Ep 12. Alumni-Duty

Alumni-Duty, the twelfth episode of the sixteenth season of the popular television series, Truck U, is a must-watch for all truck enthusiasts and aspiring mechanics out there. Hosted by two renowned experts in the automotive industry, Matt Steele and Bruno Massel, the show offers a fascinating insight into the world of truck modification, maintenance, and repair.

In this episode, Matt and Bruno welcome a special guest, Josh Robinson, an alumnus of the show who had previously worked on two different trucks in the earlier seasons. Josh brings his latest project to the show, a classic Chevy Blazer that he has been working on for the past few years. The truck, with its outdated suspension and worn-out engine, needs a complete overhaul to regain its former glory, and Josh is seeking the help of Matt and Bruno to achieve that.

The episode begins with a thorough inspection of the Chevy Blazer by Matt and Bruno, who identify several areas that require immediate attention. The suspension, for instance, is in dire need of an upgrade, as the old leaf springs are no longer able to support the weight of the truck. The hosts suggest replacing them with modern coil-over shocks, which provide a smoother ride and better stability. To achieve this, they need to remove the entire rear axle, which is a time-consuming process.

Meanwhile, Josh tells the hosts about his plans to swap the original engine of the Blazer with a more powerful one that he had salvaged from a wrecked Chevy Silverado. The new engine, a V8, requires a lot of modifications to fit into the smaller bay of the Blazer, including relocating the battery and the brake lines. Matt and Bruno offer their expertise and help in undertaking this challenging task.

As the episode progresses, the hosts and Josh work together to install the new coil-over shocks, which involve welding new brackets onto the frame. The rear axle is reinstalled, and the driveshaft is adjusted to accommodate the new suspension setup. Next, they move on to the engine swap, which involves removing the old engine, transmission, and transfer case from the Blazer. Josh has already prepared the new engine by painting it and adding new spark plugs, but it still needs several modifications to make it work with the Blazer.

Matt and Bruno guide Josh through the process, as they attach a new transmission and transfer case to the engine and install it onto the engine mounts. They encounter several challenges along the way, such as the oil pan hitting the steering linkage and the exhaust system interfering with the driveshaft. However, with their expertise and ingenuity, they are able to overcome these obstacles and complete the engine swap successfully.

With the new engine in place, Matt and Bruno turn their attention to other areas that need improvement, such as the brakes, the fuel system, and the cooling system. They replace the brake pads and rotors, install a new fuel pump and fuel lines, and upgrade the radiator and the thermostat. Finally, after several days of hard work, the Chevy Blazer is transformed into a beast of a truck, with a powerful engine and a smooth ride.

As the episode comes to a close, Matt, Bruno, and Josh take the Blazer for a test drive, where they experience firsthand the fruits of their labor. The truck accelerates smoothly, brakes confidently, and handles the bumps in the road with ease. Josh is thrilled with the results and thanks the hosts for their help and advice. The episode ends with a message of encouragement to all truck enthusiasts who are looking to undertake similar projects, inspiring them to follow their passion and never give up on their dreams.

In conclusion, Alumni-Duty is a thrilling and informative episode of Truck U that showcases the expertise and dedication of Matt, Bruno, and Josh. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of truck modification and repair, showing how a classic truck can be transformed into a modern-day powerhouse. Whether you are an experienced mechanic or a curious truck enthusiast, this episode is sure to leave you inspired and informed.