LONG Discourse on why NOT to buy from Rusty's Offroad

[revnitsudyak]

Just wanted to share why I personally will NEVER do business with
Rusty's Off Road again. Since they do 80% of their business with XJ
owners, I am sharing this here. You've been warned...

Rusty is a cordial enough guy but lacks ownership and follow-through.
In early March I placed a large order and it took over 2.5 weeks to
arrive (my order was over $2500). I ordered 2 ARBs, 2 master
overhaul kits, two 4.56 R&P sets, an intake kit, a diff guard and a
steering box brace. I was shocked to pay over $500 for shipping at
regular ground rates, especially since it did not arrive in 4-6 days
as promised.

I gave them one week before calling to check on the progress of the
order. The only reason I had to check on it was because I was to be
on vacation the following week so I could not afford to have it
sitting on my porch for a whole week. Pretty high risk. I was just
trying to get an ETA to be sure I could be there.

I asked to change the address they would deliver it to after finding
out they HAD NOT YET EVEN SHIPPED it after almost 5 days! They had a
hard time wrapping their head around this idea but eventually, I was
able to get them to commit to mailing it to my in-laws address. Upon
my return from vacation, the product still had not yet arrived! I
followed up again and they could not figure out the tracking # so I
was left totally in the dark on when it would arrive. Then, Rusty
told me it would be there "tomorrow". When it finally arrived, it
came to my home address, where it should not have gone, and was
sitting on my front porch for 24 hours because we only use the garage
entrance. Good thing they are not timely in their deliveries or this
would have been sitting on my porch the whole week while I was away –
strike one.

So, after taking my rig and all the parts in to Joe at Absolute
Offroad in Phoenix, I get a call on the way home….it's Joe.
"Did you change axles in the back?"
"No, why do you ask?" I inquired.
"Well, you have a 1992, 27 spline 8.25 and Rusty's sent you a 29
spline ARB."

I called Rusty and he told me he would ship it out and it should be
to Joe within 3-4 days. I gave him the benefit of the doubt. This
could be an honest mistake (warehouse mispick or something).I even
asked him if he would put a rush on it since they were the ones who
messed up the order to begin with – strike two. He said OK.

Got a call from Joe 10 days later letting me know he had not yet
received the ARB. I called Rusty again and he said he did not know
the status but that they only fax the orders in, from there it is in
ARBs court- !

When he called me back, he said that he talked to ARB and they were
out of 27 spline lockers and have been for a while. This was why I
did not get the right one in the first place (my conclusion). He said
that they are on a shipping container en route from Australia! I
expressed my frustration with the whole chain of events and asked why
they sent me a 29 Spline to begin with since on their website, you
fill out a vehicle spec sheet and mine is clearly a 1992, never made
with 29 spline. He was back peddling and almost insinuating that some
1992's have 29 splines. I pushed back hard and he then said that….
"Well, so many people are swapping in 29 splines now blah, blah,
blah…." He was making assumptions with my $700 part! He was also
just making excuses for their ineptitude.

I am FURIOUS just writing this. To Joe's point, I should have asked,
why didn't you just send me a Dana 60? Or a Dana 35 for that matter.
After all, you never know, and so many people are swapping different
axles in these days. J

Finally, I asked,
"Since you screwed up the order to begin with, then I find out that I
have the wrong item after 2.5 weeks, don't you think the second time
around you would have followed up with ARB after the order went
through? How about confirmation #? I can't imagine a large company
like ARB not having a confirmation system in place to tell you it is
on the way or that it is on back order."

To this Rusty replied,
"I don't own ARB so I wouldn't know. We just fax in our order." – I
guess they just HOPE the order goes through. What an @$$]-[()[_3!!

Just great.

Obviously he doesn't even "own" his own business in the sense that I
would either. He is clearly a victim and will never take
responsibility for any errors. He did not even validate my concerns;
just that he was frustrated too. Probably because I was calling him
out on this – strike three, you're OUT.

Thanks for not doing Business with Rusty's. Below are examples of
companies/businesses that show true ownership and personal vestment.

Great companies/shops I have worked with (no affiliation):

Absolute Offroad – Phoenix, AZ – Joe is awesome and really a stand up
guy. Honest, very knowledgeable and has a genuine interest in service
(I think he just wants to build up my rig to see me wheel it into the
ground!:) He goes out of his way to get the job done – thanks Joe!

AMC 4X4 Salvage – Peoria, AZ – Nacho is very knowledgeable and always
has the parts to keep my heep running. Also, he still charges honest
prices.

Tom Wood's Custom Drive Shafts – Possibly the best overall service
experience from a specialty parts fabricator/distributor I have ever
had. From the folks who took my order on the phone's service and
informative nature all the way to Tom personally following up with me
to be sure I got what I ordered and that it was the right fit!
Getting a personal call from Tom himself showed 5 Star service!

Baertrax – Dallas, TX – Home of the Buttface diff guard. This diff
guard is the most functional and beefy on the market. It is also the
ugliest! Love it. Russ and Christy provided very personal and
friendly service with great follow up to see if I liked the cover and
if it worked out ok.
From my feedback email to them in which I shared photos of my rig
with the Buttface on and my broken tie rod, here is Christy's
response…
"We just got back from EJS in Moab, hope to make it to AZ for some
wheelin' someday. We have a few customers with XJ's buttfaces, but
not too many. We'd love to have more, send 'em our way!!!! P.S., we
sell a tie-rod too, ha!"
Thanks again,
Christy Baer

UPDATE: After I wrote this, I decided to call ARB direct in Renton,
WA. I was told they have 27 spline lockers in stock and were never
out. Nothing coming in on a container!

THANKS IN ADVANCE TO JOE FOR NOT TAKING A PUBLIC SHOT AT ME! :)

[revnitsudyak]

Forgot to mention that the steering box brace had the wrong size bolts with it. Since it was so bad getting anything done, I went to the Nut & Bolt store and got 'em myself!

[AZ XJ]

I didn't have any issues when I ordered my lift from Rusty's, but I seem to be in the minority with that. However I'm not at all satisfied with his product. I guess you get what you pay for, so I take the blame. I totally agree with your stance on AMC 4X4 Salvage. I'm right down the street from them and they always have what I need, and at a great price. Randy, at Driven Auto Parts is also a great guy, and a good friend of the group of guys I wheel with. I would reccomend him as well for anybody in the Phoenix area.

[Rev Den]

Gotta luv someone who registers at a site JUST to bash a vendor.
Not defending Rusty, just saying that every vendor has happy, and not so happy customers. Rusty has been metioned one this site multiple times, good and bad, maybe you should have checked here BEFORE ordering parts, instead of just coming here to bash.

Sorry....no credibility here.

Rev

[revnitsudyak]

Due diligence....point well taken.

You're right...hindsight shows this post was in poor taste but it was so horrendous my vision was clouded a bit.

On the flipside, I provide many 'hair trigger' positive comments for a job well done too.

Staying "Above the Line" is my philosophy and thanks for showing me how this post was not in keeping with that.

[Cox89XJ]

[QUOTE=Rev Den]Gotta luv someone who registers at a site JUST to bash a vendor.

I was very pleased with Rusty's service and products.

[WB9YZU]

I can see the level of frustration. I've had projects that I've had to have done, preordered the parts after making sure they were in stock, took the time off work, and sure as heck the parts are backordered or some BS for not being able to deliver on time.

Meeting the demands of a On-Time Customer (you only order parts when you need them for a Job, then ASAP!) takes a little something extra.

Unless Price or availability is a major concern, I have re-researched vendors and dropped my order with the vendor who was doing poorly.

This, unfortunately, was one of those cases:
Once I waited 3 weeks from a Suzuki Off-Road supplier to send me a "Z" link he had In-Stock! Just because he didn't have time to drag it off the shelf and send it to me - seriously, that was the case. When it arrived, it was missing the rod end and I had to call and ask for that - took an additional week for that to come, and 2 more calls. Did he get more of my business; NO!

Thank you for sharing your rant ;) and I hope you feel better.
Now shut your gob and go wheeling with your new rig! :D

[KarlVP]

One bad expierence with a vendor doesn't do it. You want parts to modify your vehicle. They get you the parts. They don't own ARB, or any other place, they are a "middle man."

You want ARB, buy from ARB. It isn't hard. The reason these places are there are to make money, and to sell complete kits for what the average off roader needs.

Wait you will get to the point where there isn't a magazine or vendor that can sell you a bolt on part for your rig. You will have to make everything yourself or pay a shop to do it. What then? The shop didn't meet your exacting specifiacations? You gonna whine when you could have done it yourself for cheaper?

Sorry dude, you don't like it, open your own shop.

[DSN46]

Don't think his number of posts has much to do with his credibility. I know several long-time 4Wheelers and fabricators who have never belonged to any online forums.... I wouldn't begin to question their credibility where Jeeps or parts suppliers are concerned.

I wont bash Rusty. I had a bad experience with him also and simply choose to go elsewhere with my business now. Simple.

[LilRedRover]

I am one that has had good and bad experience with rustys, but what this guy is saying is inexcuseable... if any of you guys were in his position, you would be mad as hell too... I would send every bit of the product back on their dime and get a full refund and go elsewhere

[Ralph]

I kinda grinned when you told us you raised a stink over your 27 spline axle issue. If I were you, I'd have kept the 29 spline ARB and went and bought 29 spline axles. You raising such a stink and spending over $700 (more than a $1000 once you figure in the gears and installation) on a 27 spine axle makes me think you're kind of a dumb ass. I expect Rusty probably thought the same thing.

I've always had excellent service from Rusty and I expect he'll treat me right in the future as well.

[IH8RDS]

I would have bought the 29 spline axels and called it a day:sunshine:

I have purchased a couple of times from Rustys with NO problems

[Wil Badger]

I see your first mistake right off the bat.Why in gods name did you order gears and lockers from a company that sells lift kits.Rule one order such things from places like Randy's Ring and Pinion,West Coast gears,or Reider Racing.One you will get a better deal conscidering thats what they do is sell gears and lockers.Two you will get what you wanted because thats all they sell.I see it as your own fault for ordering these things from Rustys not that Rustys set you the wrong thing.Like he told you he sends his orders to ARB after that it is thier fault.It would suprise you how some large company run and some how continue to run .Well i hope you have learn your mistake and order the right parts from the right place.

As to getting the 29 spline lock i would have been happier.I would have went right to the junkyard and snagged two 29 spline shaft or i would have ordered two alloys in 29 spline.You would have had it done by now and it would be a lot stronger.

[LilRedRover]

I kinda grinned when you told us you raised a stink over your 27 spline axle issue. If I were you, I'd have kept the 29 spline ARB and went and bought 29 spline axles. You raising such a stink and spending over $700 (more than a $1000 once you figure in the gears and installation) on a 27 spine axle makes me think you're kind of a dumb ass. I expect Rusty probably thought the same thing.

I've always had excellent service from Rusty and I expect he'll treat me right in the future as well.

true... I would have done the same thing, but the fact of the matter is he didn't get what he ordered and then they tried to give him the run around... even if he is a dumbass, that doesn't make his money worth any less than ours

[Ralph]

true... I would have done the same thing, but the fact of the matter is he didn't get what he ordered and then they tried to give him the run around... even if he is a dumbass, that doesn't make his money worth any less than ours
Not saying anything about the value of his money. I just know I've only heard one side of this story.

[WB9YZU]

I see your first mistake right off the bat.Why in gods name did you order gears and lockers from a company that sells lift kits.Rule one order such things from places like Randy's Ring and Pinion,West Coast gears,or Reider Racing.One you will get a better deal conscidering thats what they do is sell gears and lockers.Two you will get what you wanted because thats all they sell. ...

Certainly a valid point. I also tend to order what is actually In-Stock from a range of vendors, rather than depend on one who needs to order out the specialty items.

I learned that lesson a while back. Occasionally I re-learn it ;)

[riverfever]

This topic of good Rusty/bad Rusty is sooooo clapped the f out. I have purchased 2 conundrum-free lift kits from him and been very satisfied with both the product and customer service. Like any business, Rustys will have its share of snafus. I'm sorry that you went through this particular debacle. I'm just not sure that, as a paying member, I'm in favor of your post. In doing so, we do only get one side of the story. Your accusations will not dissuade me from parting with my hard earned duckets with Rusty.

I'm certain that I've been frustrated at things and started threads to vent. In fact I know I have. However, they were non-Jeep threads. I don't know. I'm certain that, recently, I have viewed this club a little differently than in the past. I was so impressed after attending a Chapter meeting and a trail run that perhaps I'm viewing things a bit more politically than I should. If his business was located in closer proximity then there might possibly be a way to establish a mutually beneficial relationship. Threads such as this decrease the likelihood of that happening and, thus, impact the club and it's MEMBERS.

Why on Earth, after 2.5 weeks of waiting for your order, didn't you simply contact your credit card company and cancel the transaction? If I had ordered that much product from ANYONE, and it didn't arrive after a week (reasonable) and I got a strange story from the company, I would have cancelled the order and found someone else that was serious about doing business.

-river

[LilRedRover]

This topic of good Rusty/bad Rusty is sooooo clapped the f out. I have purchased 2 conundrum-free lift kits from him and been very satisfied with both the product and customer service. Like any business, Rustys will have its share of snafus. I'm sorry that you went through this particular debacle. I'm just not sure that, as a paying member, I'm in favor of your post. In doing so, we do only get one side of the story. Your accusations will not dissuade me from parting with my hard earned duckets with Rusty.

I'm certain that I've been frustrated at things and started threads to vent. In fact I know I have. However, they were non-Jeep threads. I don't know. I'm certain that, recently, I have viewed this club a little differently than in the past. I was so impressed after attending a Chapter meeting and a trail run that perhaps I'm viewing things a bit more politically than I should. If his business was located in closer proximity then there might possibly be a way to establish a mutually beneficial relationship. Threads such as this decrease the likelihood of that happening and, thus, impact the club and it's MEMBERS.

Why on Earth, after 2.5 weeks of waiting for your order, didn't you simply contact your credit card company and cancel the transaction? If I had ordered that much product from ANYONE, and it didn't arrive after a week (reasonable) and I got a strange story from the company, I would have cancelled the order and found someone else that was serious about doing business.

-river

that's what I was saying... like I said previously, I have had good transactions and bad with them, as I have with other companies. I do think customer service is a big thing in this business and most companies are rather inconsistent. When you find one that seems to give your business priority, stick with them. Also a good idea to find a local vendor instead of mail ordering, as they will take your business more personally when they see your face. You may pay a little more in the end, but not going through situations like this is worth a lot to me.

[w_howey]

Gotta luv someone who registers at a site JUST to bash a vendor.
Not defending Rusty, just saying that every vendor has happy, and not so happy customers. Rusty has been metioned one this site multiple times, good and bad, maybe you should have checked here BEFORE ordering parts, instead of just coming here to bash.

Sorry....no credibility here.

Rev


x2

I've been satisfied with my purchases from Rusty's

[Skullver]

If you are paying someone to install the lockers and gears, I think it would be wise to have them order the lockers and gears, that way they know exactly what they are putting in and where it came from etc..., good luck with that, even though they got you the wrong order, he may have had your best interest in mind by sending the 29-spline version, much easier to get new axles than a new arb. Does sound like there is some misconception on Rustys part and some dodgy behavior, that is....... from your side of the story.

[Cox89XJ]

Most of us do our on maintenance on our vehicles. Many times I’ve gotten the wrong part from a local parts house and it’s aggravating to have to go back to town and get the right part. If I stopped doing business with every one I’ve gotten a wrong part from. I would run out of places of where to buy. I’ve been to Rusty’s to buy parts and I’ve ordered parts by phone. While I was at Rusty’s I believe it may have been his son that waited on me. He was very polite and knowledgeable. You would not believe the amount of phone calls Rusty’s get. Rusty was on the phone continually while I was there. Like I said earlier I’m well pleased with Rusty’s.

[revnitsudyak]

The 29 spline axle crossed this dumbass's mind more then once. Wish I did it but that was not the point.

While I was at it, I should just upgrade to a 9" with a spool! :)

Thanks for all of your candor and some valid points!

I have been in business for over 13 years and customer service is number one! I am a so called middle man on many occaisions where I could easily hold up my hands and blame the 3rd party.

I just feel like if someone puts their faith and trust in my 'brand' I will do all it takes to be sure I deliver. If I need to drive to another shop, a competitor or otherwise, I am going to get them what they want. This is legendary and is what people come back for. Anyone can make a great lift kit, or a great fab part etc. but it is the expert service and advice that keep my customers coming back. They feel like they are a part the plan instead of being an inconvenience or just a customer.

[johnlv6]

I've ordered from them once. Although a mistake was made, they corrected the issue within two days.

[shelbyluvv]

No personal experience but my buddy ordered a set of rock rails from him, next day air. They got there a week later. He really needed them to get ready for a run we had coming up. He paid almost as much for the shipping as the rails cost. That took 5 days from Bama to Cali. Normal ground shipping time. Once he got the rails they were missing the mounting hardware! He was screwed. Took another 2 weeks to get his bolts. For that I will never buy off Rusty's.

[TC]

You're nuts if you think I'm gonna read that novel you posted, especially seeing you registered on this site (and I wonder how many others) just to whine. You got a problem with a vendor go deal with it yourself, or get yer mommy to do it for ya, she's probably used to it. I've been around long enough to know that there are two sides to every story, we're only hearing one. The saying "The customer is always right" is BS!
Sometimes the customers ARE wrong. Some are total A-holes and some can't be satisfied no matter what is done to please them.
You may have been wronged, maybe not, but the way you've gone about it here is completely wrong. Grow up and learn how to handle life a little bit before you go out in front of the world and put yourself on display as an idiot. TC

[revnitsudyak]

Hi TC,
You obviously did not read what I wrote even in the last post...I did not say the customer is always right. As we all know, that is simply untrue. I said, "customer service is number one" (job one).

There are many times when they are wrong, but it how you handle it that matters.

You're so friendly. I hope we meet sometime to go wheeling.:firedevil

[riverfever]

Please...I beg of you...do not begin the discussion of bench press weights and reps. :roflmao:

[Rocketman]

When he called me back, (Rusty) he said that he talked to ARB and they were
out of 27 spline lockers and have been for a while.

UPDATE: After I wrote this, I decided to call ARB direct in Renton,
WA. I was told they have 27 spline lockers in stock and were never
out. Nothing coming in on a container!

THIS ALONE SELLS ME THE GUYS STORY... Hard to dispute the disparity. Rusty's LIED straight out!

[TC]

Yer on a roll, don't stop now....:rattle:

[titan4u2c]

Who's to say Rusty lied? There is always the possiblity that the conversation went the wrong way or was a misunderstanding or that even ARB told Rusty one thing and rev another? Comes down to cya and most of the time everyone will. I purchased a few products from Rusty and on some occasions it didn't arrive on said time and once recieved wrong part as you did. But I am not new to ordering products from an out of state vendor and expecting them to arrive at said time and in said order. I personally give extra time and know there are always issues with shipping. Especially large orders. Rusty's has always at least tried, given circumstances or time of year or in stock availability, to get my orders right and I appreciate this. Now on the other hand I can also see where Rev is .38 hot! lol I would be too if I was actually expecting something to come thru and was needing it asap. Although when a vendor does a large amount of manufacturing, there will always be some sort of possible misunderstanding if they are busy enough. I have to admit sounds like Rusty didn't follow through as well as he COULD have but none the less no need to bash. He makes good quality products and for the price maybe that is why I give more leeway. But all in all I believe this sounds like the typical he said/she said theory and it was possible Rusty got sidetracked, which is no excuse on such a large order, or shipping and outsourced products got mixed up. Don't know how well you handled yourself when you spoke to Rusty but he tries his best. I had an issue and didn't argue or whine and he went out of his way to cut me some slack on shipping and a discount on my next purchase, but that was just my case maybe being as I didn't call everday and rag his behind. But I see where if he promised it to you and you didn't plan for any slack and wanted it yesterday, then I can understand how you are upset. Hopefully you will finally recieve all your order in good condition and get it on your jeep and forget this experience and just enjoy the ride. Let's just hope you never need anything specific to something Rusty's carries solely...yikes.

[revnitsudyak]

As far as handling my self with Rusty...In my dealings with others, rule #1 is treat each other with respect and dignity.

While hot, especially as the problems escalated, composure was maintained. I just took a hard line on when (which I could not get an answer because he said it's out of his hands) and how would I know (which I still don't because he did not tell me he would follow up and I have not heard yet).

As always, the truth is somewhere in the middle. I did not accuse Rusty of lying, it may have been implied but it was not my intent. I am just more concerned with the ownership part of the equation. ARB could well have told him what he told me. I was just curious why, when he had a customer so concerned, that he would not personally call to check on the order, and at minimum, call me to break the bad news. This I can handle.:callme:

Thanks for your insight and I will be more cautious in the future.

[RyanM]

AHHHHH, drought season here, cry me a frickin river-edit. forgot i was out of the den. like said before, dont start a membership to bash rusty. if you would have started one earlier and searched, you would have seen people bitchin about customer service, and half of that is your fault cause you have no idea about your rig....he's got some good gear, and can't beat the deals.

[riverfever]

AHHHHH, drought season here, cry me a frickin river-edit.

Dude, what's your problem? Why you gotta drag me into all this? :moon:

[RyanM]

i meant to say, don't work up a fever because you had a bad experiance with Rustys Offroad

[riverfever]

Oh I see...that's cute...just leave the river off this time and go with fever? That's just jacked man. :D

[RyanM]

http://www.dgif.state.va.us/fishing/srf-photos/State%20Record%20Brook%20Trout%20and%20Angler.jpg
i bribed this onehttp://www.naxja.org/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Fore Wheeler]

I've been a long time customer of Rustys. Even if my heep has evolved past 99% of what he has to offer I still send ppl his way. He DOES make a great product for the money and he does take care of the ppl that treat him well.

If you don't like the service or product, go some where else. I'm sure rusty will be hurt to lose the business of an assbag like you.

while you're at it, go somewhere else like JU where you'll fit in more, you're wasting our web space.

now shut up.

I'm done

[dbucfan]

Yeah...How dare you speak your mind on a forum...next time ask the people who took the time to post/complain about you in this thread what you should post about so as not to upset them.

Post on man!!

[TC]

Let me try to explain this to you, and I'll try not to use any big words. When someone posts something called an "opinion" on a public forum there's always a chance that someone else might post an opposing (that means different) opinion. You shouldn't get your feelings hurt if everyone doesn't agree with you. Buh-bye.

[DDCxj]

Who has the popcorn?

[Ralph]

Hasta Ya think?

Shall we move on now?

[revnitsudyak]

So let it be written....so let it be done.

[revnitsudyak]

go somewhere else like JU where you'll fit in more, you're wasting our web space.

Forgive my ignorance, what is JU?

[casm]

Forgive my ignorance, what is JU?

See this thread (http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=84668) for details.

[BRIANHO13]

I am one that has had good and bad experience with rustys, but what this guy is saying is inexcuseable... if any of you guys were in his position, you would be mad as hell too... I would send every bit of the product back on their dime and get a full refund and go elsewhere

Send it back.....all you will get is store credit, this is the only beef I have with Rusty's.

[Darky]

I ordered some tow hooks with brackets from Rusty and all I got was the hooks. They arrived in a timely fashion, just no brackets. So I called him up and inquired about it, he said apologized a number of times, and sent me the brackets within the next couple days. I ordered a 2" BB w/BPE from Rocky Road and was sent 3" of coil spacers (score!) and a new "universal" set of BPEs. I installed the shackles with a friend and it took us like 6 hrs between my 9 year old stock shackles being stubborn and the brand new RRO shackles being just barely off in measurements. We had to crank the shackle with a pry bar while prying the spring over towards the shackle to get it all to line up. Fit was off just a little, but they're beefy, provided the lift have given me no problems since. The spacers went on no problem of course, but the BPEs caused us some serious hassle. I went to a fender trimming party and we couldn't get the bar pin off the original shock (not RR's problem) so we cut it off seeing as to how it was a bar pin eliminator kit I was installing. After getting the shock paired up with the first BPE, we went to install it and it didn't fit. We tried all the other ones and none of them lined up with the holes. Maybe my 96 uses differently spaced bar pin holes or maybe they just didn't take the time to measure an actual XJ, who knows. Anyways, we had to send someone out to pick up a new bar pin and he heventually had to pick up a cheapo $15 shock to get the pin from it. I called RRO and was told it was a universal kit. I said its not so universal, it doesn't fit my XJ. The only answer I got was to send it back, on my dime, and pay them a 20% restocking fee and they'll gladly take it back. After doing the math, I realized I'd only be actually getting like $7 back. As such, I will be avoiding Rocky Road. Others may get good service, and I think the products are beefy, but I won't be going back.

[SeanP]

two comments:

1) You aren't a true XJ'er until you have a Rusty's story. Most of us have one, all make great campfire discussion and all would agree, shortcomings included, Rusty is a helluva nice guy. His creative excuses are things of legend goind back 8-10 years.

2) Why the fawk didn't you just order from Joe? Tried to save some money on the whole deal huh? While the local guy won't beat the mail order guys, especially if sales tax is involved, the value of keeping a good relationship locally far outweighs the money saved. You spent $500 on shipping and whatever hassle of not having your rig for weeks. I guarantee that a local guy would have got it right and been within a 100-200 bucks of the mailorder on an order that size.

If I saw you walk into my shop and wanted to pay me to install your parts that you didn't source from me, you would immediately be branded "cheap asshat" and I would have added a couple hours of labor to the bill just out of principle.

SeanP

[revnitsudyak]

LOL! Joe is very forgiving...he could have had me for lunch over this but, instead, now has a customer for life. This is what I mean by legendary service.

Good advice and from now on, it is local all the way. For the record, I had Joe source new sliders and do the install for me FLAWLESSLY! Good deal too...

Best regards....
Cheap Asshat - formerly known as revnitsudyak :D

[mylt1]

Send it back.....all you will get is store credit, this is the only beef I have with Rusty's.
thats why you read the fine print. if you dont agree, dont buy.
i ordered a 3" lift from rusty on a sat night had most of it that tuesday and the other spring arrived the next day. the missing spring was a ups screwup not rusty. i will do business with him again and i tell friends with jeeps about him as well. next purchase will be a 2" lift for my wj.

[HaleYes]

Who's to say Rusty lied?

That'd be Rocketman.
Two posts above yours.:D

[titan4u2c]

rhetorical man, rhetorical......
:farmer:

[LilRedRover]

Can't we all just get along.... if you order something from rustys, expect it to be wrong the 1st time and probably a little late... after you order something from rustys complain about your experience until the next time you order something else... ordering from rustys is like building your heep... it's all a vicious cycle

[GSequoia]

You know this post reminds me of something...

...I gotta give Rusty a call and place an order on a few things.

:cheers:

[JKTXJ]

In my opinion, Rustys= :thumbdn:

[riverfever]

IMO...this entire subject matter rubs...EVERY TIME IT COMES UP.

[Fore Wheeler]

IMO, if it wasn't for guys like Rusty, there would be no NAXJA.

read: Rusty's off road = NAXJA sponsor.

don't bite the hand that feeds ya.

[UNCC_99XJ]

Just placed an order a couple of weeks ago for a Flowmaster cat-back system from Rusty's. Took a little longer than expected, but it was a problem with UPS (they sent it to UPS, and UPS just felt like not scanning it for a couple of days). I called Rusty's and explained the situation, to which the lady I spoke with was immediately on the phone with UPS trying to figure out what happened. She called me back with in 15 minutes and had everything straightened out. Product came two days later.

Only other problem I ran into was one of the pieces they sent me was 1 inch too short, so I had to go get some pipe and make my own piece. Other than that, no problems at all. I'm pretty satisfied with their service and their products. From what i've read on here, it's hit and miss with the service from Rusty's.

[Rev Den]

IMO, if it wasn't for guys like Rusty, there would be no NAXJA.

read: Rusty's off road = NAXJA sponsor.

don't bite the hand that feeds ya.
X2
And everytime this subject comes up, it bears repeating that Rusty was one of the very first companys to start building XJ stuff.

Rusty will still get my money.

Rev

[JKTXJ]

So sponsorship dollars should equal NAXJA protection from forum users opinions? That's an interesting concept :gag:

[LilRedRover]

are you gonna squirt a little tear or what? yah know what rustys makes a decent product for a decent price... if you're that G-D picky spend big bucks for big names parts... I myself am like Rev Den and several others... I'll buy more parts from them... probably not their steering setup next time around, but skids and springs are decent

[JKTXJ]

No tears here, I quit buying Rusty's stuff years ago. If you like Rustys, great.. I am not telling you to quit buying his stuff. Don't take it so personal that I gave Rusty's a :thumbdn: , it's just an opinion I have from years ago of dealing with him. And really, if you are so tired of Rusty's posts.. skip it already. It's not as if you were lured in by a misleading subject line.

[LilRedRover]

No tears here, I quit buying Rusty's stuff years ago. If you like Rustys, great.. I am not telling you to quit buying his stuff. Don't take it so personal that I gave Rusty's a :thumbdn: , it's just an opinion I have from years ago of dealing with him. And really, if you are so tired of Rusty's posts.. skip it already. It's not as if you were lured in by a misleading subject line.

tears comment wasn't directed toward you I would have made use of the "quote" feature we love so much... as for rustys, your opinion is your opinion and mine is mine...

[edgreeson65]

I never had a problem w/ rusty's, I always got my product on time. Sorry to hear about your bad luck. Rusty's 8" long arm kit, steering box brace, track bar mount brace, custom front bumper, transfer skid plate, tow hooks, d30 skid plate, and rocker protection-ordered most things seperate and never had a problem, Rusty's makes good products as far as I have seen.

[bamajeepjunkie]

i've alway's liked dealing with rusty, i hate this happened to you. maybe he does not know what is going on in his shop? i like his suspension parts never bought anything else from him though. the shipping seems to be higher from the web site. p.s. never had much luck with u.p.s. $$$$$$$

[zachxj01]

i just got my dif guards from there in less then a week and they are fine i guess i lucked out :)

[Ramsey]

i just got my dif guards from there in less then a week and they are fine i guess i lucked out :)
why the hell did you you dring this :rattle: fest back up

[HaleYes]

why the hell did you you dring this :rattle: fest back up

X2

Somebody lock this biach up.

[87manche]

But I need to vote in it!

[Big Red]

two comments:

1) You aren't a true XJ'er until you have a Rusty's story. Most of us have one, all make great campfire discussion and all would agree, shortcomings included, Rusty is a helluva nice guy. His creative excuses are things of legend goind back 8-10 years.

2) Why the fawk didn't you just order from Joe? Tried to save some money on the whole deal huh? While the local guy won't beat the mail order guys, especially if sales tax is involved, the value of keeping a good relationship locally far outweighs the money saved. You spent $500 on shipping and whatever hassle of not having your rig for weeks. I guarantee that a local guy would have got it right and been within a 100-200 bucks of the mailorder on an order that size.

If I saw you walk into my shop and wanted to pay me to install your parts that you didn't source from me, you would immediately be branded "cheap asshat" and I would have added a couple hours of labor to the bill just out of principle.

SeanP


So true. Live and learn man. Get gears and lockers from Randy's Ring and Pinion or stay local, especially if these are the people that are going to install you stuff. Companies are in the business to make $, and will fight for your business and try to keep the locals happy so you come back.

I know this has been raised a few times.....but why in the hell did you send back the 29 spline ARB? You go with high $ stuff like a ARB, etc and then you don't 1st order the 29 spline, but you send it back when making at least a 20%+ stock upgrade is a mear junkyard axle shafts pulling experience away??? That makes no sence. Before you shell out your $ anymore, read all you can on this website to school you on XJs and 4 wheeling in general, have a clear plan and try to make wise decisions. While Rusty might have been wrong, especially with his customer service handling, you also made the wrong decision by 1st not staying local and getting the 4x4 place who is going to install your stuff get your stuff and price match, as well as returning a 29 spline 8.25 locker, I cannot understand that. Why??? :nono:

Troy

[hotelfinder]

Rustys shipping rates are a rip off.... they are triple or more of what they should be IMOH

[SanDiegoXJ]

Hehe, I love how you guys get all riled up over this crap. :doh:

Look, unless the guy is a total whack job, he has to be doing something right or he'd be out of business. I assume, from what I know about him, Rusty's is a small shop. Small shops have pros and cons to them. One of the biggest cons is a small inventory and consequential drop shipping and back ordering parts. On the flip side, they do tend to offer more personalized service. However, with personalized service means constant and/or personal interaction and nobody want to tell somebody when they just screwed them by making a mistake. So when a small shop blows it and gets into a predicament they can't handle, they tend to try and brush it off until they can seem like the good guy.

From what you've said I would tend to believe that Rusty doesn't have the best business practices. But then again, I don't think most people have the best business practices. Besides, screw mail order...support your local economy! :cheers: