Q:
Can I get Crane Diff covers Steering systems and Knuckles installed at Crawlertech4x4?
A:
Yes, Diff covers and knuckles can be installed by appointment and can also be installed while your rig is in the shop for other services...such as gear installs.
Q:
What gear ratio is best for my jeep?
A:
That depends on several factors..but for the most part, axle ratio changes are needed to improve or retain OEM performance based on increased tire diameter.
The most basic answer is..
35" -37" tires with a 3 speed automatic trans is 4.56:1
5 Speed Manual trans or 4 speed auto 4.88:1
JK with the V6 35"-39" tires 5.13:1
Q:
Is it possible to gear my axles too low?
A:
Yes, you cannot create "crawl ratio" with axle gears.
Installing 5.38 gears with 33" tires to be able to go slower on the trail is a mistake. Axle ratio changes are only designed to compensate for tire diameter and a balance needs to be struck for optimum street/trail use.
If you need a better crawl ratio, have us install a 4.0:1 kit in your transfer case or a transmission with a granny low 1st gear or an automatic.
Q:
Is setting up gears really hard, can I buy my gears at your shop and install them myself?
A:
Installing gears requires some very specialized tools and good mechanical skill. We are glad to help out the do-it-yourselfer and if you get into a pickle, we can finish the install for you.
The difference between a DIYer gear installer and a pro that has done many hundreds of gear installs is...we know what to do when it does not set up right. We check every housing for straightness, know how to spot a problem before it creates a failure...
We know when a previous gear install was done incorrectly and what to do about it.
Q:
If my axle housing is bent can you straighten it? Once straightened will it bend again?
A:
Yes and No we straighten bent axle housings. Most housings get bent as a result of a boo boo...like jumping the rig, hitting a rock/hole at speed.
With our proven technique of straightening, we do not see them having future bend issues. It depends on the severity of the bend, slight bends (enough to create axle seal leaks) can be repaired without the need for a truss...more severe but straightenable housings need a truss added to insure a long service and performance life. We are happy to quote out trussing at the time we straighten a housing too. Trussing is a good preventative repair so if you have a boo boo it won't be a problem.
Q:
Can Crawlertech/Crane build a custom axle for my TJ/XJ/YJ/CJ Buggy? And ship it to me?
A:
Of course, we build and ship many axles to anywhere in the lower 48.
Dream it and we can build it.