Bigger Tires Need Bigger Gears
Fall is now kicking in full force – which, for off-road enthusiasts, means some enjoyable weather and wide-open trails. But it also means that customers who added bigger tires without swapping gears aren’t taking it to the sand, the mud, the rocks and the trails like they thought they would. With the variety of off-road vehicles and the variety of terrain they encounter, upgrades should be considered for any off-road vehicle. Just like any upgrade specific to an application, doing the same for your drivetrain is key. Doing otherwise can quickly put your customer back on the trailer and headed for home, broken down and broke in the pocketbook. Off-road enthusiasts will often just have enough in their wallet to add what they see in order to create a ‘cool factor’ with their vehicle. But when they hit the hills, cool rigs are sometimes the last in line, barely making the rocks and hill climbs. What most don’t know is that when adding bigger tires, the need for more torque increases. To not only cover more circumference of the larger diameter tire, but to provide more pressure at the surface, the drivetrain must increase its ability to transfer the torque from the transmission to the rubber on the ground. To equal the energy from a smaller tire to cover a distance, a larger tire can cover the distance with fewer rotations. But for the same RPMs to cover the same distance with a larger tire, it will require enhanced gearing and torque. The engine, tranny and drivetrain all deserve the best set-up for stellar performance, and when the installation is done right, customers get all the performance they can out of the rig. But before any changes to the drivetrain can be made, you must identify the customers’ needs. Is your customer’s need a more generic off road or trail experience? Are they trailering or driving to the trail? Perhaps this is their daily driver and freeway speed is a must. To help you determine what fits your customer’s needs, RANDYS Worldwide provides a handy calculator for tire height and specs, but conferring with experts, like the tech support at RANDYS, is always a good idea based on how the vehicle will be used. And when determining the proper gearing for the vehicle, accuracy can make the difference between heading up the trail or heading home. Neal Hollingsworth of RANDYS Worldwide mentions, “A great example of the amount of accuracy required is the fact that RANDYS Worldwide just released a choice of seven ratio options: 3.45, 3.75, 4.11, 4.56, 4.88, 5.13, and 5.38 for JLs and JTs. This number of options allows for the installation of the most accurate gear based on tire size, performance goals and fuel economy.” “One of the things on the JLs and JTs is that they now come with an 8-speed transmission. People incorrectly assume that with the new transmission program, when they install bigger tires, they don’t need to change the gears. This assumption can render your Jeep up the creek, instead of up the trail.” See more about this misnomer, as described by Nick Ashby of RockStar Garage, in this video. Once you know how to help your customer get the most out of their rig, it’s time to seek out the equipment to do it once and do it right. But a proper build doesn’t end with gears alone. Upgrades to performance vehicles can take on many different forms, and that could include not just replacing, but upgrading, your customer’s axles. To provide your customer with increased strength and performance, opt for heat treated chromoly axles, like Yukon Gear and Axle‘s offerings, which come in both 1541 and 4340 alloys. Additionally, Yukon’s air-operated, selectable locker will give your customer on-demand traction, which is key when driving on multiple surfaces like sand, gravel and rock. Yukon’s Zip Locker provides on-demand traction and 100% traction to both tires with the flip of a switch. Meanwhile, Yukon’s mechanical Grizzly Locker is built to engage both tires but allows for disengagement while negotiating turns. The Grizzly Locker is an excellent choice for towing and the best choice for pulling out on a slippery boat ramp. High quality Super Joints top off a quality upgraded build featuring a forged 4340 chromoly cross and oversized trunnions for maximum performance. The sales and tech support teams at RANDYS are there to get you the right gears and installation kits and provide you piece of mind for your build that your customer will get the most out of their vehicle and spreads the word about a job done right. Call for advice and tech support any time at 866-887-4487 to ensure you’re giving the customer the right combination.
Tech Support When it Matters
Common to all shops is the need for tech support when a technician is at the crossroads of diagnosing troublesome issues or simply figuring out how something fits. We all have those days when everything goes just right, and conversely, we have all had those days when nothing goes as planned. These are the days when the simple three-hour job can take a whole day and set your week on fire. The question is, how do you handle those jobs when your diagnostic of an issue didn’t work? When your install seemed right because you’ve done it this way a thousand times before? It could be the part, it could be the vehicle, it could just be one those days. This is when having a solid backup from your manufacturer really comes in to play. You can buy parts from just about anywhere these days but who can you trust to back you when things aren’t perfect and a little bit of help can go a long way. When it comes to drivetrains, RANDYS Worldwide has some of the best technicians, chat and phone support you can find. Installation of a drivetrain can be quick and efficient when it all fits perfect. Simple installation of new gears, kits and traction when the parts are new can take some time, but for the most part, if you’ve done it before, you can do it again. It’s the diagnostics of simple vibrations, chatter and noises that can make for a longer day. But the guys at RANDYS have been doing this for over 30 years and one quick call can make the difference between a job taking a few hours or a long day under the rig. We talked to the techs at RANDYS and found some common calls that they receive frequently. How to Identify Your Differential & Axle Type The first thing you have to know is how to identify what you’re working on. From cover bolt count, to integrated or drop out and axle types of semi, full float and more. How to Identify and Reduce Positraction Chatter Chatter between clutch packs is common when installing a new positraction. The first thing to consider is if you remembered the friction modifier. This is a common and simple miss that can be a quick solution to any issue. A good gear oil like a GL5 or 80W 90 oil will normally do the trick before having to start over. How to Measure a Semi-float Rear Axle Shaft Setting the backlash on a ring & pinion can be time consuming unless you know the proper steps. Starting with your factory carrier shims, make sure that they are clean and clear of any grit or grease before moving on. With the carrier assembly installed, attach your dial indicator with the plunger at a 90-degree angle from the face of the ring gear. Finding three locations on the gear is the most common fault when rushing through the install. Gear Tooth Contact Patterns Explained Setting up a ring & pinion can sometimes seem daunting and when tricky patterns begin to show up, downright frustrating. But it not as difficult as it seems. Centering between the toe and heel, the top and the bottom can be easily found with small changes. When it’s not working properly, a quick call to isolate your problem can make all the difference There are great manufacturers out there that provide tech support, whether it’s a tuner, exhaust, engine diagnostic tools, carburetors or whatever. You can use this tech support system to not only move forward with your installation, but get a few tech tips and learn something at the same time. It’s about time and efficiency and getting that next car in to the bay. Just remember to treat each of them right and be the guy who will call for help. When it comes to drivetrain, call RANDYS Tech line 800-330-2206. We’re here to help. Or visit Yukon Gear’s YouTube pages and find over 100 videos to get you through your day.
Warning Signs of a Failing Transfer Case
Transfer cases are used in AWD and 4WD vehicles and are responsible for directing power to both axles. While torque from the engine is sent to one axle at all times, it is only sent to both axles when the driver wants or needs the additional power. This is particularly important during inclement weather conditions, when having power directed at all four tires aids in traction and assists with accident avoidance in rough terrain. A transfer case is an important (but little-discussed) undercar component that can directly affect the safety of your customers. Especially when the temperatures start to drop and snow appears in the forecast, it’s important to take preventative steps to ensure that a customer’s AWD or 4WD system will engage when it’s called upon. Read on to learn about the top warning signs of a failing transfer case and see how you can help drivers stay ahead of the season! Gear Issues If the vehicle seems to have trouble shifting gears, it should be seen by a certified mechanic and thoroughly evaluated for potential issues. Whether it’s an automatic or manual transmission, the vehicle should smoothly transition into higher or lower gears. Something as small as a damaged or worn seal could lead to leaking transfer case fluid, which doesn’t allow for proper lubrication between the components of the unit. Without the proper level of fluid, the transfer case will eventually deteriorate beyond repair, so it’s important to correctly diagnose and correct the problem as soon as possible. Unreliable Engagement Unreliable or intermittent engagement of the transfer case signals broken internals, which should be treated as an emergency. If a transfer case is trying to engage damaged components, a small problem could quickly become much worse. Again, your shop will need to correctly diagnose the issue and then explain to the customer the importance of this safety issue. Fluid Under the Vehicle While some fluid under the vehicle can be part of condensation from normal operation, noticing reddish drips can be a sign of leaking transmission fluid. With a broken seal or gasket, leaking fluid will quickly and prematurely lead to a destroyed unit. This is a warning sign that should be taken seriously, as a small leak can turn into dry, overheated internals. Repairing a small gasket leak will be much cheaper for your customer than repairing or replacing an entire transfer case. Noises When there are issues within the transfer case, a wide variety of sounds can crop up. Metal-on-metal grinding noises can signal a broken output shaft or deteriorated internal gears. Whenever noise is coming from underneath the car, it’s time to investigate. How to Prevent Transfer Case Failure Overall, routine maintenance is the best thing for your customer’s vehicle. It ensures that everything continues to function as it should, it maintains the manufacturer’s warranty and prevents catastrophic failures from occurring. Reminding them to bring the vehicle in at the first sign of issues is essential, as well. Whether it’s leaks, noises, or changes in the way the car shifts, let them know you’re available to diagnose and remedy the issue. If there are signs of failure in a vehicle that’s over 10 years old, it could be time for a total replacement. At times, small repairs to the transfer case can outweigh the cost of a new unit and buy some time, but there always comes a day when the cost of a new transfer case becomes worth the investment. When that time comes, there are two options: new or remanufactured units. While new units have their perks, a remanufactured unit can deliver the exact same strength, durability and like-new finish. With a remanufactured unit, you can also offer your customers the same longevity of a new unit, but at a price that’s wallet-friendly. When you present lower-cost options to your customer that are backed by the same quality guarantee, you’ll gain trust, appreciation and repeat business in return.
Yukon by RANDYS Worldwide Introduces Upgrade Gears in Multiple Ratios for the Jeep Gladiator
Yukon Gear & Axle, manufactured by RANDYS Worldwide, has released a new ring and. pinion selection with ratio options that range from 3.45 to 5.38 for the new Jeep Gladiator (JT). With this addition, RANDYS Worldwide now offers a comprehensive line of aftermarket differential and drivetrain components for the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator. Jeep Gladiator enthusiasts are now able to upgrade to Yukon gears with a choice of seven ratio options: 3.45, 4.11, 4.56, 4.88, 5.13 and 5.38. “From the minute the buzz started on the Gladiator and JL, we made a decision to own this market by providing the most comprehensive drivetrain line for the platforms,” said Neal Hollingsworth, RANDYS Worldwide director of marketing. “Our goal is to ensure our loyal Jeep customers that they will have what they need when they want it. All of our products are backed with a strong warranty and the best technical customer service available to help with the selection and installation process.” In addition to Jeep JL, JK and JT front and rear ring and pinions, Yukon also offers a full range of upgrades including chromoly axles, performance driveshafts, 4WD and RWD installation kits that includes front or rear gears, Timken master overhaul kits, and high quality differential covers that take the beating from harsh off-road driving. All Jeep products manufactured by Yukon are available for quick delivery from one of seven warehouses that will ship same-day. Special pricing is available now for Jeep JK Rubicon and non-Rubicon Jeep JK Gear Kit packages that includes Timken master overhaul kits through Oct. 31.
USA Standard Gear® releases new Helical Limited Slip Differential Available for Dana 30
USA Standard Gear® announces the availability of the Spartan Helical Limited Slip Differential (LSD) for the Dana 30 front end differential. The Spartan Helical LSD is now available for order through RANDYS Worldwide, and replaces any Dana 30 front end differential, most commonly found in the popular Jeep brand. The advantage of the Spartan Helical LSD is that the pre-loaded worm gears funnel more power to the tire with the best traction. This 10-pinion design has a strength advantage over an equivalently sized 6-pinion or 8-pinion unit because it has more points of contact and more surface contact area to deliver optimal load distribution. Built tough, the Spartan Helical LSD is a fully assembled unit featuring a forged 8620 chromoly case and stout 8620 chromoly alloy internals for superior durability. Compared to other types of limited slip differentials or positraction units, the Spartan Helical LSD provides smoother engagement, quieter operation, and requires no maintenance. Specifications and features include: Fits Dana 30 front differentials 27 spline, 3.73-and-up ratio Forged 8620 chromoly case, 8620 chromoly alloy internals for superior durability Recommended gear oil: Non-synthetic 80W-90 GL-5 Use of friction modifiers not recommended Maintenance free, no worry performance Low noise, smooth engagement, linear traction 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects Learn more about limited slip differentials here.
