Rock Hopper gears group buy

[lt1fire]

I've been talking to Rick from BBMotorsports in AU about doing a group buy for Rock Hopper Gears. They are 45% lower than the stock T-Case gears and there seems to be a growing demand on this board for gears but not many solutions. This is what he came up with

"If you get 10 at a time I will do them for AU$1235 ea, plus only $100ea for freight. Sound fair?

Rick."

For the gears with todays exchange rates that is 985.280 USD
and 79.7798 USD for shipping. It sounds like a good deal to me considering there aren't really any other options, besides Marks and their gear set isn't as low.
Anyone interested in this. I know he has an account on the board so I am going to try to get him to post up aswell.

[beno]

I've been thinking seriously about these gears but I am no where close to being able to purchase them monetarily.

I'm looking at sping of 09.

-o-

[thumper]

Wow, what are the odds. I was thinking about these yesterday. I would probably be ready to order these towards the end of the year. Little projects going on right now, but I am definitely interested in this.

Jon.

[Nay]

Cannot do it right now, but I am definitely interested longer term. The current exchange rate does make this reasonably priced.

Have we ever confirmed the actual gear ratio?

[lt1fire]

still wairing on a response on that one. I think marks is a 3.1 and the theirs is supposed to be 25% lower than stock and rockhopper is supposed to be 45% lower

[-Spike-]

Gear ratio please, and I also am not able to spend the $$ today, but possibly later. Maybe we can get another group buy together later, if one goes through soon.

-Spike

[lt1fire]

Originally Posted by -Spike-

Gear ratio please, and I also am not able to spend the $$ today, but possibly later. Maybe we can get another group buy together later, if one goes through soon.

-Spike

I emailed him about it this morning but since they are 17 hours? or something ahead of me it'll be a while before he responds

[fzjconvert]

Originally Posted by Nay

Cannot do it right now, but I am definitely interested longer term. The current exchange rate does make this reasonably priced.

Have we ever confirmed the actual gear ratio?

Well, this is how I understand it. Please correct me if my math is wrong... Also, this does not factor in tires size.


Short answer: TC low 2.488 X 45 % = 1.1196 + = 3.6076:1 about twice as low as stock if you are running 4.10:1 ring.

A442F:
1ST gear 2.95 X TC low/w gears 3.6076 X R/P4.10 = 43.63392:1
4.88 = 51.93500:1
5.29 = 56.29840:1

A343F:
1ST gear 2.80 X TC low/w gears 3.6076 X R/P4.10 = 41.41524:1
4.88 = 49.29424:1
5.29 = 53.43577:1


Regardless, I am in the same boat as many of you and can't do anything until to after the hollidays. Management got her tile. URG!

[Tapage]

now the AU dolar it's close to the US dolar .. so I thought the better time was when the USD was in .60 ratio vs the AUD ..

Not sure ( don't think it will ) if we will see again this rate .. but sure much better than now.

[Dusty]

same basic price as the marks gears that you can order from Advance adapters (who dont charge the oversees shipping to you)

I have t case gears on my list. I have read little on the rockhopper gears. I think i have only seen 1 individual on this board who is actually using them. cristo is the only individual i know of who has installed this over here in the true democracy

more info would convince me. if they are indeed lower than the marks how do they go so low? is the highrange gearing affected?

[fzjconvert]

Originally Posted by Dusty

If they are indeed lower than the marks how do they go so low? is the highrange gearing affected?

They say there is no change in high range and from what I can see they come in full or part time...

Landcruiser Rockhopper Full time




The Rockhopper low-range gearset replaces the standard gears in your transfer case.
High Range is unchanged while Low Range is reduced by 45%!
* Conquer obstacles at much lower speeds
* Gain increased throttle control
* Control ascent and descent of steep hills and rock ledges
* Enables use of larger diameter tyres
* Reduces driveline stress
* Provides an economical way to increase your 4WD performance.
Due to the nature of driveline modifications, the stresses of competition/offroad use/abuse and the many uncontrolled variables in what people consider to be reasonable use, we do not offer any warranty on drivetrain components whatsover.
Fitting is simple! Remove the transfer case, take the old gears out, put Rockhopper gears in, refit the transfer case, fill with oil, enjoy!

Frequently asked questions

Will my high range change?
No. The way the case works, it drives straight though in high. The only way to change high range in a Patrol is to change the diff gears ( call us- we do this)
Can I fit them myself? and how long will it take?

Depends...You'll need some specialised tools including a press, circlip pliers and bearing seperators- a vise, screwdrivers and chisels won't do! Basically this is a strip down and rebuild of your transfer case-If you havn't done this type of work before we suggest you get a pro to fit them.

Does the gearset come with a silencer ring?
No, they are machined from billet so accuretely that they're not needed- they can't get any quieter. Brands that need to have silencer rings are Louder than Rockhopper.
Are they noisy?
In high range they are identical to standard gears.
In Low range you'll hear a slight whirring at higher speeds- you're spinning the gears 45% faster, of course they'll whir)
Can you ship them?
Yes, we send them all over the world everyday.

Can I organise my own freight?

Sure, why not. The box weighs 11 kilograms. Measures 36 x18 x 18cm

[beno]

What I like about these gears is that you get a part time conversion as well as the lower gears for the low end. That to me is a great deal for the price.

I like the idea of killing two birds with one stone and also not having to regear the diffs and the ability to keep them stock.

-o-

[-Spike-]

You don't have to regear the diffs for offroad, but it does nothing for those of us on oversize tires on the freeway. If you can replace the high-range gears as well, might be worth looking into as an option instead of regearing axles.

-Spike

[beno]

Originally Posted by -Spike-

You don't have to regear the diffs for offroad, but it does nothing for those of us on oversize tires on the freeway. If you can replace the high-range gears as well, might be worth looking into as an option instead of regearing axles.

-Spike

Correct indeed. But, I drive my junk really slowly anyway on the highway.

I want the low end without compromizing weaker diff gears.

The rock hopper kit seems to manage that.

-o-

[fzjconvert]

Sorry in advance for the high jack


I hear what you both are saying if fact I had a 6.50:1 gear set in my samurai. I worked out really well with 35" tires because It is a true 20.2% high range reduction. That meant I did not have go real deep on the ring. I could stay in the 4's and not give up all that strength. I was able to literally idle through the toughest spots on the Rubicon or the hammers in Johnson valley and buzz down the freeway at 75mph at 2400 rpm. Low range was so low with these gears and 4.62 ring that I rarely used first gear..

I wished the 80 world would catch up with regards to gearing options available for almost everything but 80 series

CALMINI ULTRA LOW 6.5:1 ROCKCRAWLER GEARSET
LOWEST AVAILABLE!

Rockcrawler 6.50

[MomentRider]

I would be interested in these gears.....PM me with details once we get enough folks for the price.

[Dusty]

im in

[lt1fire]

Originally Posted by Dusty

same basic price as the marks gears that you can order from Advance adapters (who dont charge the oversees shipping to you)

I have t case gears on my list. I have read little on the rockhopper gears. I think i have only seen 1 individual on this board who is actually using them. cristo is the only individual i know of who has installed this over here in the true democracy

more info would convince me. if they are indeed lower than the marks how do they go so low? is the highrange gearing affected?

True they are about the same pirce but since they are lower it is what I am going to go with.

Rick said he was going to post up some info on monday for us on this thread. I told him that with the economy being down the drain it would be a tough sell right now and most likely be closer to x-mas time. He is fine with that aswell.

[lt1fire]

Originally Posted by fzjconvert

Sorry in advance for the high jack


I hear what you both are saying if fact I had a 6.50:1 gear set in my samurai. I worked out really well with 35" tires because It is a true 20.2% high range reduction. That meant I did not have go real deep on the ring. I could stay in the 4's and not give up all that strength. I was able to literally idle through the toughest spots on the Rubicon or the hammers in Johnson valley and buzz down the freeway at 75mph at 2400 rpm. Low range was so low with these gears and 4.62 ring that I rarely used first gear..

I wished the 80 world would catch up with regards to gearing options available for almost everything but 80 series

CALMINI ULTRA LOW 6.5:1 ROCKCRAWLER GEARSET
LOWEST AVAILABLE!

Rockcrawler 6.50

I'm always envious at sammi's for this but I don't think they can make gears this low for our t-case due to size constraints (at least that is what i've heard) , also no doubler as of yet for us which also sucks.

[CreeperSleeper]

I want them badly, but I have no money...

[fzjconvert]

Originally Posted by lt1fire

I'm always envious at sammi's for this but I don't think they can make gears this low for our t-case due to size constraints (at least that is what i've heard) , also no doubler as of yet for us which also sucks.

Well that is not exactly true... Marks sells what they call a "RockCrawler" transmission. Works like a Klune or a Advanced Adapter. However you have to mod the main fuel tank. But if you want the ultimate crawler gears and have another $3500 to spend. WOW! with the rockhopper gears and one of these bad boys. You could end up around 133.08:1 or around 450% lower than stock.

Cruiser Crawler

[Hayes]

What about strength and durability compromises with the lower t-case gears?

I MAY be interested.

[BBM Rick]

Originally Posted by beno

What I like about these gears is that you get a part time conversion as well as the lower gears for the low end. That to me is a great deal for the price.

I like the idea of killing two birds with one stone and also not having to regear the diffs and the ability to keep them stock.

-o-

G'day all, thanks for the interest.
I am just awaiting my gear cutter in japan to double confirm for me the specs on the actual low range ratio before I post it up. Just dotting the I's and crossing the T's so I dont look like an ass.

The only thing I do not understand is this comment above? Where does it say that it converts to Part time as well? Or have I misunderstood?
Will come back to you all as soon as I am 100% confident that what I post is correct.

Cheers,

Rick.

[beno]

My apologies Rick.

My understanding of the gears was that it was a part time conversion as well as the lowering of the "L" gear ratio.

Please correct me if I misread the gearset incorrectly.

Thanks and looking forward to the final gear ratio.



-o-

[lt1fire]

Originally Posted by beno

My apologies Rick.

My understanding of the gears was that it was a part time conversion as well as the lowering of the "L" gear ratio.

Please correct me if I misread the gearset incorrectly.

Thanks and looking forward to the final gear ratio.



-o-

No I believe I they have a gear set for a full time or a part time t-case

[Tapage]

I like ( actually deep love ) the Marks option for the t-case BF1A .. you can reduce 8% in hi and 53% in low .. so perfect convination and no regearing ( R&P ) requierd if you plan to run something like 35" or 36"

Unluckly the HF1A and family are totaly diferent ..

[Dusty]

Originally Posted by Tapage

I like ( actually deep love ) the Marks option for the t-case BF1A .. you can reduce 8% in hi and 53% in low .. so perfect convination and no regearing ( R&P ) requierd if you plan to run something like 35" or 36"

Unluckly the HF1A and family are totaly diferent ..

translate that for me