Things have changed !
After 50 years of swinging a heavy hammer and using a Impact wrench, my right Shoulder and Arm is wearing out. Working above is killing me and at the end on the day, ouch!
So...depending on the job, I'm being very selective on what I put on the lift. I prefer taking in bench jobs, Differentials and Transfer Cases. Bench jobs gives you a complete clean or painted unit.
Differential Man's Products LLC
1080 Valley Street, Suite A
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
The Differential Man Shop
Office: 719-424-0050
UPDATE NOTICE
12-1-2025
Shop Hours Tues-Sat
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Getting ready to Retire
2025
I Don't build by the Book !
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For Years, I've been saying, " I don't build by the book, I build to last"! Through out my 50 years of "Turning Wrenches", I noticed a change in the factory's assembling of differentials. Especially in the last 5 years, I found that the pinion bearings and carrier bearings were wearing prematurely, yet outside of the vehicles warranty. For pinion noise or being loose, I would remove the driveshaft and spin the yoke. On some, I had to use both hands to turn the pinion. On differentials that used threaded adjusters for the carrier bearings, I had to used a breaker bar to break it loose. On differentials using carrier spacer shims, I couldn't get the same shims back in.
As for parts, there are certain brands I use and some I will not. I use to let customers bring their own parts, but now I tell them what parts to purchase. There are brands that I have to fight with to get a good pattern. I always say, "You get what you pay for". Sometimes I'll guide them on the internet on how to find those "Hard to find Parts".
In order to build a great differential, I always ask the customer what they are using their vehicle for. Drag Racing, Track Racing, Off-Road 4-wheeling ( trailered or driving to ) and Heavy Hauling, It makes a difference on the Ring & Pinion set-up. and Bearing-Preloads.
Every differential needs to be checked for straightness, especially here in Colorado. In order for all the parts to work together and last, they have to be in alignment. Sometimes I can straighten with heating & cooling and others I use a press.
When the customer picks up their vehicle or differential, I talk to them about maintenance. I explain to them that you can't go by millage, You have to go by color and condition of oil. I always say, the oil will talk to you if you just look at it. I guess I'm a maintenance Freak! Remember the old Franz Oil Commercial. They always said, "Pay me now or Pay me later". I always say, "Oil is cheaper than Parts". To make it easier for the customer, I'll drill & tap the housing for a Drain Plug.