RTH: Spider Gear Re-Installation

[Slabsides45]

No it isn't Randy's direct, unfortunately. When I sent them the last info (as told to me through the seller), I sent the info directly to Randy's and I told them I was fine with direct communications unless they prefer to keep the seller in the loop. They didn't reply.

 

[ThunderRolls]

I'm here for you broth!

 

[Slabsides45]

I appreciate it my broth!

 

[alia176]

I'm trying to wrap my mind around this whole thing but failing miserably. When the crisis is over, would you please do a writeup with pics? If you encountered this problem, others may have the same issue and this thread will help them in the future.

Thanks.

 

[Slabsides45]

I took pics of several of the component parts that were affected, just haven't posted them up. I had hoped it would be quickly resolved.

The last word I got was the eBay seller contacted Randy's, who emailed me requesting pics and got the pics about a week ago (within the hour of asking).

No word since then, the 80 is sitting in the driveway since, dead in the water.

On a bright note, I had a great experience buying the "new" third through Jason at cruiseryard.com. I had the third in my hand within 48 hours of the order, an he replied to every email question within a couple hours.

Also on a "glass half full" note, since I couldn't drive it, I managed to change the charcoal canister, extend front and rear diff breathers, change the dizzy o ring, change the crankshaft seal, and change the oil/filter. So, at this rate she'll be repainted by the time I get the third back in.


ETA: Actually, they DID try to contact me. They used a different account which apparently my spam filter picked up on, and when I checked there they had replied on the 25th. Old locker in the mail back to Randy's (my nickel), they will ship out a new one.

 

[Slabsides45]

An update to my issues with Spartan:

Spartan (aka Randy's Ring and Pinion, Yukon Gear) has inspected the locker we removed from my rear third, and through the seller (Tony Feichter at Baseline 4x4 Outfitters) says that because the specs on the locker are within their guidelines, they are sending that specific locker back to me and not doing anything about the rest. So, no replacement locker, no refund.

They specifically said that the damage was caused by incorrect installation, and specified further that the failure was "...consistent with installation of the OE thrust washers." I emailed back to say that there were 3 other witnesses there (all mudders who've wrenched a bit before) that KNOW we did NOT use thrust washers. Told them that we installed it (twice) and measured the gap, and had pics to prove the gap when I opened it up for the 2nd time. That doesn't matter, it would seem.

I'd asked that they replace the locker, so I could use an undamaged locker in the new third. They say we used thrust washers and therefore won't be doing anything. Apparently that's as far as it will go. Happy day.

I did reply back asking one last time that either the seller or the mfr simply try to meet me halfway on this, and just replace the parts on the original locker that (along with the carrier) were roughed up.

If by chance they reverse their current course, I will be sure to post that up as a follow up.

Cheers.

 

[Pin_Head]

They are pi$$ing down your back and telling you it is raining.

There has to be some kind of thrust washer used in that application because you can't have steel on cast iron or you will get the type of wear and spalling that you showed. Every other locker manufacturer uses some kind of thrust washer to prevent the problem you had.


If you don't like their attitude, you can take them to small claims court for the cost of the locker the new differential and the repairs. They will almost certainly lose.

 

[js93cruiser]

They are pi$$ing down your back and telling you it is raining.

There has to be some kind of thrust washer used in that application because you can't have steel on cast iron or you will get the type of wear and spalling that you showed. Every other locker manufacturer uses some kind of thrust washer to prevent the problem you had.

If you don't like their attitude, you can take them to small claims court for the cost of the locker the new differential and the repairs. They will almost certainly lose.

On those you don't use the thrust washer, I've installed two, I called and asked to be sure, and installed without, 25k later no issues

 

[Pin_Head]

There has to be something. You can't have iron/steel metal to metal contact on a high load surface like that without getting wear and spalling like that shown in the picture. It is a bad design.

 

[js93cruiser]

There has to be something. You can't have iron/steel metal to metal contact on a high load surface like that without getting wear and spalling like that shown in the picture. It is a bad design.

I know, it confused me at first, but I guess that's supposed to be, still works like a charm!

 

[Slabsides45]

I read up on the Spartan as much as possible prior to buying. I knew they said NOT to use the thrust washers, and so we didn't use them during the install(s).

Aussie requires that you get washers fitted so your gap is just right, which was (ironically) the reason I went with Spartan. Literally went step by step through the directions.

Oh well, I suppose I will just reinstall the new third and drive it. Chalk it up to a > $500 lesson learned?

 

[jynx]

D@m^ that sucks man. I to have had my Spartan for a year now with no issues and I did my own install same as you. What dealing I have had with RRP has been good, so I am honestly surprised they basically said piss on ya...

 

[Slabsides45]

I'm still hoping they will have a change of heart.

From a strictly business standpoint, they really don't gain anything from taking a hardline stance. On the contrary, you'd think just being asked to pony up a couple machined parts to shut down a complaint would be a no brainer.

Hey, a brotha can hope, right?

 

[Bomar]

I was there helping with the install and I have used both Aussie and Lock Rite's. After what it did in a matter of minutes to the carrier was amazing. When we pulled it out again and reinspected the diff.

I would not ever buy a Spartan after this issue.

 

[Slabsides45]

I neglected to post the final outcome.

The manufacturer said that they inspected their locker and that it was within their specs. Therefore, their position was that in order for the Spartan to damage the carrier, we had to have used the thrust washers and it was my fault.

They decided to do nothing, and shipped the original locker back to me.

I will leave it to individuals to form their own opinions of what happened, and how they might want to spend their own funds.

 

[jynx]

That sucks man, I hate that they chose to treat you that way, and I hate that it bombed on you. Most folks, including myself have had good luck with these lockers.

I will remember this the next time I go looking for parts.

 

[Bodean]

An e-mail with a link to this thread to RRP might go a long way to help them make it right. Just sayin...