When I was shopping for a lift for my 99 I saw a lot of bashing all around, but a good amount of it for Rusty's stuff... so I did a lot of research. I was looking for a local manufacturer... someone who wheeled in my area. I drove down to meet Rusty, simply because of all the bad press. I wasn't going to drop a bunch of money with out meeting the guy. After talking and looking around I decided on Rusty's 6.5 long arm. I felt like he would take care of any problems that might arise.
I have been pleased with the kit. No different than other lifts, some bolt holes may need to be enlarged to fit... etc. components are beefy enough and the long arms are pretty darn flexy, a little noise with the swaybars disco'd from the lack of jamnuts on the arms, but that helps with keeping radius arm bind to minimum. My lift is level and rides nice. It takes a pounding and was well worth the money.
When dealing with Rusty, I have always tried to be courteous and understanding. He's not a huge corporation. So like others said... they can get swamped. Understanding that and keeping your cool is probably the best way to resolve anything. He has always been helpful and quick enough to respond.
As for overall quality, well you get what you pay for. His kits are more affordable, and may not have all the engineering or bells and whistles. If you aren't a bit mechanical, you might be frustrated. Thankfully I was a machinist in a previous life. The money I saved left me money for tires, lockers, OBA and all the other things one needs to wheel. Buying from Rusty has allowed me to wheel more and be more successful in my obstacle attempts. If I had bought a more high dollar kit, well I would have been able to get far less... and would have to spend more time mall wheeling; waiting to get all the stuff I now have. It was a decision. I have too many hobbies... and Rusty's fit my budget. Most important though, his stuff works and is strong enough to handle Eastern wheeling (mountains with muddy rocks and logs on steep obstacles). Never been out west with my rig... so can't speak for the west.
Point is, stupidity can break anything... careful can break things too... this hobby is all about doing things that challenge us and our rigs, the stock parts and the upgrades we add... sometimes things break.
I bought a TIG welder... and got a hookup for scrap steel... I use my grease gun, and I check my bolts for tightness... I think my Rusty's parts will last a good long while through many miles of road and trail.
My advice:
1) Turn your own wrenches, know your rig. If you are a novice, get experienced help to lead you in the install.
2) Meet your vendor face to face.
3) Voice your needs, concerns and expectations up front.
4) Pay in cash. Nothing sucks more than having a credit card bill strung out for months on something that is used offroad; because it can break... atleast with cash its totally paid for while it sitting there waiting on parts. Plus cash make people a little more friendly. Its personal. And sometimes gets you much better service and discounts.
5) Keep your cool if there is a problem and give them the opportunity to make it right.
