So normally I let things just roll off my back. No big deal... however today was different. Tore into my 1997 2-door Tahoe today to rebuild the front end, ditch the rear blocks via shackle flip from ORD, a zero rate from ORD, and the U-bolt flip kit so the threads are up... for more clearance...ok not really. Went with ORD largely based on what Pirate folks have said. You guys do way more offroading and are generally harder on your vehicles than I think I am so your suggestions go along way with me. Got the OEM shackles out no problem thank you grinder & air hammer (pleasantly surprised by that one). Installed the shackle flip without too much trouble. Had to wallow out 2 of the 4 holes in the fram since they were off by 3-4mm each but it's still solid. They did only send me 7 locking nuts for the new shackles...no big deal. Crap happens. I'll get one at the store tomorrow.
Fast forward to the zero rate setup. Again the machining is nice with good measurements. The hardware they sent me is another issue altogether. They sent me two spring back bolts which are not long enough to install the zero rate onto the bottom of my factory springs. The leaf spring "pin" bolts - the part that goes into the hole on the axle perch...it's not fully threaded so it will not bolt solid into the recess of the zero block because it's not threaded close enough to the head of the pin.
I called ORD and talked to a man there that suggested I just put a washer on the bolt to tighten it down. I said that's fine (nice try) but the bolt still will not let the nut go low enough to sit flush with the spring back because there aren't enough threads... To that he suggested I "just grind the bolt and nut down to flush with the top of the zero rate." I said to myself, "Thank God you're not retarded Dave or you might have done what he said."
I understand crap happens. I've worked in sales. I know we all goof up. But when you do goof up, own up to it, apologize, and try to make it right. I would have been satisfied if he had said something resembling an apology, maybe offered correct parts, or SOMETHING! But nothing. He suggested I just go buy bolts that will fit. So in addition to the $265 some-odd dollars I spent on this hardware, I have to go buy 4 new grade 8 bolts, try to find threaded leaf pins, a locking nut for the shackle flip bracket. It’s not rocket science I know, but it’s the principle.
Buyer beware I guess.
DN
Fast forward to the zero rate setup. Again the machining is nice with good measurements. The hardware they sent me is another issue altogether. They sent me two spring back bolts which are not long enough to install the zero rate onto the bottom of my factory springs. The leaf spring "pin" bolts - the part that goes into the hole on the axle perch...it's not fully threaded so it will not bolt solid into the recess of the zero block because it's not threaded close enough to the head of the pin.
I called ORD and talked to a man there that suggested I just put a washer on the bolt to tighten it down. I said that's fine (nice try) but the bolt still will not let the nut go low enough to sit flush with the spring back because there aren't enough threads... To that he suggested I "just grind the bolt and nut down to flush with the top of the zero rate." I said to myself, "Thank God you're not retarded Dave or you might have done what he said."
I understand crap happens. I've worked in sales. I know we all goof up. But when you do goof up, own up to it, apologize, and try to make it right. I would have been satisfied if he had said something resembling an apology, maybe offered correct parts, or SOMETHING! But nothing. He suggested I just go buy bolts that will fit. So in addition to the $265 some-odd dollars I spent on this hardware, I have to go buy 4 new grade 8 bolts, try to find threaded leaf pins, a locking nut for the shackle flip bracket. It’s not rocket science I know, but it’s the principle.
Buyer beware I guess.
DN
