How do you go about finding a place to get parts installed?

"TheOnelectronic" (theoneelectronic) 01/05/2014 at 16:01 • Filed to: None

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So, there are several things I'd like to install on my truck, such as air lockers and suspension bits, and given that I'm alone and with only rudimentary tools, I'd much prefer to have it done at a shop somewhere.

Thing is, I'm not sure how to find a place. Don't even know what to search for. Help me out?

CPT Speedbump > TheOnelectronic 01/05/2014 at 16:08

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Maybe google toyota work shops are offraod shops around? I just found a fb page for a local performance shop myself, hoping that it means I might of found a place to install my future LSD :)

N/A POWAAAHH > TheOnelectronic 01/05/2014 at 16:08

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You could hop on local offroad and Tacoma forums. They usually have highly recommended shops on them as vendors, and depending on the forum, you may also get a chance to read some reviews before you go and choose a shop

desertdog5051 > TheOnelectronic 01/05/2014 at 16:10

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If you bought the stuff at a local shop, ask them for a recommendation. If bought online, e-mail the company and ask if they recommend any places. Air locker for differential? call a few 4x4 shops. Then check the BBB and make sure they get good marks.

TheOnelectronic > N/A POWAAAHH 01/05/2014 at 16:22

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Those regional forums are usually pretty dead :(

TheOnelectronic > desertdog5051 01/05/2014 at 16:23

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About the only places I've found in the ABQ area are 4wheelparts (lolno) and a few BRO YOU SHOULD JACK YOUR TRUCK places that I'm skeptical of. Considering expanding the search to Colorado.

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > TheOnelectronic 01/05/2014 at 16:28

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I'd say your best bet would be your local off road clubs, not everyone has a fully loaded garage so they have to go somewhere. However you should prepare your anus as a set of ARB air lockers alone cost around $2000 so add some labour onto that and it gets real expensive real quick.

Also if you get someone to build the differentials with the lockers for you, putting them in only requires some socket wrenches, a screw driver and a hammer.

N/A POWAAAHH > TheOnelectronic 01/05/2014 at 16:30

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My local subaru forum isn't the liveliest place, but it has lots of shop reviews, info on common problems etc.

TheOnelectronic > TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. 01/05/2014 at 16:43

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Yeah, they're definitely pricey, but open diffs are awful in this rocky country.

TheOnelectronic > N/A POWAAAHH 01/05/2014 at 16:44

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It's more like "Hello? Anyone?" on the toyota forums.

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > TheOnelectronic 01/05/2014 at 16:48

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Very true, however if you can get someone to build the lockers into your differentials. Putting them back into the axle is straight forward enough with a mechanics wrench set (we used an impact wrench to save time). I take it this isn't your DD?

TheOnelectronic > TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. 01/05/2014 at 16:53

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I've got a tiny covered carport, a garage that's 3" wider than the truck, and a basic toolkit. The nearest hardware store is 30-40 minutes away, so realizing youre missing something is painful.

I can do a good deal of basic stuff; just swapped my old and busted steel winch line for a new synthetic rope. It's just anything that requires getting under the truck or heavy lifting is difficult on my own. While I probably /could/ install the differentials, I'm paranoid enough about my competency to not feel okay tinkering with the drivetrain.

ilostmypants > TheOnelectronic 01/05/2014 at 16:56

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find recommended shop's that specialize in your type or brand of vehicle on forums and such, Recommendations from friends,

If it's somewhat oddball work like diff builds, a lot of shops might be able to do it but might not do it very often so it might be worth finding a shop that does what your looking to do often because they will be that much better at it.
If all else a good dealer will be able to help you out, labour will be more then most normal garages but I'm not sure how it would compare to off road shops and you will usually get good work done at a good dealer. usually.

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > TheOnelectronic 01/05/2014 at 17:01

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Fair enough, GBR Utah did the lockers for the Series II (they do good work but specialize in Land Rovers so you'd have to check and see if they'd do it), all you do is send them your differentials and they'll rebuild it and send it back to you.

It's really easy, all you have to do is pull the side shafts out slightly, take the housing nuts off and it differential will come straight out now I don't know if your Toyota has floating axles or not so your wheels might need to come off in order for you to pull your side shafts.

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desertdog5051 > TheOnelectronic 01/05/2014 at 18:17

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There's a place on Southern Blvd in Rio Rancho that has been around for about 10 years. Here is their FB page. Never used them, but never heard anything bad, either.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Time…

TheOnelectronic > desertdog5051 01/05/2014 at 23:34

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Thanks! I'll look into them.