What do I need to ask this guy?
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
What do I need to ask this guy?
A pretty reputable 4x4 shop near me quoted around $2k for new gears installed on my 2013 JKU.
Separately, I stumbled onto this guy on Craigslist. My initial thought was, with the difference in cost, I would question the quality. BUT, it sounds like this guy works out of a small shop, maybe even a home, garage and has less overhead than a big 4x4 shop.
I have about zero knowledge of auto mechanics, and so I'm wondering, for those of you with the smarts, what would you ask this guy about the install? Particular brands of gears? Any other considerations or shortcuts I should check into?
Thanks!
Separately, I stumbled onto this guy on Craigslist. My initial thought was, with the difference in cost, I would question the quality. BUT, it sounds like this guy works out of a small shop, maybe even a home, garage and has less overhead than a big 4x4 shop.
I have about zero knowledge of auto mechanics, and so I'm wondering, for those of you with the smarts, what would you ask this guy about the install? Particular brands of gears? Any other considerations or shortcuts I should check into?
Thanks!
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ORW Representative
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,759
Likes: 3
From: San Diego, Mexico, Australia
I am in no way down playing this mechanic's work, only bringing up points for comparison.
A legitimate shop has to pay for the following things:
Shop Space
Parts Buy-Ins to get a discount
Insurance
Mechanics
Customer Service Employees
Shop Supplies and Tools
A personal shop (garage, out building, driveway) only has to pay for the following:
Parts (if not supplied)
Supplies (If not supplied)
What this means is the Legitimate shop must pay, and therefore charge more for their service. The upside being that their location will be there if you have any issues in the future, (In CA) they must report to the Bureau of Automotive Repair if there are discrepancies, and if something happens to your vehicle it is insured to a certain point.
With a personal shop they answer to no one, and are therefore less liable.
So, it is up to the consumer to choose the amount of risk they are willing to take. I have paid for services in both types of "business" and can say that i am always happier with the product from a legitimate source over Jimmy's Friend's Cousin's Barber that Knows Mechanic Stuff.
A legitimate shop has to pay for the following things:
Shop Space
Parts Buy-Ins to get a discount
Insurance
Mechanics
Customer Service Employees
Shop Supplies and Tools
A personal shop (garage, out building, driveway) only has to pay for the following:
Parts (if not supplied)
Supplies (If not supplied)
What this means is the Legitimate shop must pay, and therefore charge more for their service. The upside being that their location will be there if you have any issues in the future, (In CA) they must report to the Bureau of Automotive Repair if there are discrepancies, and if something happens to your vehicle it is insured to a certain point.
With a personal shop they answer to no one, and are therefore less liable.
So, it is up to the consumer to choose the amount of risk they are willing to take. I have paid for services in both types of "business" and can say that i am always happier with the product from a legitimate source over Jimmy's Friend's Cousin's Barber that Knows Mechanic Stuff.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
A lot of reviews were going around last year on a few other forums, but haven't seen anything since then. Not the greatest rep for either welding or gears from what I read.
One of the boards was naxja.org, Google this name and the shop name, should be easy enough to find the thread.
Also might not be a bad idea to read through this one just to get a handle on what all is involved with a re-gear.
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-w...gearing-82262/
One of the boards was naxja.org, Google this name and the shop name, should be easy enough to find the thread.
Also might not be a bad idea to read through this one just to get a handle on what all is involved with a re-gear.
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-w...gearing-82262/
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
He did a XJ for me a few years ago. He's cheap because he works from home. He also doesn't replace axle seals, uses your existing bearings and uses walmart gear oil.
He also did a trutrac, and after a few mos, my front started to get real tight on turns. IDK.
I just got my gears done on my JK at 4WP Denver. Ask for Seth and ask to have Dustin do your gears. I've known them for years, and Dustin is a kick-ass tech.
I got new masters, seals, and had them do my synergy ball joints. I'm sure they will be alot lower than $2k, and they are good guys that will back up their product/work.
My $0.02
He also did a trutrac, and after a few mos, my front started to get real tight on turns. IDK.
I just got my gears done on my JK at 4WP Denver. Ask for Seth and ask to have Dustin do your gears. I've known them for years, and Dustin is a kick-ass tech.
I got new masters, seals, and had them do my synergy ball joints. I'm sure they will be alot lower than $2k, and they are good guys that will back up their product/work.
My $0.02