Denver bs thread
02-01-2016, 08:58 AM
Denver folks - I need to re-gear so badly.
I figure I will go with 4.56 but 4.88's is enticing - as I would love to go to 35's in a few years (not right now though, and I apparently 4.56 is a bit stronger in the Dana 30 anyways).
Has anyone dealt with SFF Customs down in Parker before? I have seen his ads on craigslist for a $1300 re-gear package, including regearing the front D30, and installing a 31 spline Ford 8.8 w/ disc brakes and a limited slip (which I would have rebuilt), and painting the rear diff.
http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/5374562815.html
http://www.sffcustoms.com/
But mostly I was hoping to find some actual reviews of his gear installs, as it is quite easy to mess up and I would have to rely on him to make any errors right (meaning he should stand behind his work).
Anyone dealt with SFF Customs before? The price seems really reasonable, which is why I am wondering if it is too good to be true.
EDIT:
I got quoted an install fee of 300 per differential + tax if I were to build my 8.25 and D30, not including parts, by a local drivetrain shop about a year ago. That is not including any parts, so figure $400 for the gear kit, plus $600 for install, plus another $100 or so for tax. and I still wouldn't have an LSD or disc brakes in the rear.
I am not confident that I would be able to install gears properly, and would much rather have a competent installer take care of that for me.
I figure I will go with 4.56 but 4.88's is enticing - as I would love to go to 35's in a few years (not right now though, and I apparently 4.56 is a bit stronger in the Dana 30 anyways).
Has anyone dealt with SFF Customs down in Parker before? I have seen his ads on craigslist for a $1300 re-gear package, including regearing the front D30, and installing a 31 spline Ford 8.8 w/ disc brakes and a limited slip (which I would have rebuilt), and painting the rear diff.
http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/5374562815.html
http://www.sffcustoms.com/
But mostly I was hoping to find some actual reviews of his gear installs, as it is quite easy to mess up and I would have to rely on him to make any errors right (meaning he should stand behind his work).
Anyone dealt with SFF Customs before? The price seems really reasonable, which is why I am wondering if it is too good to be true.
EDIT:
I got quoted an install fee of 300 per differential + tax if I were to build my 8.25 and D30, not including parts, by a local drivetrain shop about a year ago. That is not including any parts, so figure $400 for the gear kit, plus $600 for install, plus another $100 or so for tax. and I still wouldn't have an LSD or disc brakes in the rear.
I am not confident that I would be able to install gears properly, and would much rather have a competent installer take care of that for me.
Would not recommend going to SFF. There are a lot of people I know that went to his shop and had issues with their gears after install. Just ask then question over on Naxja Colorado Chapter and also on some jeep facebook pages that are based here in Colorado. You will get you answer really fast. $300.00 per axle for gear install sounds about right. By the time you are out the door you should be looking between 1,000 and 1,300 depending on the shop.
02-01-2016, 10:47 AM
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Would not recommend going to SFF. There are a lot of people I know that went to his shop and had issues with their gears after install. Just ask then question over on Naxja Colorado Chapter and also on some jeep facebook pages that are based here in Colorado. You will get you answer really fast. $300.00 per axle for gear install sounds about right. By the time you are out the door you should be looking between 1,000 and 1,300 depending on the shop.
However if you're worried, Frank at serious offroad (member on here and also active on Facebook) also does gear installs and is reasonable and highly recommended. I have no personal experience with him but have never heard anything negative. Only downside is he will only work on axles if they're removed from the Jeep and brought to him (Colorado springs). Not a big deal as long as your Jeep isn't your daily.
02-07-2016, 03:25 PM
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This is the first time I've ever heard anything negative about SFF and I'm also a member on some of the Colorado Jeep Facebook groups where he's often recommended.
However if you're worried, Frank at serious offroad (member on here and also active on Facebook) also does gear installs and is reasonable and highly recommended. I have no personal experience with him but have never heard anything negative. Only downside is he will only work on axles if they're removed from the Jeep and brought to him (Colorado springs). Not a big deal as long as your Jeep isn't your daily.
However if you're worried, Frank at serious offroad (member on here and also active on Facebook) also does gear installs and is reasonable and highly recommended. I have no personal experience with him but have never heard anything negative. Only downside is he will only work on axles if they're removed from the Jeep and brought to him (Colorado springs). Not a big deal as long as your Jeep isn't your daily.
All in all, the feedback for SFF is on par with pretty much any shop. Obviously you can't please everybody, but if the gears are installed wrong or needs to be re-done, will he stand by his work? The more I think about it, an 8.8 w/ LSD and disc brakes is probably the best option I have, and his price is low enough that I can't ignore the option.
Anyways, it will probably be during the warmer months anyways so I have some time to mull it over. Thanks for the feedback though - good to see that its not all bad at least
02-10-2016, 03:38 PM
Funny that you posted that you have never heard anything negative about his shop. There was just a posting about his work a couple days ago.
02-10-2016, 04:18 PM
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My experience with him was four or five years ago and I've kept my mouth shut about it since then because he refunded everything after he couldn't get it right. But now, after hearing that others are having problems with his installs, I'd rather steer everyone else clear of him. I ended up taking the axles he had worked on to Colorado Axle and Gear and it was confirmed that he hadn't shimmed the gears correctly (HOWLING). SFF insisted (over and over again) he had done thousands of gear installs in the past and had never had a problem with them making noise, and it wasn't until the mention of small claims court that he stopped communicating with me and issued a refund. Furthermore, I purchased brand new bearings to have him install while he was working on my 8.8 and D30- I gave them to him when I dropped my Jeep off at his warehouse and he told me he had installed them. Colorado Axle and Gear said the bearings in the axles were old and worn, not newly installed ones. So, in the end he refunded what he charged me to make it right but what a hassle. I ended up paying CO Axle&Gear about $1100. Perfect since.
02-11-2016, 12:48 AM
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Thanks for the review. I think I'll steer clear on 2nd thought
Time to start looking for an 8.8 with disc brakes I guess...
02-26-2016, 04:35 AM
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Hi all, I live in Aurora and am very new to this forum.
Last week I sold my '96 Bronco because it was far too out of shape for me to keep it up, in regards to time and money. Bought my '89 Cherokee from a guy who took good care of it, after having my eye on it for about 10 days. High miles and I fully understand it will need regular attention and maintenance since I want to keep it running smoothly. To and from work safely and learning about Jeeps are my current intentions, though I am definitely not opposed to building up and out as (again) time and money allow.
First little project: installing shoulder belts in the rear. I'm a nanny so this is necessary and need to get them in within the next week or so. I found and bought a R and L from a yard, and saw threads here including a video on how to install. Instructions look rather easy but because this is a safety thing I wouldn't mind a little help/supervision so I know they're in correctly.
Anyone within, say, 20 miles of Denver metro care to help? I don't expect anything for free, so I certainly have cash or trade if someone is willing to share a little time.
If you know a Jeep shop in Aurora (for this project or for future reference) that would help, too.
I will have plenty of Cherokee questions and definitely want to get my hands in on any projects and/or maintenance that I can.
Thanks!
Last week I sold my '96 Bronco because it was far too out of shape for me to keep it up, in regards to time and money. Bought my '89 Cherokee from a guy who took good care of it, after having my eye on it for about 10 days. High miles and I fully understand it will need regular attention and maintenance since I want to keep it running smoothly. To and from work safely and learning about Jeeps are my current intentions, though I am definitely not opposed to building up and out as (again) time and money allow.
First little project: installing shoulder belts in the rear. I'm a nanny so this is necessary and need to get them in within the next week or so. I found and bought a R and L from a yard, and saw threads here including a video on how to install. Instructions look rather easy but because this is a safety thing I wouldn't mind a little help/supervision so I know they're in correctly.
Anyone within, say, 20 miles of Denver metro care to help? I don't expect anything for free, so I certainly have cash or trade if someone is willing to share a little time.
If you know a Jeep shop in Aurora (for this project or for future reference) that would help, too.
I will have plenty of Cherokee questions and definitely want to get my hands in on any projects and/or maintenance that I can.
Thanks!
02-26-2016, 07:11 AM
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Hi all, I live in Aurora and am very new to this forum.
Last week I sold my '96 Bronco because it was far too out of shape for me to keep it up, in regards to time and money. Bought my '89 Cherokee from a guy who took good care of it, after having my eye on it for about 10 days. High miles and I fully understand it will need regular attention and maintenance since I want to keep it running smoothly. To and from work safely and learning about Jeeps are my current intentions, though I am definitely not opposed to building up and out as (again) time and money allow.
First little project: installing shoulder belts in the rear. I'm a nanny so this is necessary and need to get them in within the next week or so. I found and bought a R and L from a yard, and saw threads here including a video on how to install. Instructions look rather easy but because this is a safety thing I wouldn't mind a little help/supervision so I know they're in correctly.
Anyone within, say, 20 miles of Denver metro care to help? I don't expect anything for free, so I certainly have cash or trade if someone is willing to share a little time.
If you know a Jeep shop in Aurora (for this project or for future reference) that would help, too.
I will have plenty of Cherokee questions and definitely want to get my hands in on any projects and/or maintenance that I can.
Thanks!
Last week I sold my '96 Bronco because it was far too out of shape for me to keep it up, in regards to time and money. Bought my '89 Cherokee from a guy who took good care of it, after having my eye on it for about 10 days. High miles and I fully understand it will need regular attention and maintenance since I want to keep it running smoothly. To and from work safely and learning about Jeeps are my current intentions, though I am definitely not opposed to building up and out as (again) time and money allow.
First little project: installing shoulder belts in the rear. I'm a nanny so this is necessary and need to get them in within the next week or so. I found and bought a R and L from a yard, and saw threads here including a video on how to install. Instructions look rather easy but because this is a safety thing I wouldn't mind a little help/supervision so I know they're in correctly.
Anyone within, say, 20 miles of Denver metro care to help? I don't expect anything for free, so I certainly have cash or trade if someone is willing to share a little time.
If you know a Jeep shop in Aurora (for this project or for future reference) that would help, too.
I will have plenty of Cherokee questions and definitely want to get my hands in on any projects and/or maintenance that I can.
Thanks!
I haven't done the rear harnesses yet but it looks easy. I have a set out in the garage waiting to go in the 88.
Need projects/maintenance?
Go to www.cruiser54.com and begin with Tips 1,3,4, and 5.
02-27-2016, 11:28 AM
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Colorado Gasoline Transport
Anyone know the Colorado legalities of transporting some extra gas in the back of my Comanche? Specifically, does the tank have to be red? My googler failed to reveal anything. Thanks
03-07-2016, 11:07 AM
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Both Questions above.
Alpine - yes your can has to be RED. Its a HAZMAT thing, all gasoline canisters have to be red so that first responders can identify them as gas cans immediately. That should be a national statute. ( I used to haul propane for a living, it comes up... )
Toledo - PM me, we have much to discuss.
Belts are hard, but you can install them. The warning I have is that modern, rear facing, bucket style, seats for an infant are so tall they fall over all the time when you turn. You will have to come up with some way to hold the seat tighter, I have been playing this game for 4 years now, on 2 XJs, a 2 door and a 4 door...
Alpine - yes your can has to be RED. Its a HAZMAT thing, all gasoline canisters have to be red so that first responders can identify them as gas cans immediately. That should be a national statute. ( I used to haul propane for a living, it comes up... )
Toledo - PM me, we have much to discuss.
Belts are hard, but you can install them. The warning I have is that modern, rear facing, bucket style, seats for an infant are so tall they fall over all the time when you turn. You will have to come up with some way to hold the seat tighter, I have been playing this game for 4 years now, on 2 XJs, a 2 door and a 4 door...
03-24-2016, 12:50 AM
CF Veteran
Jeep is my daily
All in all, the feedback for SFF is on par with pretty much any shop. Obviously you can't please everybody, but if the gears are installed wrong or needs to be re-done, will he stand by his work? The more I think about it, an 8.8 w/ LSD and disc brakes is probably the best option I have, and his price is low enough that I can't ignore the option.
Anyways, it will probably be during the warmer months anyways so I have some time to mull it over. Thanks for the feedback though - good to see that its not all bad at least
All in all, the feedback for SFF is on par with pretty much any shop. Obviously you can't please everybody, but if the gears are installed wrong or needs to be re-done, will he stand by his work? The more I think about it, an 8.8 w/ LSD and disc brakes is probably the best option I have, and his price is low enough that I can't ignore the option.
Anyways, it will probably be during the warmer months anyways so I have some time to mull it over. Thanks for the feedback though - good to see that its not all bad at least
A few years ago I recall a hand full of complaints floating around regarding SFF on Pirate. and NAXJA all regarding axle builds ...Not saying a few posts mean he's complete crap , and since many 4x4 fab shops have drunks and stoners doing the work ...lol...I guess he can't be much any worse ...lol...I think I would buy some basic tools and give it a go b4 I had 90%of the 4x4 shops I know have a go at it for $1500 .
03-30-2019, 09:09 AM
CF Veteran
I watch this forum a lot but seldom post. It's a great recourse for me, but I am more interested in actually going out and wheeling than anything else. I am on another forum which because I have all my up-dates on anything and everything I do with my projects.Unfortunately I am not as diligent with this forum I really don't have the time to be to involved with to ma many sites. I think the world of this forum though just started with C-Talk first.
I am also very involved with a 4x4 club that is forum based and has a great format for anyone to get as involved in as they want to. It is a club that welcomes any brand of 4x4 and level of ability. FR 4x4 P.M. me if you want more info.
My rig is currently going through a complete re-build suspension wise and won't be ready for action for at least a couple months, so I won't be able to go wheeling until it is ready for a shake down run. I usually go down to the Mnt. Herman area near Monument Co. for that because it is relatively close and I have never been there when it is closed.
I am also very involved with a 4x4 club that is forum based and has a great format for anyone to get as involved in as they want to. It is a club that welcomes any brand of 4x4 and level of ability. FR 4x4 P.M. me if you want more info.
My rig is currently going through a complete re-build suspension wise and won't be ready for action for at least a couple months, so I won't be able to go wheeling until it is ready for a shake down run. I usually go down to the Mnt. Herman area near Monument Co. for that because it is relatively close and I have never been there when it is closed.
Last edited by JandDGreens; 03-30-2019 at 09:12 AM.