TnT Customs

[Kittrell]

Anyone else notice the almost identically duplicated Rubicon Control Arms? In design and price. Or how about the $369 set of Rock Rails? Not to mention all these items ship bare steel.

They have a sick Long Arm setup for sure. But I'm not so sure I like what they are doing as far as their other products go.............:dunno:

Not trying to attack them or anything. But was just browsing the site and noticed these things.

 

[Kejtar]

Now that you mention that they do look similar (although hte rubber bushing does look different). Anyways, their site mentions that they will be out in Moab in October, so I guess I'll check them out in more detail.
Oh... and I wonder the CA prices are for 1 or for 2?
<edit> I just looked at the trackbar. Looks awfully familiar

 

[BrettM]

they acknowledge that they use RE joints, no mystery there. the U part of the UCAs is definitely different than RE ones. They also use 1.5 or 1.75 DOM with 1/4 wall, whereas RE uses 1/8" wall (forget diameter) chromo. How many different ways can you make a control arm anyway?

 

[Kittrell]

Yeah, I wanna say they are just rebuilding Rubicon parts and putting their name on it............... :gag:

How many different ways can you make a control arm anyway?

Not many. I just don't see any market for their arms. Unless there is something special I am missing. They are building them with Rubicon parts, charging the same price, and shipping them bare steel. Obviously more beef is a plus, but I can't say people are bending Rubicon arms on a regular basis....

 

[Gil BullyKatz]

As long as they don't duplicate RE's customer service...

It's worth the difference in price even if the parts are identical!

 

[jrsxj98]

My experience with them so far.......10x the customer service of RE. And great products too.

 

[Kittrell]

My experience with them so far.......10x the customer service of RE. And great products too.

I am not denying awesome constumer service or even contesting the quality of their parts. I am merely pointing out that they seem to be making knockoffs for a profit and that doesn't sit well with me. Can't anyone be original anymore? If you can't find a better way to design an arm then don't make it. Rather then taking that design, using half of their parts, and slapping your name on it. Their arms are obviously not identical, but close enough that the design is not their own. Currie does the same thing with alot of JKS products that they sell. And I just don't think its sound business practice. Or maybe the profit you make in enough to compensate for your loss of character. I think the fact that their Long Arms were their first XJ product that now everyone is in love with their Company. But had their other parts been released first. I think alot more people might see things differently.........:dunno:

Rant off................... aperwork

 

[Jes]

Obviously more beef is a plus, but I can't say people are bending Rubicon arms on a regular basis....

I dunno about that...

...kinda like saying rockrails made out of 1/8" stock hold up. :gag:

 

[Kittrell]

I dunno about that...

...kinda like saying rockrails made out of 1/8" stock hold up. :gag:

Ha, I didn't say that it never happened. I think Lincoln bent the thread on a set of his from dropping off a ledge? I was just stating that it wasn't a frequent issue. With the type of abuse you clowns put your rigs through, I'd be worried about it too.............. :laugh3:

 

[XJEEPER]

What is your manufacturing background? Is it wise to build every component from scratch on the basis of having a purely original design? I've built several sets of UCA's/LCA's, using RE joints, DOM, and attaching them in a fashion that is Currie-like. Some of the reasoning is asthetic, but ease in manufacturing is also a factor, based on the tools I have in my garage. Big whoop-ti-do.....

Seems to me like you've got an underlying beef here......or you just like to hear yourself type.

 

[Kittrell]

What is your manufacturing background? Is it wise to build every component from scratch on the basis of having a purely original design? I've built several sets of UCA's/LCA's, using RE joints, DOM, and attaching them in a fashion that is Currie-like. Some of the reasoning is asthetic, but ease in manufacturing is also a factor, based on the tools I have in my garage. Big whoop-ti-do.....

Seems to me like you've got an underlying beef here......or you just like to hear yourself type.

I have no problem with taking a design that works and building it for your personal use. That is something completely different. No beef with TnT at all, just something they seem to be doing that bothers me.

 

[RichP]

I've also seen other stuff turn up in catalogs under different names, Bullet Proof was one that marketed under a different name in quadratec like 2 years ago as well as a few others.

 

[Ronbo]

Wait till you find out how many companies make round tires.

 

[Kittrell]

Wait till you find out how many companies make round tires.

 

[Ramsey]

Wait till you find out how many companies make round tires.

:laugh2:

not swamper

 

[sintax]

I am merely pointing out that they seem to be making knockoffs for a profit and that doesn't sit well with me. Can't anyone be original anymore? If you can't find a better way to design an arm then don't make it.

I think you are missing the fact stated above, they DID find a way to make it better, they used stronger materials to IMPROVE the arms. Do we know if the lengths are the same? No one is stealing anyones ideas.

 

[DrMoab]

I am merely pointing out that they seem to be making knockoffs for a profit and that doesn't sit well with me. Can't anyone be original anymore?

Have you looked at modern sedans lately? Toyota, honda Saturn...They are all knock offs of someone elses design.

What about Microwave ovens? When was the last time you have seen a totally unique design there?
In fact I bet every brand of Microwaves use the same brand of electronics inside.

This is the way the world works. People taking designs and making them better. If it wasn't done we would still be driving cars resembling Model T Fords.

 

[BrettM]

this thread sucks

:01of5:

 

[GSequoia]

My beef is with RE.

Have you ever looked at an RE arm? It's clearly a knock off of a Jeep control arm.

Just look at it. The uppers have a bushing on one end and a U type shape on the other. They're both attached at each end by one threaded bolt and nut. They are both longer than they are wide.

 

[sintax]

My beef is with RE.

Have you ever looked at an RE arm? It's clearly a knock off of a Jeep control arm.

Just look at it. The uppers have a bushing on one end and a U type shape on the other. They're both attached at each end by one threaded bolt and nut. They are both longer than they are wide.

Lets not forget they are both made of metal...i'm smelling a law suit here. Also I THINK they may have something on the grounds that one end attaches to the axle and the opposing end attaches to the body. I'm pretty sure Jeep pattened that theory in 1987 when the first renix model XJ was released.