15:00 - US Tariffs & Sales Decline Impact 25:00 - EV Mandates & Politics Rant 35:00 - Trusses Explained: Why & When to Use 40:00 - Gussets for Axle Strength 45:00 - Armor Debate: Axle vs. Body 50:00 - Installation Tips & Warnings 55:00 - Q&A: Body Bolts & Sliders 1:00:00 - Closing & Call to Action If you're into Jeep modifications, off-road builds, or just love talking Jeeps, hit that LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes, and drop a comment with your thoughts on Stellantis' losses or your favorite armor setup! Share your Jeep stories below – we read them all. Connect with us: - Website: https://jeeptalkshow.com - Discord: jeeptalkshow.com/contact #JeepTalkShow #JeepMods #JeepTrusses #JeepGussets #JeepArmor #StellantisLoss #JeepOffRoad #JeepCommunity #OffRoadingTips #JeepJL #JeepJT #Dana44 #JeepBuilds #EVJeep #TariffsImpact Rev up your engines, Jeep lovers— the Jeep Talk Show is here to take you on a wild ride! For 15 years, we’ve been the ultimate pit stop for Jeep enthusiasts, delivering off-road thrills, insider tips, and a whole lotta Jeep passion. With a powerhouse crew of hosts and team members, we’re dropping five action-packed episodes every week to fuel your Jeep obsession! Buckle up for our fan-favorite Chic Chat, a women-centric, women hosted episode that’s all about empowering female Jeepers. It’s the perfect space for women to dive into the world of Jeeps and off-roading, hosted by fearless ladies who live for the trail. But that’s just the start—we’ve got over 1,200 episodes waiting to rev up your day, whether you’re tearing down the highway, mowing the lawn, or pumping iron at the gym. Watch us on video or listen audio-only—your call, your adventure! Join the Jeep Talk Show family and become part of the ultimate Jeep community! Jump into our Discord chat at jeeptalkshow.com/discord, support us on Patreon for ad-free episodes at www.patreon.com/jeeptalkshow, or catch our live Round Table every Tuesday at 7:30 PM CT via Zoom (https://jeeptalkshow.com/roundtable, password: jeep). Stay in the loop with our newsletter at https://jeeptalkshow.com/newsletter and follow the action on Instagram @jeeptalkshow (instagram.com/jeeptalkshow). Head to https://jeeptalkshow.com to explore our world of Jeep madness, subscribe, and let us make your day a little more rugged and a lot more fun. Ready to roll with us? Let’s hit the trails together!#JeepTalkShow #JeepLife #OffRoad