Del Albright's - Products and Tech Talk
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Del's Premier Sponsors and Awesome Supporters |
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T&T Customs -- for your buildup or custom fabrication; check out their Rock Tek suspension and new Jeep Trail Doors |
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Nemesis Industries, major supporters of landuse, access and many off-road groups. Get what you deserve! |
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MetalCloak, rock biting products because it's your Jeep, only better. |
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BFGoodrich Tires - the Nation of Go; Take Control |
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Raceline Wheels by Allied -- integrating technology and design to make trail-tuff wheels |
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Poison Spyder Customs -- body armor, Access Army Ricochet Rockers, Crusher Corners, and more |
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J&W Auto Wreckers -- specializing in new and used Jeep parts |
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Advance Adapters, Atlas Transfer Case |
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Trail-Gear, Toyota, Samurai and Jeep Off-Road Parts with 50,000 sq. ft. of stocked warehouse just for you. |
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Hanson Offroad -- innovative, high quality, trail durable bumpers and products |
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NAXJA, North American XJ (Cherokee) Association |
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Olympic4x4 Products -- manufacturing 4x4 stuff since 1948. |
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JKS Manufacturing, Off-Road & Performance Upgrades for Jeep Vehicles. |
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4Wheel Parts -- where you can get everything off-road. They are GREAT supporters of landuse and the BlueRibbon Coalition |
My BEST ADVICE: if you're going to have someone build up your rig, here's the steps I recommend.
1. Figure out your budget.
2. Make a list of the things you want to change, modify, upgrade (including all the the subsequent changes any one change causes. Visit my page on build-ups before you go much further).
3. Do your homework. Visit web sites (see my page on Tech Talk) and talk to folks who've done what you are thinking about doing. Get the pro's and con's so you can make a solid decision. TALK TO PEOPLE YOU TRUST. Listen to the old timers before you spend money.
4. Then, prioritize your list of changes and match that up with your budget (call around and get quotes from everybody you can).
Now you're ready to contact the vendors that stood out for you from your homework. Get cranking! Sometimes it helps to follow the old addage of having work done nearby your home, so if something needs a re-fix, you're not that far away. Other times, it pays to have something shipped because the vendor just plain has his/her stuff together. To me, things like realibilty, quality and durability of product are KEY to helping me decide with whom I want to do business.
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Go here FIRST to buy parts -- these folks support us and our access issues big time! Sponsors and Supporters |
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Get drive train, gears and drive line products here at DriveTrainOutlet.com
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Be sure to have your list of questions before you talk to the vendors. Know what you want; ask what they recommend; and keep good notes. Find out what they warranty. Ask if they have a better idea than what you're thinking. Ask where the parts are built (their shop or overseas or?). Take the time to assess the options that are available to you. Sometimes a vendor makes the part; other times they use someone else's part and put in their components. It's not that this is bad; but make sure you know what you're getting and that it matches your expectations.
Here's a couple examples:
I've blown two stock rear ends on my TJ (both Dana 35's) and I wouldn't be able to recommend a Dana 35. There are tons of war stories about them. If you're going to stay on the pavement, a Dana 35 will be fine. If you want to put your rig to the test, and still use a 35; well, then, you're risking it. I put a Currie-built Ford 9" under the rear end of my TJ and a Dana 44 in the front. It's bullet proof now!
Currie is also one of my sponsors, with the addition to my Jeep of the Currie Anti-rock front sway (disconnect) bar; and the Currie Rear Anti-Rock sway bar system. I also have the Currie front heavy duty steering system. These babies are AWESOME additions to my rig. Talk about articulation while still maintaining vehicle control and stability! I would highly recommend these mods to your rig. Check out Currie today.
Arabia's Overkill Jeep Fabrication
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Jeff Arabia and his team at Arabia's Overkill will build you a rig or modify your current set up like no one I know. They believe in "overkill" because rocks bite! |
Arabia's Overkill is my first choice for a build up shop. Visit them at www.arabiasoverkill.com
Don-A-Vee:
I have a friend who had Don-A-Vee build up his Jeep and he loves the work they did. Write me for more info or a reference. From what I've seen, these folks build a good product, but I just don't have any experience with them.
Terra (MEPCO):
My brother har a new Terra-Low Dana 60 in the rear of his TJ, and a Dana 44 up front. I'm saddened to report that in two weeks he has burned up two of the new Terra Low 60's. They have a manufacturing (design) problem that needs to be overcome. The oil leaks heavily around the pinon seal (in one case within 80 miles of pavement driving). Not something to consider yet, until they get the bugs worked out. If you want a Dana 60, try checking out the DynaTrak. It looks beefy and I've not heard of any problems.
Currie Enterprises:
My TJ has Currie front and rear, as well as Currie heavy duty steering and a Currie Antirock Sway Bar, front and rear. Their products are good and solid, plus they last and hold up to tuff trials. The Currie family is noted for building and driving off road rigs that perform. My Ford 9 and Dana 44 are holding up well, not to mention the great performance upgrades the Anti-Rock system has given old Red. Check out Currie today -- you won't be disappointed and you'll get more than you pay for.
ARB:
Whatever you do, I recommend putting ARB air lockers in your front end at least. Rear end too, if you can swing it. I'm on my second rig with ARB air lockers, and I've loved every minute of having them.
ARB HELPED SPONSOR part of my initial rig buildup on Red. THEY FINANCIALLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE BLUERIBBON COALITION SPECIFICALLY TO HELP ME HELP YOU KEEP OUR TRAILS OPEN. PLEASE REMEMBER THIS WHEN YOU GO TO ADD LOCKERS TO YOUR RIG.
Where is a good place on the Internet to get vehicle specific information?
There are other companies doing this type work and it's not my intent to list them all. But feel free to contact me if you'd like to know what I know about a company.
Rubicon 4x4.Com
Rubicon4x4.Com
One of our early sponsors of FOTR and Rubicon work, the folks at Rubicon4x4.com have some wonderful products and help our trails. Check them out with this coupon. They are now consolidated into Tellico4x4.com. Go here for a discount:
