Jaw’s Gear & Axle

I have a 2007 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon. I upgraded to 35″ tires and needed to re-​gear the axles to get some power back, especially on the freeway. I had a trip to Moab UT planned a couple weeks out and didn’t want to struggle on the drive out there and on the trails. Searching through different Jeep forums, I kept reading about horror stories members had to deal with when getting their rigs re-​geared. I called around and have dealt with places such as 4 wheel parts etc and their pricing was the same to change my stock 4.10’s to 5.13’s.
Anyhow, dropped it off at 8 am and picked it up by 4pm the same day. About a week later, I noticed a leak on the front passenger side near the brakes. Did some research and same thing, read horror stories about how customers were on the hook for the repairs. I called Jaws up and they told me to bring the Jeep in early. I dropped it off at 8 am and it was ready by noon. I was told the inner seal started to leak for whatever reason and they replaced both inner seals and sent me on my way with no charge. Pleased that I didn’t have to pay for 4 more hours of labor, I just needed to see how the work would hold up on my trip.
Needless to say since I gave Jaws 5 stars, drove the 1000+ miles to Moab, drove the White Rim Trail, wheeled Hells Revenge and made the 1000+ mile drive back home with no issues. Very pleased with the work done and plan on taking my Jeep back here if I need any gear or axle work done in the future.

My rear axle seal failed and leaked out diff fluid, ultimately resulting in catastrophic failure. My 10 bolt rear had 185 k miles and I was shocked it had lasted this long. Visiting from out of town I was in a mad scramble to find a shop that could tackle this type of repair.
Ive heard of Jaws through the drag racing crowd and Force Fed performance back in the day.
Let me just say Jim has been first rate in terms of responsiveness and in explaining everything. He really tried. However Jeff talks to you like the soup nazi from Seinfield, blunt, direct, and a bit condescending, but as long as they fixed my car correctly I could care less. Who gives a damn about customer service when you have jobs piling up right?(sarcasm)
A couple things I didnt like about Jaws, they charged me $ 750 for a used Fbody 10 bolt part only… and the market value for these used is 4-​$ 500 all day long. I verified with the wrecking yard the price and cost of delivery to Jaws and they said they were selling it to them for yup, you guessed it $ 450 plus a $ 35 delivery fee to Jaws .So why the F do I have to take a $ 300 hit on the markup of the part only. I never discussed my research with Jaws Gear this until towards the end of the repair process… sounding like a deer in headlights, they quickly said they got the part from a different junkyard after dealings with the initial junkyard went south… the other junk yard was charging them for the same part, coincidentally the same price. My bottom line is that I hate liars.
That is why Im very cautious with mechanics, you are literally at their mercy unless you do your own research behind the scenes.
These guys seem to do good work, but will bend you over on giving you a fair shake on pricing and honesty on some things. Jeff also had the nerve to threaten to charge me a storage fee at $ 20 a day since I was out of town and left the car. The only reason they get any stars is because of Jim’s responsiveness and breakdown explaining the damage. Mixed feelings about the whole thing. Just glad my car is up and running again, no issues so far.

Jeff and the guys at Jaw’s were great. They were friendly and provided specific details on what was needed to repair my 2005 4Runner. I received a good price for the extensive work done. They did me a solid, she runs great… thanks!

Quality gear and axle shop! I took my 2001 Cobra to them to give my rear end a look over, I knew there was a leak but wasn’t sure if there were other issues, being a Cobra it has the IRS which I have no experience removing and reinstalling to get to the rear differential, guys at Jaws quoted me at $ 500 labor to pull it apart and diagnose any issues back there, turned out to be a failed gasket and I had a small leak due to poor installation by previous owner… I went ahead and had them remove and replace it, change out gear oil with fresh fluids, and I purchased a new Ford Racing rear diff cover with drain holes so I don’t have to worry about dropping the IRS every time, at $ 500 a pop I better learn to do that myself. ;)
Overall experience was good, fast service, good customer service… Jim explained what I needed to know and then got it done. I gave 3 stars based solely on price of labor, I felt like that was pretty ridiculous for a few hours of work.
If you need this type of work done on your car these are the guys to do it just be sure to get a couple quotes and compare costs.

Worst experience with an auto repair business I have ever expierenced!!! These guys are very UNPROFESSIONAL and I recommend West Coast Differentials.
I took my 1964 Chevy C10 to Jaws in September 2013 and spoke with Jeff (Owner) about my rear end that needed to be checked for a «clicking» noise. After waiting DAYS for just a diagnositc, Jeff contacts me stating that my rear end needs new axle bearing and seals for 350 bucks. I went ahead and gave Jeff the go ahead to start the job to get it fixed and he came across an issue with the «carrier bearing», which came to an extra $ 400 making it now $ 750. I did not have the extra $ 400 at the time, but Jeff assured me that the carrier bearing would «get me by for awhile» and that the clicking noise would be solved with the axle bearing’s being replaced (which he had replaced).
As I pull out of the parking lot after the job was complete, my truck still has the «clicking» noise (that i took it in for in the first place). I still continued to drive it home thinking maybe the new parts just had to settle and break in. I called Jeff on the phone the next day to let him know that the truck still has the noise that I am concerned about. He said that «I should have replaced the carrier bearing». Jeff offered me to bring the truck back out to look at it again. As I pull out of my garage I notice a PUDDLE OF DIFFERENTIAL FLUID on my garage floor. I took Jeff’s word that my rear end was depenable and would «get me by for awhile», well 11 miles is what Jeff meant.
Back at Jaws I am, talking with Jeff. He talked me into replacing the carrier bearing but wanted another $ 850 dollars… Wait a minute… the whole job in the beginning was $ 750??? so now I am at a total of $ 1,100+tax. Well, SHAME ON ME, I went ahead and gave Jeff the ok because he garanteed me that the rear end would be solid and I would be 100% satisfied. I really felt that $ 1,100 was really high for JUST BEARING’S AND SEALS… Still using my old axles, carrier, gears, and the entire posi unit itself, oh and he charged me for another $ 60 for fluid that had 22 miles on it and he said because «I should have paid to get it fixed right the first time» WHO SAY THAT TO A CUSTOMER???
As I am looking at my estimate at home that evening, I went on Jaws website and noticed that Jeff charged me EXACTLY DOUBLE on my parts that were show on HIS own website. I wanted to speak with Jeff face to face about the prices when I went to pick my truck up because bringing my truck in there a few times seemed to make Jeff irrated with me. This guy is short fused and very rude on the phone, so its better for a customer to just go in the shop and speak with him directly face to face.
NOW COMES THE GOOD PART… I get to Jaws to pick my truck up and his employee takes care of my bill because Jeff left early. I spoke with him about the prices that were exactly doubled and the employee said he has nothing to do with the pricing. The employee tried calling Jeff on his phone and left numerous voicemails (as I waited there) and Jeff never returned the call, leaving me no choice but to pay the bill so I can take my truck home. I pull out of Jeffs parking lot and the rear end CLUNKS so bad that it feels like my truck is going to fall apart… I was so pissed off at this point…
I drive my truck out there the next morning, and confront Jeff that the rear end is clunking REALLY REALLY BAD. Jeff says, «its normal». I have been buidling hot rods with my dad since I was a kid and neither of us have ever heard of a rear end that clunks to be «normal». Jeff said to «break it in».
Well, 2,000 miles later it’s getting worse and worse. After Numerous trips to Jaws, Jeff and I are frustrated with eachother and he still states «the clunking is normal». I called him just a few weeks ago to let him know I now have more than 3,000 miles on the rear end and its still clunking really bad, Jeff says «i told you more that several times that it is normal and my answer is not going to change, leave the truck here, I will break it in for you if you sign a waiver» (in a smart ass tone).
I have given Jeff multiple oppertunites to fix my truck, and at this point I DO NOT trust him. He leaves me no choice but to take him to small claims court and get my money back.

The guys at Jaw’s Gear are some of the best professionals I’ve have encountered while stationed here in North Cal. Their prices are unbeatable! If you have any mechanical background and spend a few minutes talking with the guys you will instantly know that these guys know their ins and outs. They not only set up my gears within a day, they also gave me advice on how to break in my new gears and what oil and when to change it. If I ever hear of anybody needing any work I will definitely recommend this shop!
Work Performed: 2004 F150 FX4 9.75 Gear 3.73LS Ratio Set-​up w/​install of clutch pack for LS (ALL YUKON PRODUCTS). Condition before: Backlash was messed up due to my improper torqueing of the Pinion Nut affecting the crush sleeve after changing the seal causing a death howl. After they completed the work my truck was back to its silent self with the sweet deep tone of the engine’s exhaust… Best part is the warranty… call today and get your stuff done now!!!
This may be my first review… but the service was so awesome I had to get on here and leave this rating!!!

My 1 ton dually was having a pinion seal LEAK issue from the rear differential. Took the vehicle to a notable truck repair facility, I was told the loose pinion bearing behind the seal would just push the new seal out and the problem would reoccur immediately. They recommended Jaws Gear & Axle. After working 30 years in the automotive aftermarket calling on Automotive Repair Businesses, and educating technicians, I admit I was a little uneasy. I have found transmission and differential shop’s with exceptions to be a little less than honest.
Enter the exception! I called Jaws Gear and Axle and made an appointment. Met Jeff and found him to be competent, extremely knowledgeable and most importantly professional. He explained that a tear down would be necessary to determine what was needed.(made sense) Contacted me at the appointed time as promised, I braced myself. Jeff clearly explained the problem, the fix and a reasonable estimate. I must admit I expected all sorts of BS with a draconian price, wrong! Just the bearings, seal, crush sleeve etc, in other words just a pinion seal and bearing set plus labor. Everything else was within tolerance. The cost came in just a few dollars over estimate. Not Bad, not bad at all. I absolutely recommend this business, A+ marks.
Just a note: I had read both negative reviews. Having retired from the Automotive Manufacturing business, a few thoughts come to mind. First, off road 4 wheel driving is extremely stressful on all vehicle drivetrain parts, has never come with a lot of guarantees. Considered performance parts, and in this world, breakage is common and expected part of off roading as would be expected. We all know people who will blame anyone but themselves. So I eliminated this one! Second review is a common complaint for dealers such as Jaws. The dealer is at the mercy of their supplier, the supplier is at the mercy of the manufacturer. The end user is the last in a chain. Was this Jaws fault? Possibly his suppliers or the manufacturers fault? I again eliminated another poor review. So I went with my instincts and I am glad I did. Thank you Jaws Gear and Axle!

Brought my Jeep in to fix the differential and axel seal. After repairs I drove it two San Luis Obispo and back; the next morning oil was leaking out. So I took it back in to the shop. With professional honesty he said that one if his mechanics messed up. He repaired the jeep and replaced my axel shaft at no cost to me. I was very impressed. Their pricing is fair and they run an honest business (something hard to find now a days). I will definitely be returning here!

Talk about service, value and integrity! This place has it! My daughter came to visit from out of town, to help us move. When she moved her 4runner that afternoon, I noticed oil spots on the rear, both sides, now what?
I pulled both tires, brakes are soaked, Great! 430pm Thursday, called and spoke with Jeff. He says, if you can bring them in first thing, They will be done, afternoon Friday, cool. Well an ABS gear was bad, so had to wait till Monday for that.
Get home one side slips right in and the other won’t seat. Now what? What am I doin’ wrong? Call Jeff several times, listens, always patient, nothings workin’, ain’t my first rodeo. He says, call me tomorrow if your still having problems, OK.
I go down to the shop the next morning, he sees me and smiles. We talk. He says draw me a map to your house and I”ll see you after lunch. What?
I don’t live right around the corner, I’m 15 miles north out in the rice fields! 1240pm, he pulls in my drive, gets out checks it out and pops it in with alittle encouragement (deadblow hammer). WOW!
Just like that! Wouldn’t take any money, just a handshake.
Jeff, Sal and the rest of the crew are to be commended. Something you don’t see enough of these days! Remember, Pay it forward? I’ll be doin’, just that!
Thanks again!

Jeff at JAWS gear has been a tremendous help with my project. They built me a bullet proof rear end that I have abused badly and I have never had a problem. Jeff has always been friendly and very knowledgeable and the service is always quick.

7÷10÷13 I was referred to Jaws Gear & Axle by a friend after discovering a pinion leak on my 1^st gen 4runner. (first off you should know that I have been screwed over by other mechanics, so I was hesitant to call, but being suggested from a friend, so i figured I would trust him.) I called and Jeff answered, I told him exactly where the leak was coming from and he was able to give me an estimate over the phone. I called on Monday and scheduled for a Thursday appointment. I dropped it off wednesday night just so they could get started as soon as they got in Thursday. Jeff said he will give me a call around noon on Thursday and let me know what he finds. Well these guys get right to business to get their customers back on the road. Jeff called about 930 and let me know exactly what he found. He broke everything down and explained what each function of each part played. He had found that my bearings were rusted (270k on the 4runner) yet he was able to accomodate that replacement of those and still have it done on time. I picked it up Friday at 4:50 (10 minutes from closing) and Jonathan talked to me about the replacement, and plans to build my 4runner up. After talking his ear off, I realized it was about 5:10. What great employees to just stay after the store is closed on a Friday and talk cars. I can’t recommend them enough! If you have any issues with your axle or rear end, bring it to them! I can’t imagine when I’ll ever need to get my axle worked on again, but when I do, I’m definitely brining it to them!

Worst experience with an auto repair business in years. Had a rear end housing shortened and moser axles ordered for it. After about 2 weeks I called and the employee said they weren’t there. After another 2 weeks I called and they said it could take over a month. Then after a couple of days the owner Jeff called me and told me the axles had been there for weeks and wondered why I haven’t picked them up with an attitude. So I go and pick them up pissed off and then he says I didn’t order studs but the day before said I paid for them!!! Don’t use these clowns! They suck and I wouldn’t go to them if I blew my diff out and they were the only ones for miles and I had to walk. Jeff doesn’t care about how his business runs and his employees are clueless along with him. I could keep going on and on but I think you get the point

I just had 4.56’s and a Detroit Truetrac dropped in my 09, Ram Hemi. It’s comforting knowing that rear ends are ALL THEY DO. Great price and service and the truck really woke up. Thanks again guys.
Kris M.

I had been looking to get 3.73 gears and a limited slip differential on my 2002 mustang for a while and I hadn’t found a place I trusted with a good price. I was referred to jaws by my father and another mechanic. I called a different shop In sac and they immediately referred me to jaws saying they did good work at good prices. I went in and was very impressed by the service. I called multiple times with many different questions and was always accommodated with a knowledgeable employee. The phone didn’t ring ten times before someone answered. All in all I was very impressed with the work done to my car. A bonus for me was they said they could have it in and out in a day as long as I made an appointment. They were faster than I expected. Dropped it off at 9, paying and out the door by 2:30. That’s a big plus since its my daily driver and I needed it to get home. would recommend to anyone and will continue to use for my rear end work!!!
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Jaws was great. We took in our newly bought beater because suprise, suprise it needed some major rear end and axle work within a couple of months of purchase. The Jaws mechanics were great. They knew we just needed this truck to last us another couple of years, and was only used for in town use, so they wern’t pushy with the price. they offered us multiple options. and we settled with the cheaper one in this case. We walked out with an ugly size bill ($ 1500+), but that was in no way because of mechanics over pricing. Our truck was seriously trashed by the previous owners. The mechanic that did the work on our vehicle even walked us out into the shop and gave us a car «anatomy» lesson. He showed us the actual parts they had to replace. They were mangled. So glad Jaws was there to save the day… Hey its cheaper than buying a new car and making monthly payments… Highly recommed Jaws, honest and skilled.
~Mike and Megan Martinez

i went to this place with absolute trepidation. i had just spent nearly 6k on rebuilding and supercharging my 5.0 mustang. after all of that work the car was still dragging at the low end, and this frustrated me a great deal. my mechanic told me that a gearing upgrade would really wake the car up and i would be able to enjoy all of the power i had just put into the engine. i figured i had to do it because the was it was driving after spending 6k was unacceptable.
he recommended Jaw’s, saying that they are the best at what they do and he knew they would do it better than he could! so i went with them.
i got a gearing upgrade to a 3.73 ratio, plus new bearings and axle bushings.
they got the job done super-​fast! they over-​nighted some parts and had the vehicle done early the next afternoon. and the power difference was AMAZING! plus, the job they did was perfect. no rattling, and no howling from the rear end, which happens a lot when amateurs do gear jobs. i’m very happy with the work they did.
my 1995 5.0 Mustang convertible is now the BEAST that is was Born to be!
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