Harris Williams Advises RANDYS Automotive on Sale to Tailwind
RANDYS is a leading supplier of highly engineered drivetrain products to the automotive aftermarket. Harris Williams, a global investment bank specializing in M&A advisory services, announces the sale of RANDYS Worldwide Automotive (RANDYS), a portfolio company of Linsalata Capital Partners, to Tailwind Capital (Tailwind). RANDYS is a leading supplier of highly engineered drivetrain products to the automotive aftermarket. The transaction, led by Joe Conner, Jeff Kidd, Jonathan Meredith and Elliott Yousefian of Harris Williams’ Transportation & Logistics (T&L) Group and Giles Tucker of the firm’s Industrials Group, extends the firm’s track record in the automotive aftermarket. “RANDYS, through its partnership with Linsalata, has built an impressive organization that is a true leader in the automotive aftermarket,” said Joe Conner, a managing director at Harris Williams. “We are proud to have had the opportunity to work alongside the RANDYS team to help them realize the benefits of all their hard work and successful execution of their vision.” “RANDYS has found a true partner in Tailwind,” said Giles Tucker, a managing director at Harris Williams. “We are excited for the opportunity ahead and look forward to watching the company thrive as it continues through its next phase of growth.” RANDYS is a leading supplier of drivetrain products, including differential gears, axles, installation kits, lockers, limited slip differentials, driveshafts and remanufactured transfer cases, differentials and manual transmissions. RANDYS caters to all channels in the aftermarket, including installers, big box retailers, remanufacturers, e-commerce retailers and enthusiasts. The company markets its drivetrain products under three brands: Yukon Gear & Axle U.S.A. Standard Gear and Zumbrota Drivetrain. RANDYS employs more than 200 team members across seven warehouses and facilities, and the company continues to grow as it adds new product lines, brands and applications. Located in the Cleveland suburb of Mayfield Heights, Ohio, Linsalata Capital Partners was founded in 1984 and has combined its strong financial capabilities with extensive operational experience to accelerate the growth of middle market companies. In its 35 years of investing, the firm has completed 114 buy-side transactions totaling over $4 billion. Tailwind is a middle market private equity firm focused on growth-oriented investments in targeted sectors within healthcare, business services and industrial services. Tailwind partners with experienced management teams and entrepreneurs to transform businesses through organic growth initiatives, acquisitions and operational and strategic investments. Since inception, Tailwind has managed $3.6 billion of committed equity capital, and has invested in 40 portfolio companies and over 90 add-on acquisitions. Harris Williams, an investment bank specializing in M&A advisory services, advocates for sellers and buyers of companies worldwide through critical milestones and provides thoughtful advice during the lives of their businesses. By collaborating as one firm across Industry Groups and geographies, the firm helps its clients achieve outcomes that support their objectives and strategically create value. Harris Williams is committed to execution excellence and to building enduring, valued relationships that are based on mutual trust. Harris Williams is a subsidiary of the PNC Financial Services Group Inc.
2020 SuperJeep Challenge Builder of the Year
Everett, WA (February 17, 2020) – Yukon Gear & Axle®, the leading performance drivetrain supplier, congratulates Rockstar Performance Garage owner Nic Ashby for being named the 2020 SuperJeep Challenge Builder of the Year. Ashby’s win the 2020 American SuperJeep Invitational Championship was supported by a multitude of Yukon products. The vehicle features Yukon gears, axles, driveshafts, a Grizzly locker differential and a Yukon Zip Locker Differential. The inaugural event was held during the King of the Hammers offroad race in Johnson Valley, California. Ashby’s modified 1983 CJ7 Jeep Wrangler entry, “GRDLOC”, won unanimously by handling desert terrain and expertly rock climbing. The event was judged by an elite and diversified panel of industry experts – Courtney Hansen, Terry Madden and Greg Henderson. The project took three years and was supported by many top-notch aftermarket sponsors who gave the on and off road vehicle its unique capabilities and style. GRDLOC featured a 4.4 supercharged Cadillac Northstar forged V8, Trophy Truck sized 3.0 King Shock Coilovers, Bullet Liner coated paint job, Scosche 12v Power Sport/Lifestyle Mounts, Throttle Down custom race frame, PRP racing seats, Mickey Thompson 46” tires, Genright Offroad Aluminum Armor, Billet K&N Filters intake, Forged wheels, 8 piston brakes from R1 Concepts, 9 speaker kicker audio sound system, Rugged Radios bluetooth internal comms, 7 independent coolers from Mishimoto and an ‘87 Dodge KingPin front axle/2001 11.5” AAM rear axle from Yukon. The judges, along with Tony May, Executive Producer of the American SuperJeep Challenge, were quick to point out that Ashby’s GRDLOC stood out from the field for its marriage of form, function and creativity to earn the title. Ashby shared that this build has been his passion, which is a feeling that’s shared throughout his entire team. Rockstar Performance Garage is a collaboration between Rockstar Energy Drink and LDRSHIPdesigns, with the goal of creating a lifestyle garage. “I am very thankful to everyone for developing this exciting invitational event to help showcase what can be accomplished with the Jeep Wrangler, and to Yukon Gear & Axle for their incredible technical support, and all of my sponsors who have been there believing in this project from start to finish,” he added. Neal Hollingsworth, RANDYS Worldwide Director of Marketing says, “Nic is a visionary that is fearless in his approach to life and builds. We are very proud of his accomplishment as an entrepreneur and look forward to supporting him with more projects, which we suspect will be equally as interesting, award winning and fun. It was a privilege to be a part of the development of this incredible project with so many industry-leading brands, and we look forward to supporting him at more events throughout the year.” For more information about Yukon Gear & Axle call toll free at 888.905.5044, email info@YukonGear.com or visit www.YukonGear.com, and connect with Yukon on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to keep up with the latest product introductions, builds and events. For more information about Rockstar Performance Garage, email media@ldrshipdesigns.com, call 631.334.3864, or visit www.rockstarperformancegarage.com.
Tools for the Trade
From the weekend warriors to master builders, craftsmen worldwide know that no matter what you’re working on, it’s all about the tools. From Home Depot, to Lowes, to Harbor Freight, tools are readily available and at top demand. For the mechanic, having the right tools mean the difference between getting the perfect, well-oiled, clean, perfectly done job, to running around trying to find something that works—most likely a screwdriver—just to get it off the lift. But the difference between getting a job done and getting a job done right, is the proper tools. Using the tools made for that job helps to reduce time and effort, leaving more time to assure it’s the highest quality work. It’s no different for drivetrain shops. There are specialized tools for those in the industry to complete a quality install, reducing time and effort and, most importantly, making room for that next car or truck to drive up revenue. From specialized bearing pullers, to simple shim drivers, make it easy on yourself by investing in the proper tools for when a vehicle pulls in with that elusive “vibration in the rear.” Precise set-up requirements often test a technician’s ability to do a job right or restrict them from even doing the job at all. That’s how specialized tools build a business. There are four critical steps that are required to ensure a strong, quiet and long-lasting build. A specialized inch pound torque wrench is required to set the pinion bearing preload, right after utilizing a high-quality pinion depth setting tool. After that, specialized spanner tools or shim drivers allow you to dial in the backlash and carrier bearing preload. Over the years, while building thousands of differentials, Yukon Gear & Axle has perfected the necessary and specialized tools to set up even the most obscure differentials. RANDYS Worldwide designs and engineer’s quality drivetrain tools under its Yukon Gear & Axle brand. In the beginning, starting out as a regional shop over 40 years ago, RANDYS engineered and designed specialized tools around what it takes to get the job done right. Yukon has developed over 80 different tools that make differential and drivetrain assembly a cinch. Used by top shops around the country, here are some top sellers to consider: See a video of some of those tools in action here. 1. YT P22 Yukon Bearing Tool Set (YT P22 with Clamshells)– The bearing puller is used to simplify bearing removal without a press. It removes carrier bearings and most pinion bearing without risk. Different clamshell sizes offer a clean, quick and simple way to remove a bearing quickly. 2. Yukon SHIM DRIVER SET (YT SD-01)– Works on Ford, GM, Chrysler and many other housings. A set of Shim drivers will become your best friend. These half-moon, heavy duty cradles are perfect for relinquishing the screwdriver, punch or pry bar to get it right the first time. No more chipping shims or hammering screwdrivers to set your shims. 3. Yukon Bearing race drivers – There are over 20 race drivers for different applications, all of which make your life easier. More importantly, the mechanic can accurately drive races and get a perfect alignment for the right fit. These drivers are built to take a hammering, which is exactly what it takes to properly set bearings. The tool keeps your races centered and straight and works much better than using a socket or even the bottom of your closest beer can. 4. Yukon Side Adjuster Tool (YT A06) – Without having the proper tool for side adjustment, it’s almost impossible to reach the recommended adjustor torque of 150+ foot pounds. Although this tool has a very single purpose, it’s exactly what’s needed to get it done right. No more stacked extensions and cobbled together drivers to get the perfect fit. Yukon also builds bolt extractors kits, spanner tools, spindle boring cutters and more to outfit a shop that wants to do the work and do it well. Do you have all the tools need? We didn’t think so.
There’s No Substitute for Hands-On Training
The customer experience is truly at the core of the automotive service industry. Through a combination of business training, marketing, repairs and knowledge, all shops are seeking to achieve the same thing—getting happy customers back on the road safely and quickly. That first requirement—business training—is at the heart of every successful vehicle upgrade project. Shops that understand the products they sell and install inside and out can offer better recommendations, installations and usage suggestions, thereby creating an enhanced customer experience. Proper training requires an investment in time and resources, but more than pays for itself by providing shops with expert knowledge that online retailers can’t match. The Benefits of Hands-On Training A hands-on approach to training is nothing new to the automotive industry, of course. When we examine the repair shops and service centers that have enjoyed long-term success, we often find a shared dedication to in-person education at the core of their knowledge base. With today’s time demands, it might be tempting for some shops to forego traditional in-person training in favor of less-intensive alternatives. However, while newer electronic solutions have attempted to streamline certain aspects of the business training process, there’s really no substitute for hands-on, instructor-led learning that can elevate ordinary professionals into true product experts. Along with safety and efficiency increases, another attractive benefit to real-world training is the ability for shops to expand their business with new profit centers. Collision centers and repair facilities that stick solely with ASE-certified courses, for instance, may never realize how easy it is to add aftermarket upgrade components to their product offerings to expand their customer base. Why leave so much potential on the table when a quick training session can put you on the path to greater profits? Manufacturers Lead the Way Many top aftermarket manufacturers offer in-person business training to help shops become masters of their products. Participating in instructor-led learning helps everyone involved—the supplier knows that its parts are being marketed and installed correctly, thereby reducing returns and warranty claims, while the shop receives time-saving tips and tricks that make for more efficient workflow and more happy customers. One manufacturer that believes in the power of business training is Yukon Gear & Axle. Beginning in 2020, Yukon will provide monthly drivetrain training sessions through a three-day course held in Mesa, Arizona. “In an effort to provide educational and installation skill training, Yukon has taken it upon ourselves to help our customers be the best they can be at their trade” says Director of Marketing Neal Hollingsworth. “In our business, we have no fob to plug in to provide diagnostics of what the problem is, and the art of drivetrain installation can be tricky. There is nowhere to be trained on drivetrains except through real-world practice, so why not help our customers by providing them a hands-on class to learn, get faster and build their business?” Yukon’s Master Installer Training program was specifically developed for active mechanics, installers and technicians who want to build on their existing knowledge and take their careers to the next level, Hollingsworth notes. The course features 25% classroom instruction and 75% hands-on learning. There’s no doubt that today’s automotive technology is changing rapidly, and a constant onslaught of new products in new vehicles is keeping technicians on their toes. Shops that take advantage of the tried-and-true benefits of in-person manufacturer training will be in the best position to take advantage of all the benefits these new innovations have to offer.
Geared Down to Get Out: Regearing Super Duty Axles With Yukon Gears
Ford Super Duty axles are arguably the most common setup swapped in to other vehicles, and it is easy to see why. The Super Duty is one of the last vehicles on the market equipped with front and rear solid axles, and the only with a high-pinion Dana 60 frontend. By starting with heavy-duty, eight-lug axles with 35-spline axleshafts we didn't feel is necessary to upgrade shafts or U-joints, even when planning to run 40-inch-tall Milestar Patagonia M/Ts on our fullsize truck. That doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement, or that all Super Duty axles are created equal. We recently went to Axleline to upgrade the Super Duty axles in our latest project with Yukon components for improved strength and trail prowess. Axleline's head honcho, Aaron Lechner, showed us the strengths and weaknesses of Super Duty axles, along with the changes that have been made over the last 20 years that Ford has been using these axles. Yukon makes lockers, ring-and-pinion sets, and installation kits for every generation of Dana 60 and Sterling axle. We recommend starting with the newest axles you can find since they have the biggest components to support the increases in power and tow capacity as the Super Duty has evolved. Then just add lockers and low gears and you are ready to hit the trail! Super Duty Dana 60s Through the Years While not as bad as the variations of Dana 44, where zero components from a Dana 44 under a new Wrangler JL are shared with the Dana 44 under a CJ-5, Dana 60s still have quite a bit of variation, even the ones found under Super Duty pickups. Starting in 1999, Super Duty trucks used Dana 50 axles under F-250s and single-rear-wheel (SRW) F-350s. High-pinion Dana 60s were used on dual-rear-wheel (DRW) Dana 60s starting in 2002. These axles had spring perches for leaf springs until 2004 with virtually no axletube sticking out of the casting on the short side, making it a challenge to mount coils or links. In 2005 Ford went to coil springs, along with bigger knuckles and brakes on the Dana 60 front axles. F-450 and F-550 trucks of this era came with "Super 60" front axles that use a larger 10-inch ring gear, 37-spline axleshafts, and 1550 U-joints for even greater strength. These axles have 10-lug adapters, but removing the adapters converts them to the normal Super Duty 8x170 bolt pattern. Sterling Rears Through the Years Not all rear Sterling axles are the same, but the differential covers, axleshafts, and carriers are all interchangeable. These are full-floating axles with 1 1/2-inch, 35-spline axleshafts that are very strong. They don't benefit from the third pinion bearing that makes the 14-bolt the king of rear axles though, and the axletubes can spin in the centersection under hard use. Early 1985-1992 Sterling 10 1/4 axles used drum brakes, an 8-on-6 1/2 bolt pattern, and short pinion splines. The second generation (1993-1998) of Sterling axles used longer pinion splines and a different yoke, but were otherwise the same. The introduction of the Super Duty in 1999 brought the introduction of the Sterling 10 1/2-inch, which has a different inner pinion bearing than the Sterling 10 1/4. The 10 1/2 also uses disc brakes and an 8-on-170mm bolt pattern. In 2005 the brakes were upgraded to 13.4-inch brake rotors, and in 2013 they grew even larger to 14.3 inches.
