The second half of the episode is the payoff. They haul the lifted Challenger to an off-road test track—a dusty, rutted trail with berms, jumps, and high-speed straights.
The driving is pure Freiburger: flat-footed and fearless. The Challenger, now nicknamed the “Roadkill Special,” does things a 1970 E-body was never meant to do. It flies over small jumps, lands with a crunch, and drifts through sandy corners with all four tires spinning.
The drama is genuine. The crude lift causes the rear axle to hop violently under braking. The unmodified steering box provides all the precision of a rowboat rudder. At one point, a rear tire starts delaminating after a hard landing, and the exhaust system is ripped loose by a rock. But the car never dies.
In true Roadkill fashion, they solve problems with baling wire, a borrowed hammer, and sheer stubbornness. They finish the episode not with a polished “after” shot, but with the Challenger caked in mud, leaking oil from a cracked pan, and somehow still running.
After the build, the team takes the Challenger to a local off-road playground to test their modifications.
The hosts perform several key modifications to prepare the Challenger for the dirt:
It looks like you're referencing "Roadkill Garage" Season 2, Episode 4, titled "The Off-Road Challenger."
In this episode, David Freiburger and Steve Dulcich take a beat-up Dodge Challenger and convert it into an off-road machine — essentially a muscle car turned desert runner. They focus on suspension upgrades, big tires, and drivetrain mods to make it capable of tackling dirt trails and jumps, while keeping the classic Challenger look.
If you're looking for a specific detail — like what engine they used, suspension changes, or where to watch the episode — let me know and I can dig further.
Roadkill Garage Season 2, Episode 4, David Freiburger Steve Dulcich
take "Mad Max" inspiration to the extreme by hacking up a 1970 Dodge Challenger to transform it into a desert-bashing off-roader Apple TV The Build: "The Off-Road Challenger"
The project center on a 1970 Dodge Challenger that had originally been a dirt-track race car. Because the car was already "clapped out" and not a candidate for a standard restoration, the duo felt no guilt in modifying it heavily for the dirt. Sheet Metal Surgery:
To accommodate giant off-road tires, the guys hacked away significant portions of the E-body's sheet metal. The Powerplant:
The car featured a 318ci engine that was estimated to produce only about 140 horsepower due to low compression (6.9:1) and stock components. Off-Road Setup:
Beyond the massive tires, the car retained its iconic "stacks" and a generally rugged, unfinished look often referred to by fans as a "Battlecar". The Desert Test & "The Sandstorm"
The episode's climax involves testing the car in the desert, where the duo faced extreme environmental challenges: 100-Year Sandstorm:
While driving through a lava flow area, they were hit by a severe sandstorm with 70 mph winds. Natural Sandblasting:
The storm was so intense it stripped paint off the car, revealing old circle track lettering hidden underneath. Engine Damage:
The 318 engine suffered an "end-of-life experience" after sand and small rocks were sucked into the carburetor during the storm. Legacy of the Car
This technical summary details the build and exploits of the "Off-Road Challenger" (ORC) as featured in Roadkill Garage Season 2, Episode 4 The Vehicle: 1970 Dodge Challenger Originally a clapped-out dirt-track circle racer
, the car was purchased for roughly $300 after sitting in a yard for 15 years. Condition: The body was heavily modified before the
team acquired it. It featured a water-pipe roll cage, welded doors, and "sandblasted" paint that revealed old racing decals.
It utilizes the classic Chrysler E-body platform, though it was a base model rather than a high-performance R/T or T/A. The Build: "Mad Max" Transformation
In S02E04, David Freiburger and Steve Dulcich set out to turn this former circle-track beater into a desert-bashing machine. Modifications: To accommodate massive off-road tires, the team famously hacked away the sheet metal from the wheel arches. Powertrain: The initial build featured a 318 cubic-inch small-block Mopar roadkill garage s02e04 the off road challenger
Massive 275/60/15 rear and 235/60/15 front tires were fitted onto 15x8 wheels. The Episode Highlights: Desert Bashing & Disaster
The goal of the episode was to test the E-body's capabilities in extreme off-road conditions. The Location:
The team took the ORC to a lava flow area for "desert bashing". The "100-Year Sandstorm": During the test, a severe sandstorm hit with 70 mph winds Catastrophic Failure:
The sandstorm proved fatal for the car’s 318 engine. Fine sand was sucked into the carburetor and engine bores, causing what Freiburger described as an "end-of-life experience" for the powerplant.
The engine was ruined by the sandblasting effect, leading the car to sit dormant for two years before its eventual revival in later seasons with a 360 small-block. Legacy and Later Appearances
"Roadkill Garage" The Off-Road Challenger! (TV Episode 2017)
"The Off-Road Challenger" is a quintessential Roadkill Garage episode. It embraces the ethos that cars are meant to be driven and enjoyed, regardless of their condition. It is a celebration of automotive chaos, providing plenty of laughs, technical know-how, and the satisfying sight of a classic Mopar getting dirty.
Rating: 8/10 – A fun, messy, and educational ride that proves muscle cars belong in the mud, too.
Show Report: Roadkill Garage Episode: Season 2, Episode 4 Title: "The Off-Road Challenger" Original Air Date: May 26, 2017
If you want, I can write a full scripted scene (dialogue + camera directions) for any segment — which one should I script?
Roadkill Garage S02E04: The Off-Road Challenger
For fans of automotive enthusiasts and DIY projects, Roadkill Garage is a popular web series that showcases the adventures of two friends, Eric and Sam, as they scour the junkyard for hidden gems and transform them into powerful machines. In Season 2, Episode 4, titled "The Off-Road Challenger," the duo embarks on an exciting project that will test their skills and push their creativity to the limit.
The Concept
The episode begins with Eric and Sam discussing their next project. They want to build a car that can handle the rough terrain of off-road racing, but with a twist. They stumble upon a 1970 Dodge Challenger in a junkyard, which sparks their interest. The classic muscle car has a reputation for being a beast on the road, but can it be transformed into a capable off-road machine?
The Plan
After some deliberation, Eric and Sam decide to take on the challenge. They plan to modify the Challenger into an off-road capable car, complete with a lift kit, larger tires, and a more aggressive suspension system. The goal is to create a vehicle that can tackle the toughest terrain, including rocky hills, muddy trails, and sandy dunes.
The Search for Parts
With the concept in mind, Eric and Sam start searching for parts. They visit various junkyards, salvage yards, and online marketplaces to find the necessary components for their project. They scrounge up a range of items, including a skid plate from a Jeep Wrangler, a transfer case from a Toyota 4Runner, and a set of off-road tires from a Ford Bronco.
The Build
Back in their garage, Eric and Sam begin the build process. They start by installing the lift kit, which raises the Challenger's suspension by several inches. They then fit the larger tires, which require modifications to the fenders and wheel wells. The team also installs a more aggressive suspension system, complete with stiffer springs and shocks.
The Engine Swap
As they work on the suspension and body modifications, Eric and Sam realize that the Challenger's original engine may not be suitable for off-road use. They decide to swap it out for a more powerful and reliable engine. After some research, they find a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine from a Dodge Ram truck, which they install in the Challenger.
The Challenges
Throughout the build process, Eric and Sam encounter several challenges. They struggle to fit the larger tires in the fenders, and the suspension system proves to be more complicated than expected. They also face issues with the engine swap, including adapting the transmission and modifying the engine mounts.
The Reveal
After weeks of hard work, the project is finally complete. Eric and Sam unveil their off-road Challenger, which looks beastly and aggressive. The car sits high on its new suspension, with massive tires and a bold stance. The HEMI V8 engine rumbles to life, ready to tackle the toughest terrain.
The Test Drive
The moment of truth arrives as Eric and Sam take their off-road Challenger for a spin. They head to a nearby off-road course, where they put the car through its paces. The Challenger handles surprisingly well, navigating rocky hills, muddy trails, and sandy dunes with ease. The suspension system works flawlessly, and the HEMI V8 engine provides more than enough power.
The Verdict
In the end, Eric and Sam are thrilled with their creation. The off-road Challenger is a testament to their ingenuity and creativity. They prove that with the right combination of parts, skills, and determination, any car can be transformed into a capable off-road machine.
Conclusion
Roadkill Garage S02E04: The Off-Road Challenger is an inspiring episode that showcases the possibilities of DIY automotive projects. Eric and Sam's adventure is a must-watch for car enthusiasts, off-road enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good challenge. With their off-road Challenger, they demonstrate that even the most unlikely cars can be transformed into powerful machines capable of handling the toughest terrain.
Key Takeaways
Watch the Episode
If you're interested in watching Roadkill Garage S02E04: The Off-Road Challenger, you can find it on the MotorTrend website or on their YouTube channel. The episode is a must-watch for anyone who loves cars, DIY projects, and off-road adventures.
More Roadkill Garage
If you enjoy Roadkill Garage, be sure to check out more episodes from Season 2, including:
Each episode features Eric and Sam taking on a new project, from engine swaps to suspension modifications. Their adventures are filled with laughter, excitement, and valuable insights into the world of DIY automotive projects.
In Roadkill Garage Season 2, Episode 4, titled "The Off-Road Challenger," hosts David Freiburger and Steve Dulcich take a clapped-out 1970 Dodge Challenger and transform it into a "Mad Max" style desert basher. This episode is considered one of the series' most extreme builds because of the unapologetic way the team hacks away at a rare muscle car body to fit massive off-road tires. Building the Off-Road Challenger (ORC)
The car used in this episode was originally a mundane dirt-track racer that had previously appeared in Roadkill (Episodes 54 and 56).
The Foundation: A base-model 1970 Dodge Challenger with a factory V-8, an A904 automatic transmission, and a light-duty 7-1/4 rearend.
The "Roadkill" Modification: To accommodate giant off-road rubber, Freiburger and Dulcich used hammers and cutting tools to clear out the sheet metal, a move that would make any purist cringe.
The Powerplant: The episode features the revival of its tired 318 small-block Mopar engine. The team eventually aimed to transform this "dog" of an engine—which originally produced only about 140 horsepower—into a high-revving "screaming demon" with a tunnel ram, targeting 450 horsepower. Desert Bashing and Disaster
After fitting the oversized tires, the duo took the ORC to a desert lava pit for testing. The adventure turned legendary—and literal—when they encountered a 100-year sandstorm with 70 mph winds.
Damage: The extreme conditions were so harsh they stripped paint from the car and shredded the participants' skin and eyes.
Engine Failure: The 318 engine was ultimately devastated by the sand and gravel intake during the storm, leading to the car sitting for another two years before later being revived in subsequent episodes with a "Junkyard 360" engine. Where to Watch The second half of the episode is the payoff
You can catch this classic episode of Roadkill Garage on various streaming platforms:
In Roadkill Garage Season 2, Episode 4, David Freiburger and Steve Dulcich transform a former dirt-track 1970 Dodge Challenger into a "Mad Max-style" desert-bashing machine. The build, featuring a 318ci V-8, was heavily modified for off-road use before a 70 mph sandstorm severely damaged the car during testing. Watch the full episode on Prime Video.
Season 2, Episode 4 of Roadkill Garage , titled " The Off-Road Challenger! David Freiburger Steve Dulcich
take a 1970 Dodge Challenger and transform it into a "Mad Max" style desert basher Episode Overview
: The guys take a "mundane" dirt-track race car (previously seen in
episodes 54 and 56) and hack off the sheet metal to fit massive off-road tires. The Mission
: The goal was to turn a desirable E-body muscle car into an unforgettable off-roader for desert bashing. The Disaster
: During their test run, they drove the car into a lava flow right as a "100-year sandstorm" hit. The 70-mph winds were so intense they stripped paint, shredded skin, and sandblasted the vehicle.
: The storm's sand and rocks severely damaged the 318 engine, causing what Freiburger called an "end-of-life experience" for the motor. The car ended up sitting for two years following this episode before being revived in later seasons. Where to Watch You can find this episode on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video Amazon.com follow-up episode where they finally revive the Off-Road Challenger's engine?
"Roadkill Garage" The Off-Road Challenger! (TV Episode 2017)
In Season 2, Episode 4 of Roadkill Garage, David Freiburger and Steve Dulcich transform a salvaged 1970 Dodge Challenger into an off-road "battle car" capable of tackling desert terrain, a build characterized by aggressive sheet metal cutting to accommodate large tires. Despite the car's 318 engine failing due to intense sandstorm conditions, the episode is recognized for creating one of the series' most iconic,, "Mad Max"-style vehicles. Watch the full episode at
The fourth episode of Roadkill Garage Season 2 features one of the most extreme transformations in the show’s history: the creation of the Off-Road Challenger (ORC). Hosts David Freiburger and Steve Dulcich take a clapped-out 1970 Dodge Challenger and, in true Roadkill fashion, hack it into a desert-bashing beast. The Build: From Dirt Track to Desert
The vehicle at the center of the episode is a 1970 Dodge Challenger originally used as a mundane dirt-track race car. Unlike the pristine E-bodies often seen at auctions, this car was a rough survivor that had been off the road since at least 1989. Freiburger and Dulcich decided the best way to "save" it was to embrace its ruggedness:
Sheetmetal Surgery: The duo famously hacked away the car’s sheet metal to clear space for giant off-road tires.
The Powerplant: The ORC initially featured a 318ci engine that had been sitting for 27 years. During the episode, the guys struggled to get it running and driving by a Sunday deadline.
Mechanical Philosophy: The episode highlights the show's "wrong thing the right way" mantra, including using an impact wrench to install cylinder heads in a pinch. The Survival Story: The 100-Year Sandstorm
The episode is perhaps best remembered for its testing phase. After completing the build, Freiburger and Dulcich took the ORC to a lava pit in the desert for some "desert bashing". Their fun was interrupted by a catastrophic 100-year sandstorm featuring 70-mph winds.
Environmental Toll: The storm was so intense it stripped paint, shredded skin, and filled the engine's carburetor with sand.
Engine Damage: The sand ingestion was fatal for the original 318 engine, effectively "self-boring" the cylinders and leaving the car sidelined for years afterward. Legacy of the ORC
Roadkill Garage Season 2 Episode 4: "The Off-Road Challenger" Guide
Episode Summary: In this episode of Roadkill Garage, the hosts take on a new project - a classic off-road vehicle that needs some serious TLC. Get ready to join the adventure as they diagnose issues, perform repairs, and modify the vehicle to make it a formidable off-road challenger.
Project Vehicle: The vehicle featured in this episode is a [insert vehicle make and model, e.g., 1970s Ford Bronco]. This classic off-roader has been sitting for years and needs a complete overhaul to get it back on the trails.
Guide:
Once the build is complete, the real fun begins. Dulcich and Freiburger take the beast out to the dirt for a shakedown run. The visual of a classic muscle car carving through ruts and kicking up dust clouds is undeniably entertaining. The episode captures the sheer joy of hooning a machine that defies convention.
However, this is Roadkill, so things don’t go entirely according to plan. The off-road environment puts immense stress on the vintage unibody structure and drivetrain. The episode highlights the fragility of modifying old cars for new purposes, as the team deals with the inevitable mechanical gremlins that arise when you take a street car off the pavement.