is $1800 a good deal for gears and locker?

XJFever

NAXJA Forum User
A while ago, I gave a local guy this amount for 4.10's and an ARB rear locker with compressor, to install them in my stock axles (dana 30 and chr 8.25). He was also gonna charge me $500 to install when they came in.

Took forever for him to do anything, and he ended up finding someone who had a set of axles already set up that apparently he had done everything to that would be ready for me to just install on my jeep. It was a dana 30 and a ford 8.8 with 4.10's in it, and an arb locker in the rear. It would also come with a compressor. For some odd reason, he said it would be the same price.

I'm not too sure, but I think hes probably skimming some $$, because I feel like buying used gears and a used locker shouldn't cost the same as a putting gears in my current axles. Need some advice on this, I've never dealt with gears. Should I just get my money back?
 
I woulnt pay that much for used gear, how long was it actually used for though?

I bought a D44a/D30 with 4.10's and an Aussie that were for less than 3K miles for $700.

Ford 8.8's are pretty cheap, but the work for changing the brackets and whatnot.

Might not be too far off.

I guess it would all depend on the condition and miles on the used gear.
 
So we was gonna charge you $1,800 for parts and an additional $500 to install?
Well when I first gave him money, yes. I thought it was a good deal, considering other quotes around town.

But then he found these axles already set up. I have no idea how much they were used, but he said they checked out.
 
Walk away you're getting ripped off.

Even $1800 for the parts on the gears/locker is rediculous. For that price you better be getting a super 30 kit at least. And that price should include the install for a super 30.

I bought my 4.10 D30 and 8.8 with the xj perches on it for $700. There are good deals out there, just be patient.
 
Definitely inflated. I'm thinking I should go with my gut here and get my money back, instead of using it for a used setup. Whats really bothering me is that I gave him this money 3 months ago. I know where he lives so its not like I'm that worried that I wont get it back.
 
For that price he said he didn't want to install the compressor either. And after waiting so long, I'd rather spend the money on something else, like a bumper, or a snorkel.
 
Depending a brands

4.10 Gears 150 x 2 300
Major Install kit 100 x 2 200
Air Locker rear 900 900
Air Compressor 300 300
Misc. fluid, etc 75 75

sub-total 1775
tax/shipping 75 75

Total Parts 1850

Install 250 x 2 500


Not a great deal, but reasonable.

The unknown on the used axle would steer me away.
 
Looked these up last night on Ring&Pinion.com (Randy's Ring & Pinion) for work I want to do to my jeep.
gears:
3.73 Chrysler 8.25(Chrysler brand) 349.42
3.73 Dana 30 (Dana brand)228.86
Master install kit 8.25 97.98
Master install kit D-30 118.15
Total: $794.41
Those are prices for the MOST expensive gears Randy's sells(Factory gear sets are supposed to run quieter), and the full install kits. Throw in cost of new axle bearings for the 8.25(assume you're anal): $14.66x2(Torrington bearings) = $823.73
That leaves $976.27 to pick up the ARB and compressor.
If you go with Yukon gears instead of Chrysler/Dana, lop off 158.82, for a total of $664.91, leaving $1135.09
500.00 is a little high for install, but it's not really out of line
I'd tell the guy that for those prices, he can supply the new parts, and do the labor.

Used gears are 100.00/set tops(4.10 Dana 44s go for 50.00/set all day on Ebay). The 4.10 gear is stock for the Ford 8.8, which means he probably didn't put in gears or a full install kit in it(lucky if it has new bearings) 4.10s also came stock on 4-cyl. Cherokees and Wranglers, so the front could be a junk yard pull.
Unknown Ford 8.8 with ARB + unknown D-30, I'd pass on that setup for anything over the price of a new ARB.
 
500 for install setup of gear and a rear arb is not high. I was quoted 1000.00 in the vehicle. I thought that was high so I removed the axles and shafts, brakes and delivered the minimum to my guy and he charged me only 150.00 each. I felt that was a deal as the arb setup is critical. If you half ass the install, you maybe sorry on the trail. 1000 dollar tow could really suck.
 
I talked to him and he said he really doesn't care if I get these axles or not. If I would rather use the money for new gears and an arb in my current axles and then spend whatever for the labor then he would order the new gears for me.

The total price is still pretty good compared to anywhere else here.
 
500 for install setup of gear and a rear arb is not high. I was quoted 1000.00 in the vehicle. I thought that was high so I removed the axles and shafts, brakes and delivered the minimum to my guy and he charged me only 150.00 each. I felt that was a deal as the arb setup is critical. If you half ass the install, you maybe sorry on the trail. 1000 dollar tow could really suck.

Wow, you got a hell of a deal.
 
29 Spline ARB - $735 w/Free Shipping, ARB Compressor - $150 Here and Here

Superior 4.10s F/R w/Install Kits $430 Call for shipping Here

That puts you at about $1,950 for parts. That is with buying the parts at consumer prices. Going through him, he should be able to get way better prices, a small markup so he makes some money, and it should still be less. Thats with Superiors gears too, I don't think you mentioned what brand he is using for yours? He should be able to get you parts and install for under $2,000.
 
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