...As for the all in one kit, would they be packed with grease and ready to go as well?...
We have investigated this in the past and I don't think it is something we will offer, at least not now. Between the shipping issues created and the many different grease preferences, I don't know that there is a way to offer this in a cost effective way without creating to many options. Bare, Amsoil, Lucas, etc. It is something we will continue to look into as I'd love to have a quality knuckle grease (moly) and high temp wheel bearing grease in sealed packages available with our existing parts lineup. That said, I can't imaging anyone not being able to source the needed greases even in very small markets.
...The gap of snap ring is often ignored by the DIY'er but is very import. But which size is only detriment once installed, so a return on the unused sizes would be fair unless ridiculously cheap in the kit...
Return shipping costs and our time re-introducing them into our inventory may trump the return credit potential?
...Why not offer with and without kits.........
We already have all of these components in stock separately in high volumes so my goal isn't necessarily to sell a one-size-fits-all kit at a higher price rather a one-size-fits-most kit and from there make recommendations for other items that absolutely should be considered, i.e. the hub sockets. Perhaps we will end up with FAQ for the 100 wheel bearing similar to our knuckle page:
http://cruiseroutfitters.com/tech_knuckle.html
There we can recommend the items that you may not have or may not have considered as part of the basic kit?
...Also... I'm on board that including the snap rings is a good idea. One once flew about 20 feet, but luckily I was able to find it. There are I think 4 different sizes, but again it will come down to cost.
There are 6 sizes which if included will add $10-12 per side. Another option is to stock the 6 sizes (as we do) and then customers can always call back if/when they lose theirs or need a different size? Assuming you don't need a narrower clip, you could order the appropriate width and meanwhile be driving. Pop the dust cap back off and swap clips? Worth the hassle?
Exactly as you describe it Kurt, is the way I'd buy it. And speaking of such I need one as soon as you have them.
And regarding the grease thing, I think the point of this kit is too save folks money on the pieces. I'd rather grease them myself anyway, keep the cost as low as possible.
In stock as soon as we decide what goes in them
I have them built as described currently, adding parts wouldn't take but a few minutes for the initial batch.
...When I replace the bearings there is no way I'm not installing new thrust washers, lock washers, and snap rings.
I would say the bearing kit should include thrust washers and lock washers but I would leave out the snap rings as they could add to much cost (making a DIY kit cheaper as the DIYer could buy just the 2 rings they need an not a universal selection that would get costly). Same thing on rags, gloves, etc, I'll take them but don't think they should add kit price or again a DIY kit could end up cheaper.
A kit would be a nice offering as I've not had much luck sourcing good American or Japanese bearings locally off the shelf, it's all China or wait. (I found a set of Timken USA outers but no inners on the shelf) Then the local dealers will bend me right over for the small parts so I'll need to order them and have them shipped to save, so yeah, a kit would be great.
Great thoughts!
You may think it over kill BUT given the fact most of your customers are going to be doing this job for the first time its going to be a bit of a learning process and from my own experience I would say throw in 2 locking washers as i can guarantee you the first time the they do a change they wont get the preload correct and so are going to want to re check it or change it and so should really replace the locking washer although they are reusable IF you are careful...
We often recommend a spare spindle lock washer (as well as inner axle seals, etc in the case of knuckles) for first timers or jobs that have to be done the day they start type deal. I think rather than send out extras I'd rather let the customer plan in that area.
...But they're not exactly cheap unless you know the exact thickness you'll need...and one needs to have, typically, more than a couple different thicknesses on hand. Not sure how you get around this one...with trying to keep the kit price down.
That is the catch. Have you replaced wheel bearings? Have you had to use a different thickness snap ring?
...My definition of a kit is just that, it's a parts kit, lets not get carried away or it will be a $$$ kit now one will buy.
I like it!
...Kurt, I ordered the kit for my 62 from you and it had everything I needed to do it right the first time. No questions. No guesses. I appreciate that. I'd purchase a similar kit for the 100 as well knowing that you put the time and effort into finding quality parts (all of them) and putting them into one box.
Thanks for doing this!
Thank you!
It's a messy job...
