Tom Woods

[kennyb]

anyone know about Tom Woods? Are they good drive shafts? what about Skyjacker SYE's to. let me know.

[TDW]

yep check them out at www.highangledriveline.com (http://www.highangledriveline.com) <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[JohnC]

lol.

[Hurc]

<IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> That's great. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

[XtrmTJ]

Bro of mine has broken TWO of his ! Another buddy has one that is out of round ? I called em, dude was rude as hell ? DENNY,S is what I,m runnin, works good , strong as heck ! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">
<IMG SRC="smilies/jeep2.gif" border="0"> __(OIIIIIO)__ rOkOn

[Harry Brosofsky]

First, it's Tom Wood, not Tom Woods...you probably wouldn't want your name misspelled or mispronounced (sorry, but with a name like Brosofsky, I'm probably a bit more sensitive than most about name spelling/pronunciation).

Second, Tom uses only new Spicer parts. If the parts broke, it because they were not sized for the job (or the driving style). Don't blame Tom....he makes a great shaft that works well. If you're breaking his shafts, you need something bigger. Tom stands behind his product too...with his optional trail hazard warranty, he'll build you a new shaft, even if it's your fault it broke.

Third, and finally, I've know Tom for several years, even met him in person a few times. I've heard many stories of him bending over backwards to help folks at big events, even on stuff that he didn't build. I've spoke to him on the phone literally dozens of times. But in all that, I've never heard anyone say he was rude or provided anything less than great customer service. If Tom was rude to you, I'd wager it was in response to the way you were talking to him.

[JnJ]

Gotta go with Harry on this one. Tom's shafts are quality. He does stand behind his stuff. Again, like Harry said, this is the first bad coment I've heard about Tom. Wieghed against the literally 1000s of positive coments, and it's clear to me that Tom is doing right by his customers.

[Boston Mangler]

Here is what i have heard.

I have ALWAYS (until recently) heard that Tom Wood was the best shaft you can buy hands down!

I have recently here A LOT of stories about his shafts failing for some reason. Most breaking at the yoke ears.

My good friend Tom (TBONE) on most forums just snapped one of Tom's HD shafts pulling out of his driveway. He called Wood and he sent it and replaced it for free but this still shouldnt have happened.

I have spoke on the phone with him many times and he is a very helpful, polite and knowledgable guy.

What i an GUESSING here is that since he has been so busy lately, MAYBE he starting using different, cheaper material in his shafts and now everyone is snapping them? This is just a thought.

One of my other good friends with a 4Runner has one of his long travel front shafts ($500) and it is only a year old and they splines are pretty tweaked (twisted)

My .02

[Harry Brosofsky]

I just installed 2 TW shafts in a guys jeep this weekend as part of a lift install. Both used new Spicer parts (at least they were new looking...no dents, gouges, etc). I doubt he's scrimping on parts.

[HighHooder]

welcome to Tom Wood, the newest member or www.Pirate4x4.com (http://www.Pirate4x4.com) <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0">

[Desert Jeepin]

Ok...

1) I do NOT have one of Tom Wood's Drive Shafts.

2) ...stands behind his product? My Story Follows.

I called Tom Wood's for a new set of drive shafts when I installed my KluneV. The person I spoke to was "fairly" friendly. I asked "How short of a CV style drive shat can you make for my Jeep?" And the reply was "About 10inches." I was all jazzed, but then the conversation continued. "CV?" I was asked. "Yes, I installed a SYE." "Who made it?" I replied with "Rubicon Express". I then got a pause and "I will not sell you a drive shaft. I was like "Why?". To tell the truth, I'm still not sure why. I was then told basically that He WOULD indeed sell me one, but I could not say for what application, and that if it indeed broke, it would not be warrantied.

This all took place about a year ago, and thing may have changed. However polite he was, the insecurity of his voice was enough that I bought mine elsewhere (irrelevant where).

3) Nice guy? I think so, from our 5 minute phone conversation.


My Point? I'm not sure, just wanted to post because I was bored, and had this piece of experience to share.

--Phillip

[wsuxjer]

rumor has it, he got a lot of shafts sent back because of vibs...turns out it was because they had the RE SYE and it requires you to drill & tap you stock output shaft. people who didn't drill the holes perfectly straight had vibs and blamed 'em on the shafts.

[mike]

Well, since we're at this again... called, placed my initial order. Was told that they'd be shipped next day. Three days later I still hadnt recieved it, so I called. "Oh they'll be shipped today". This went on for over 2 weeks with excuses like "I went fishing". Anyway I finally recieve the shafts.. The rear fits, the front is too long... great send it back and get it fixed. Wait another 2 and a half weeks to get the front shaft back go wheelin'. Everything seems cool.. about 2 weeks later I go wheeling again and grenade the rear shaft. Look at the break and theres air bubbles throughout the weld and the metals crystalized. Call and tell him this, send the shaft back.. wait another 2 weeks.. once again with lame excuses and "I'll ship it tomorrow"s.. finally get it back do a little wheelin' and it breaks driving to work one monday morning on the street. Got home and called gloeco. Got the shaft in 2 days as promised and havent had a problem with it since.

[DUG]

Strange.

Every time I have spoken to Tom Wood he has been helpfull and service has been fast and reliable. The quality of the shaft I got was great. It lasted where the local shops shafts where busting every other trail run.

Both times I used him I got the shafts in 3 days. Always a perfect fit.

I just can;t belive his service went that bad that fast!

[Desert Jeepin]

Again, however you must remember that bad experiences are praportional to good ones. The more good experiences, the more the bad ones.

[DUG]

Originally posted by wsuxjer:
<STRONG>rumor has it, he got a lot of shafts sent back because of vibs...turns out it was because they had the RE SYE and it requires you to drill & tap you stock output shaft. people who didn't drill the holes perfectly straight had vibs and blamed 'em on the shafts.</STRONG>

I don't quite see how that would matter. Even if the hole is a little off center the yoke can still only fit in the position that the splines mean it to. The kit is made so that you can goof on the centering and it will still work. It could be that the bolt throws off the balance of the output shaft but I can not belive that that little weight in the center of the shaft could create that big of an out of balance condition. As much as I liked his service and shaft that sounds like a rather lame excuse.

[Monkeyboy]

All this talk makes me want to deal with the local guyover in concord.

Wait I already have.

Showed up at his shop at 4:30 one evening.
He closes at 5:00.
gave him the measurments told him what I was using it for and he said no problem I'll have it ready by noon tomorrow.
Next morning I get a call at 10:30 he says come awn over and pick it up the paint should be dry by the time you get here.

Haven't had a problem yet with the shaft except for the fact that with the larger size CV I some times get some rubbing on the xsfercase linkage <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[Harry Brosofsky]

Tom tried to post himself, but could not for some reason. He signed up today after someone tipped him on the bashing he was getting here. Here's what he wrote to me and asked me to post:

Harry:

I've been looking at Pirate4x4.com and noticed your post concerning myself and my products. Thanks for the kind words. I've attempted to log in after registering but just can’t seem to make it work for me. Possibly you can help. Or post this letter, if you feel it appropriate.

TJ hoop has incorrectly shown my web address. The correct address is 4XSHAFT.COM

2XTRM4U. Please let me know who has had a problem with my drive shaft or have them contact me, so that I can make every effort to correct the problems. Have them call me toll free @ 1-877-497-4238. If you perceived me to be " Rude as hell," I apologize, it is never my intent. Was it me you spoke with? And would you be kind enough to contact me again? I will accept and appreciate specific criticism so that I can correct any offensive behaviors

And to the Boston Mangler I certainly hope the photo shown with your post is not an expression of your feelings toward me or my products. Yes I have been very busy, But in my mind this is all the more reason to give every effort to providing the best quality product, as I simply would prefer to avoid the time consuming and very expensive process of correcting problems that would most surely increase as a result of using an inferior grade of components. I have not changed the brand or grade of components that I use. It was good to see that you pointed out that I took care of TBONE'S damaged drive shaft at no charge. I agree his failure shouldn't have happened. If you will contact TBONE and ask him to contact me I would like to speak with him for my own peace of mind so that we may confirm that we have determined the root cause of his failure. Your friend with the Toyota front shaft should also contact me immediately; if he has twisted splines there is a very real possibility that this can cause a catastrophic failure as a result of the slip binding under compression. Of the many thousands of drive shafts shipped I have experienced only a very minuscule portion of failures, most of these were for reasons beyond my control. Occasionally someone will experience a problem with a drive shaft that I've built. But in every instance I will give every measure to correct the problem.

Best Regards

Tom Wood

[Po' riggity]

Well, The question is, will Tom make a rear CV shaft for a jeep with the RE sye? Im getting one for free, and plan on using it... therefore, I will need a new shaft, but if Tom won't make shafts for the RE kit, then I'll have to buy elsewhere!
Scott <IMG SRC="smilies/grinpimp.gif" border="0"><><

[TDW]

whoops <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> www.4XSHAFT.com (http://www.highangledriveline.com) <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[jchio]

Originally posted by TJoop:
<STRONG>whoops <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> www.4XSHAFT.com (http://www.highangledriveline.com) <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"></STRONG>

This is funny! I have a front Tom Woods on my CJ7 and works great, I had it cut once and still working... Also we just installed a Oneton CV from High Angle and its amazing!

Im sure every single vendor has 1 or 2 unhappy customers once in a while so bare on them. My 2 cents! <IMG SRC="smilies/eyemouth.gif" border="0">

[Desert Jeepin]

You can please all the people some of the time, some of the people all the time, but you'll never please all the time.

[Supergper]

Originally posted by Rocktoad:
<STRONG>
Showed up at his shop at 4:30 one evening.
He closes at 5:00.
gave him the measurments told him what I was using it for and he said no problem I'll have it ready by noon tomorrow.
Next morning I get a call at 10:30 he says come awn over and pick it up the paint should be dry by the time you get here.

Haven't had a problem yet with the shaft except for the fact that with the larger size CV I some times get some rubbing on the xsfercase linkage <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"></STRONG>

Thats funny because this is the exact same service I received from Tom...except I called him on a Friday evening to see how soon he could have a shaft ready for me...he asked for the measurements...well brilliant me didn't have them...so he said to go measure and call him back...by this time his shop had been closed for about 30 mins...I called him back and gave him the measurements he told me it would be ready the following day (Saturday) and he would ship it on Monday...well since I am fairly local and I was going to be at Lagoon,(a local amusement park) for a work party, which is real close to his shop I asked if I could stop by and pick it up he said sure no problem...I was there around 1:30-2:00 and my shaft was ready to go...so the point of this is that despite what everyone is saying about him putting them off I sure wasn't put off and I was actually amazed that he could have it done in only a day, I also got my AA SYE kit from him at the same time, it was originally going to be the JB SYE kit and he had one on the shelf...well he ended up calling me back and telling me that someone else in his shop had already promised that one to somebody else...he said he would see what he could come up with...a little while later he called me back told me he could get me an AA SYE kit which is pretty much the same thing and have it there for me the following day (saturday again)...oh and another cool thing is he bought my old shaft which I had no usse for, for $75 so it brought everything to like $500 or so which I didn't think was too bad <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">


so my experiences with him have been great and he is a way nice guy, very knowledgeable, and willing to help anyone out...I have heard the same thing about him helping others out on trail rides and events even when its not his product <IMG SRC="smilies/rasta.gif" border="0">

Just my $.02 <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[Boston Mangler]

Can someome please FWD this to TOM WOOD

>>>>>And to the Boston Mangler I certainly hope the photo shown with your post is not an expression of your feelings toward me or my products.
**** No sir, not even in the slightest, that is always on my posts and is just a humorous gesture (in my mind anyway)

>>>>>I have not changed the brand or grade of components that I use.
***** That is good to know, as i think TBONE just ordered a shaft for me from You (ironic huh?)

>>>>It was good to see that you pointed out that I took care of TBONE'S damaged drive shaft at no charge.
***** Yes, i am very honest and open, i tell it as i see it. I know Tbone and his driving style and he uses finesse and not speed, thats why i was confused when his shaft grenaded! Glad to see you did i great job fixing the problem fast though!

>>>>I agree his failure shouldn't have happened. If you will contact TBONE and ask him to contact me I would like to speak with him for my own peace of mind so that we may confirm that we have determined the root cause of his failure.
**** Just FWD him this post, so he should reply!

>>>>>Your friend with the Toyota front shaft should also contact me immediately; if he has twisted splines there is a very real possibility that this can cause a catastrophic failure as a result of the slip binding under compression.
**** Will doo

Of the many thousands of drive shafts shipped I have experienced only a very minuscule portion of failures, most of these were for reasons beyond my control. Occasionally someone will experience a problem with a drive shaft that I've built. But in every instance I will give every measure to correct the problem.


Yes, i agree that you were very nice and polite to me on the phone and i could tell that you were very busy as well. I personally have no problems with ya and think you have GREAT customer service.

Thanks Tom!

[Harry Brosofsky]

More from Tom....he still can't post. BTW, other than being a satisfied customer, I have no affiliation with Tom. Mangler, I e-mailed your response to Tom.

-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Wood [mailto:tom@4xshaft.com]
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2001 8:15 PM
To: harry@harryworld.com
Subject: More stuff

Still can't manage to log on to pirate4x4.com to post. Thanks for your help in the matter. These things do concern me. I've been attempting to identify the customers in order to make contact with them but this is proving very difficult with the anonymity of the internet.

Seems like people either love me or hate me today..

So many people ask about a drive shaft for the RE kit that I have a "form letter" in my Word Perfect file that I have previousy e-mailed and faxed to other individuals. I have refrained from any general postings in the past or putting this informationon on my website as I prefer not to appear to be "bashing" Rubicon Express. But onebadjeep and dug among others make it appear as now is the time to express my opinions on the matter of the drive shaft for their kit. Whenever questioned about my position I would normally offer to fax e-mail or explain my position. The standard letter is as follows:

Thank you for considering me for your drive shaft needs. Through the years I have experienced a little bit of a "bad rap" over my refusal to knowingly build a drive shaft intended to run in conjunction with the Rubicon Express slip yoke eliminator. Some people seem to think that I have some sort of personal problem with the company or their people. That, I will assure you is not the case. Personally I have the highest regard for them and almost all of their products.

In addition to liability concerns, my rationales are for what I perceive to be sound mechanical reasons. I will outline them for you here.

1. The method of cutting off, drilling and tapping the output shaft of the transfer case while still in the vehicle, is something that I would neither recommend nor attempt myself. I have seen many shafts ruined in this endeavor.

2. After the shaft has been shortened, you will still have a substantial area of unsupported shaft beyond the rear output bearing. This is not entirely a result of Rubicon Express’s design, but I would also consider this to be a problem on a factory original shaft. The result of this is known as "overhung load." The drive shaft which would install against the modified shaft will weigh about 15 pounds while the factory original drive shaft weighs about 9 pounds. This in itself will nearly double the overhung load. We must also consider that under a load, the drive shaft will have a tendency to want to straighten out. This will also increase the overhung load.

3. You should also understand that in order for the new output flange to install on the output shaft, there must be some minor internal clearance between the splined bore of the flange and the splines on the shaft. Because of this clearance, you will then have the potential for minor independent movement between the flange and the shaft. This independent movement, over time (sometimes a very short time) will wear down the splines on the output shaft and enlarge the splines in the bore of the flange. When this happens, it will, because of the looseness between the parts, allow the flange to run eccentric. This will cause a vibration problem with the vehicle. Most people, upon discovering this problem, will re-tighten the retaining bolt. Unless the output shaft has been cut off perfectly square, this will cause the face of the flange to be less than perfectly perpendicular to the centerline of the output shaft. This will usually cause even a more severe vibration problem. When people have a vibration problem and a drive shaft that I have built, their problem becomes my problem. I see this problem as avoidable and prefer to do so.

With any of the other conversion kits available, there will be a more substantial shortening of the output shaft, reducing the overhung load. Furthermore on any of the other conversions, the rear output flange or yoke is solidly "sandwiched" between the retaining nut or washer and the rear output bearing. This secure attachment will prevent the wearing of the splines on the mating parts. Thus, preventing the problem as outlined above.

May I suggest you consider installing one of the other conversions available for your vehicle? The initial cost differential, I believe to be modest. But the mechanical quality differences are substantial. Ultimately you should find the longevity, performance and strength gains to be well worth the minimal cost and time spent up front. After all "doing the job right the first time" is generally the most cost effective.

[onetoncv]

well he takes the time to tell things how they are- give him credit there- as for tring to log on i am impressed- personally the short shaft issue- i will not do a flange rubicon express kit driveline either - the main problem is this - the 1310 series flange simply sucks- it breaks off right at the ear on the c/v part- no fault of rubicon express - but the design makes me wonder - i'd say this if you own a jeep comcider doing - A SHORT SHAFT #@ SPLINE CONVERSION - sources - Tom wood - bayougeep - advance adapters- ME - and a few others be prepared to pay around 279-350 range + get a life time waranty on the output shaft it self if possible- this tells you its american made if they offer this- AND TOM HEY MAN if your on the board its all cool- latr- jess

[CJ Lagos]

I'd like to add my complete satisfaction with Tom's products. I've owned 4 of his shafts and have been happy with each and every one. He's been nothing but prompt, curtious and professional.

CJ

[the other TBone]

I am the TBone that Boston Mangler is talking about, I did have a shaft blow out on me in an unlikely moment.(arent they all) I was pulling out of my driveway I heard three big bangs and to my dismay, my driveshaft was about six feet away from my Jeep. When I spoke to Tom, I was treated with respect, and he made sure that I was back in running order as quickly as he could. He has top rate products, and they are backed with top rate service in my book. I dont belive that my shaft should have broken, but I am 100% sure that it had nothing to do with Tom Wood, or my mechanical ability.
thanks
Tom

[billyji]

Wow
I,m sorry some of you had the exp. that you are writing about. I am working on a 2 piece drive shaft to go around my automatic transmission pan and the letter he wrote is the service i have always received. I have spoke to him 4 times and he is has been a very gentle caring and understanding man. something the 4 wheel drive world can use. Thanks Tom

[Blatant]

I posted in a different thread about my experience. I did have a Tom Wood driveshaft grenade at the ears of the rear yoke a few days ago.

Though I didn't expect the failure, I was treated very fairly by his shop. Every time I've spoken with them, they've been nothing but courteous and professional. They repaired the shaft for free and sent it back.

Yes, it was an inconvenience for me to have to ship it and wait for its return. However, to be fair, Tom Wood did exactly what he should have done to make the customer happy.

I always try to be fair. Yes, I'll report when something breaks. But I also understand that, when you're wheeling, breakage happens. No big deal, really. And I certainly can't fault TW's customer service. He's a credit to our sport.
Dion

[Wilseya]

I too am another very satisfied customer of Tom's Tom has made me 3 different drive shafts for 3 different rigs. I have not ever had a problem with any of his products or his service. Tom has allway's been very polite to myself as well as my wife. she called and ordered my first set of shafts. when she got off the phone her coment to me was Wow that guy is great He helped me and treated me like I new something not like I was some kind of dumb women trying to order my husbands parts. I have nothing but GOOD to say about Tom WOOD Custom shafts.
Yes my shaft is a woody. Jim Aka wilseya

[XtrmTJ]

Mr. Wood,

Sir, Both the freinds of mine have had thier shafts replaced. Down time not withstanding, I think they are pleased with your product. I, on the other hand ,was talked to in a belittleing, unfreindly manner. I do not think it was you personally, but one of your employees ? I had alot of questions and wanted information before I made my purchase. That made me look else were. I bought my rear drivshaft from Denny,s Drive shafts, in New York. I have wheeled Moab and the Con with it and it is the highest guality in both material and craftsmanship ! He also has a "you break it, He,ll replace it ".

[Steve N]

OK guys my .02. I have a front shaft from Tom Works great. I needed it quickly for Moab E.J.S. Tom made arrangements to have me pick it up there. I installed it at Moab in the dark, and couldn't see a bent fastener I used. The fastener failed the next day. I grenaded a U joint. I came back to Tom to buy a new U joint (not his fault) he refused to let me pay and gave me a new one. I had great customer service.

We have another board member that I have heard similar positive stories about and that's Jesse/ one ton CV the person in the link. I'm going to edit the post to reflect that it is Jesse not Tom, in the link. Both guys I feel are great places to buy a driveshaft from. By the way as D.J said you can't please everyone all the time. I know as I'm completely overwhelmed at my newly purchased store Specialty Parts I'm not giving good customer service myself now. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0"> I'm getting about 51/2 hours sleep each night and working the rest to try to take care of it. Sometimes you do what you can. Realize that the ocasional bad experience is not the norm with most companies. Watch out for the ones that that it is.

Tom, Give me a call at work My name is Steve. I'll talk you through the registering process. 800-504-JEEP.
Steve

[ChadLloyd]

I hate to admit it, but I'm with Harry on this one: Tom has given me great service, in my opinion, and seems really concerned with customer service. It seems as though his reputation is built on quality products and great service, and so far that is what I've gotten. There is a bit of a story to it:

I did a shackle reversal on my jeep, first trip out, guess what? front shaft it way too short, comes apart. Splines all twisted (which happens when your shaft is too short and pulls apart or starts to pull apart). Anyway, Tom came highly recommended on the net, so took my measurements and ordered the shaft. Very polite on phone, and treated me with respect, regardless of my experience/technical knowledge (or in this case lack thereof). Anyway, I explained that I needed the shaft for a jamboree coming up in a couple of weeks. Doesn't come after a week or so, I'm getting anxious, phone him up, some kinda snafu, he is very sorry, makes arrangements to have it there overnight (which ain't easy where I am) at his own expense.

When it came time to get a new rear cv shaft, I got it from him. Why? Because the fact of the matter is that sh*t happens, even to the best run businesses. The question is, when that sh*t happens, what are they gonna do about it? THAT is where you can often seperate the great companies from the not so good ones, and that is why I ordered the rear one from the guy, even though he kinda messed up the shipping on the first one - cuz he admitted it was his fault and did everything he could to make it right.

Now if this type of stuff happens all the time, then it does become a real problem, but I never had the feeling that it was happening all the time with this company. My front shaft came as ordered, on time, etc etc.

Now 2 of my friends have a differing opinion based on the fact that he wouldn't do the RE SYE shaft thing. So of course there is always a matter of personal opinion.

The only thing I would say is that it was REALLY hard to get through on the phone......

Also, I am not saying that his are better than this other kind, or this other kind isn't good or blah blah blah - I'm just saying my experience was good service and he stands behind his product.

[Dave Weisser]

Tom has been calling me personally to let me know how concerned he is about a failing driveline. He has sent me out a new one free of charge and has giving me advice to make sure that htis one is right for my Rig. I have been reading alot of the bashing a few of you have givin him, and I think that He is trying to make things right. Remember that we are all human and make mistakes, and what matters is how you handle your mistakes. Tom, your alright in my book. It is nice doing busness with you. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

[Jerry Bransford]

I've only had great treatment from Tom Wood as well as his staff too. he shipped everything I ordered right on time and everything fit perfectly the first time. He's a gentleman to deal with, once you get past his phone's busy signal! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

What I'm curious about is the warranty I got on my now two-month old CV driveshaft. I forgot to ask and Tom didn't volunteer what warranty it comes with. I am pretty sure I didn't pay the extra $40 or $45 for any additional warranty and Tom didn't bring it up. What did I miss out on by not getting any added warranty coverage and should I be worried? I assume it has some kind of warranty but now I'm wondering.

[Harry Brosofsky]

Jerry,

Tom offers a trail hazard warranty for an additional 20%. If you break it (not from abuse, but from honest accidental trail damage), he'll rebuild it....once. Not sure if he'll sell it retroactively, but he might.

[ChrisPy]

Ive known tom woods for several years. since 6 states. I called him at 6 states, and was treated like a real customer, even though i was Poor at the time, and couldnt afford "real" driveshafts. I had a buddy of mine cut and weld up both my shafts after doing my SOA, accepting the vibration that went with this "hack job"

Anyway, I headed to ejs a few months later, and my hack job SOA had consumed itself. seems my buddy was not as good a welder as he said he was. I buzzed up to Moab off road, and they were at the time too busy to do some quick welding, but TOM had his Ryder Rent-a-driveshaft-factory set up there. Tom took one look under my Jeep, and began to explain to me what a "cv" jointed driveshat was, etc etc. well I stared at him stupidly, and finally, said "tom, your right, but i cant afford the $$$ for 2 new driveshats at this time". Tom said something to the effect of 'I really wouldnt want you to be stranded/hurt/broken/whatever out here, so you buy the one shaft you need, and we will'work something out' on the other one' Im not gonna go into great detail on this, but suffice to say Tom took care of me.

I have since built my rig up on 42" tires, corp 14 bolt, dana 44, etc etc etc, and each time ive changed the ends, i ship back the shaft, and for a few bucks plus shipping, Tom has rebuilt it. Ive never broken/damaged a TW shaft. We have a company in town that specializes in lightweight shafts for racing applications. they sold ALOT of shafts to jeepers here in Mo. about 80% of them have since gone to Tom, after experiencing failures with the other companys "guaranteed" shafts, and being told that "four wheeling is Abuse, and theres no warranty on that".

I *Did* have a slight vibration in my shaft. BUT i got it in MOAB during EJS, and tom didnt have his balancer with him. he told me to ship it to him and he would balance it for free, (several times actually..) but I was to lazy to do it. finally, I had to have a different end put on it for my 14 bolt, and he balanced it at that time. I SUSPECT tom sent me a new one, because the old one i sent him was all nasty, and rusty, and covered with oil and crap, and the one i got back looked like it was right off the assembly line <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> but I cant prove it.

Ive also worked with Toms SYE kit, and he assisted us over the phone installing it, when my refusal to read instructions caused us to have a hard time doing it. (at 9pm his time no less...)

All in All, ill say that ive had nothing but good experiances with Tom. There are probably several places that sell driveshafts that are 'as good as' a Woody, but in close to 20 years in the automobile industry, and over 10 years of wheeling, ive never come across anyone as easy to deal with, openly knowlegeable, caring, (slightly eccentric), and down home honest than Tom. <IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0">

[Jerry Bransford]

Originally posted by Harry Brosofsky:
<STRONG>Jerry,

Tom offers a trail hazard warranty for an additional 20%. If you break it (not from abuse, but from honest accidental trail damage), he'll rebuild it....once. Not sure if he'll sell it retroactively, but he might.</STRONG>


Thanks Harry. I'll ask Tom about it but as you say, I doubt he would sell it two months after the fact.

[TJ]

I have went through several shafts in my 4X4 career, and hands down the best have been with Tom Wood. I have broke, twisted, and everything else with driveshafts, and even one of Tom's. But the difference with Tom's shaft was it was replaced for FREE. Even though I broke the new pinon yoke and driveshaft Tom replaced it all no questions asked. I have had to deal with many driveshaft companies, and many local included, but I have never gotten the respect and service I have with Tom Wood. I will be using Tom for my driveshaft needs from now on. Thanks Tom for great service, respect and products.

[TDW]

A lot of $.02 floatin around here. <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0">

[BillaVista]

I've never purchased anything from Tom before, but I have swapped a few e-mails over the years, since 6 states days, and thought it was really cool how he took the time to chat with me about technical issues, U-joint strength, etc.

That being said, I would like to defend my choice of the RE SYE by responding to Tom's form letter.

Point 1: - there's nothing that says that one has to cut and tap the output shaft in the vehicle - I know many folks who opt to remove the shaft for the operation, either personally or by machine shop, and still save $$. That said - if you're somewhat mechanicaly inclined, it really is pretty easy to do it right, right in the vehicle, especially if you use a small cutoff wheel and use the trick of putting the tranny in reverse and turning the shaft while cutting. And - as someone pointed out, the precise centering of the bolt is not totally critical, it's actually a clever design.

Point 2 - this may be more of an issue for the later model 231 outputs, but for the earlier designs, I don;t see how the overhang is any more of a problem than in some of the other designs, like the Currie for example. The overhang on my '88 231 is very minimal, and certainly nothing to be concerned about.

Point 3 - Well, good grief, this is true of ANY splined interface of which there are probably dozens in your truck from axles into diffs, stub axles into hubs or slugs, tranny and T-case internals etc. Other than critisizing the material in the RE flange - this doesn't seem a valid critisism to me.

And from a big picture point of view, the anti-RE SYE just doesn't seem logical to me. If one was concerned that any vibe problem becomes a shaft problem to be personalized by the shaft manufacturer, wouldn't then, the shaft manufacturer have to inspect my suspension linkage, springs, ant-wrap bar design etc before agreeing to sell me a shaft ?? Dunno - Tom was good to me personally, but I never did get this stance.

I bought from Denny's because I have the RE, and I am totally thrilled with the shaft they semt me. Funilly, they only wanted to send me the 1 piece sealed U joints, but using what I learned from Tom I argued with the guy and they agreed to build my shaft with greasable U-joints. Ironic, eh!

[CA_YJ]

I had Tom build me a front shaft for my MORE SRS about a month ago. On my first run I blew my t-case, and spun the tubes of my front 30. I broke everything except my drive shaft. the only think that happened to the drive shaft was the u-joint caps popped off. I have talked with him many times and he has has been more than willing to take the time to help me take measurements and answer any questions that i have had.