
THE AUTO BUILDER
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THE CHIEF OF NEW JERSEY
Native American Russell Youngblood is a man you’d love to powwow with. Bloomfield, New Jersey is the home and base camp for one of the coolest late-model classic Chevys you’ll ever see. Many feel that the 1994-1996 Impala SS models are to today what the 1955-1957 models were to the ’50s. Youngblood will certainly agree. His dark green-gray metallic is custom from stem to stern—so much so that we’d consider it one of a kind.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Flaming River’s 88-98 Chevy/GMC 1500 Series Power Rack & Pinion Cradle Kit
If you’re looking to take your 1988-1998 Chevy/GMC C1500 truck’s steering to the next level, you need to check out the Flaming River Power Rack and Pinion Cradle Kit for 88-98 Chevy/GMC 1500 series pickups. This power rack and pinion cradle kit is a total game-changer, designed for a direct bolt-in installation. Ditch that outdated steering and get ready for the precision and modern handling you’ve been dreaming of.

MAX ENERGY MUSTANG
The Hypertech Max Energy Spectrum flash programmer is a device designed for the performance-minded individual looking to extract the most from their car or truck. This advanced programmer allows for full control of the vehicle’s ECM, enabling the user to adjust a wide range of parameters that influence the vehicle’s performance.
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Gear, Grit, & The Great Outdoors
Overland Expo Mountain West 2024
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Wendy Miles
The Epicenter of Overlanding
Picture this: the Ranch Events Complex packed with over 300 exhibitors showing off the latest and greatest in overlanding rigs and gear. From fully kitted-out 4x4s to the most rugged camping setups, this place was like Disneyland for anyone who loves the dirt. The array of hardcore off-road rigs and innovative gear on display made the experience truly unforgettable.
Learn from the Pros
If you thought you knew everything about overlanding, think again. The expo’s educational lineup was next level. With over 175 classes, slideshows, and demos, you could brush up on everything from vehicle recovery to campfire cooking. And with more than 100 experts dropping knowledge, even the most seasoned overlander picked up a new trick or two.
Get Your Hands Dirty
This wasn’t just a sit-and-listen kind of event. There were motorcycle demos, a RAM Ride & Drive Course to push your skills, and a storytelling pavilion where people swapped tales of adventure gone right—and wrong. The Backcountry & Culinary Skills Area, sponsored by Tacoma Lifestyle, had everyone from greenhorns to grizzled vets perfecting their camp cooking chops. It was all about getting in the thick of it and seeing what your gear—and you—are made of.
It’s All About the People
Overlanding isn’t just about the gear; it’s about the people. The expo was packed with chances to connect—happy hours, fireside chats, and even a few charity raffles to bring everyone together. The Women Who Wander Fireside Chats were a huge hit, giving the women of the overlanding world a chance to share their stories and connect with each other. This was more than an event; it was a community.
Until Next Year…
As the dust settled and the last rig rolled out, there was no doubt—Overland Expo Mountain West 2024 was one for the books. Whether you left with a shopping list for new gear or just some new friends, this weekend was all about embracing the overlanding lifestyle. And with next year’s event already on the horizon, it’s safe to say the overlanding community is only getting stronger. So, if you missed out, don’t make the same mistake twice. Check out the Overland Expo website to learn more or register for next year. Mark your calendars and start gearing up for the next adventure!
In the meantime, check out our coverage below.
Project Baobab, The Ultimate Overland Expedition Vehicle
This was one of the most popular builds at the show. The base vehicle is a 1994 Stewart & Stevenson M1079, former American Army communications truck. Built by Michael Ladden, its powered by a 6.6L Caterpillar turbo diesel engine that is mated to an Alison 7 speed automatic transmission. You can find out all about this beast machine on the DrivetheGlobe.com website. Be sure to check out the Drive the Globe YouTube Channel also to see much more of this vehicle in action and how this build came together.
Smoothies, Café Racer Style
That’s Not a 4-Runner
Family Fun with Furry Friends
Paws and smiles all around! The Overland Expo Mtn West 2024 isn’t just for adventure enthusiasts—it’s a family affair, where even the four-legged explorers join in the fun. The welcoming atmosphere ensures that every member of the family, including your furry companions, can enjoy the adventure-filled weekend together.
More than we could Photograph
Here’s a sampling of some of the coolest products that we spotted at the show.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Overland Expo
(317) 207-0557
info@overlandexpo.com







