Ultimate Episode- TRAIL GEAR vs. MARLIN CRAWLER

explodingchimp · 07-27-2009, 03:10 PM

This is the thread for everyone who has an opinion, a picture, question or idea about these two companies. I know there are other brands out there, but these are two independent companies that offer everything from bumpers, to SAS kits.
Let the discussion begin-

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ocdropzone · 07-27-2009, 03:14 PM

been beat to death

**waskillywabbit** · 07-27-2009, 03:49 PM

I say you got too much damn time on your hands.

BoostinChick · 07-27-2009, 04:42 PM

I went with TG due to shipping cost. Whenever I get mine I will let you know how it holds up.

desertyodaboy · 07-27-2009, 05:07 PM

Marlin all the way

explodingchimp · 07-27-2009, 05:19 PM

this was more of way for me to make up my mind about things, and to just find out what other people were thinking, cuz in my mind, they seem pretty equal

AxleIke · 07-27-2009, 05:29 PM

Not equal at all. Marlin all the way.

**Tofer** · 07-27-2009, 05:37 PM

as a trail-gear dealer i have had zero issues with any of the TG products i've used and sold.

tc · 07-27-2009, 07:35 PM

Trail-Gear is the Walmart of the offroad world. (This is fact, and non-debatable).

Some people will have a problem with that, and some won't. It's up to you.

Personally, I am torn. Marlin and others innovate products, Trail-Gear has innovated the manufacturing and marketing of them. All reports are that Trail-Gear is producing a quality product at (often) a dramatically reduced price. I want to support the companies that are fostering creative new products for our trucks, but money is money!

Nashman00 · 07-27-2009, 08:07 PM

i like them both both have there ups and down

like any other company

usely trail gear is priced lower since they tend to be the new dog's

both companies have other companies make there stuff so

choose what you want

TrikeKid · 07-29-2009, 05:22 AM

The debate between marlin and TG is based mostly on business ethics and the antics of TG's owner Chris Geiger. If you want to read about it, search any of the big 4x4 sites that cover Toyota trucks, you'll find page after page of that BS. Pick which one's stickers you like better. The only place I think MC is far and a way the class of the industry is drive train and the fact you can get American made springs from them.

**waskillywabbit** · 07-29-2009, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrikeKid

The debate between marlin and TG is based mostly on business ethics and the antics of TG's owner Chris Geiger.

Chris Geiger doesn't own TG and never has.

He also has not worked at TG in quite some time.

TrikeKid · 07-29-2009, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waskillywabbit

Chris Geiger doesn't own TG and never has.

He also has not worked at TG in quite some time.

Well, that shows how far I've tried to stay away from the pissing and whining about who did what, doesn't it? He's always been the one that's represented them on forums from what I saw was all.

scuba · 07-29-2009, 10:33 AM

Wasnt there just one the other day about MC, TG, And AP..?

WTF ?!?1

Dont feed the troll..

**4x4Fink** · 07-29-2009, 10:35 AM

I've always been an "all Toyota, all the time" kind of guy so I tend to be pretty brand specific on certain parts.
If I'm going to drop some cash on something I want a reliable piece and a reliable name stamped on it.

With that being said, I have always had this unfounded respect/preference for Marlin products when the truth is, I've never bought a single thing from them.
Does that mean they're doing a better job of "tooting their own horn" or am I just being persuaded by those that do use them all the time?

I said that to say this, I just bought a Master Cylinder from WabFab (Trail-Gear dealer) and have had nothing but positive things to say about it.
I have also purchased sliders from WabFab (Trail-Gear) in the past, while I did have one problem with the length of the legs they sent me it wasn't a big deal and I made it work.

I've never heard a die hard bad story about either one, each have their pro's and con's and like tc said, money is money.

Fink

cootees · 07-29-2009, 10:56 AM

I have some trail-gear parts.. I have some marlin parts... if you ask me they both work well together.

ScottyC · 07-29-2009, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrikeKid

The fact you can get American made springs from them.

Marlin's springs are purchased from Betts Spring company (an american company). Yet, they are manufactured and assembled overseas in India. USA springs is a loose term.

(This is NOT directed at you Trikekid, just people in general)
I always find it ironic that people who don't know the whole story make comments about TG copying everything and trying to steal designs. Its obvious that those people weren't around when Marlin hired Chris Geiger after he was fired from All-Pro. At that time Marlin only produced drivetrain parts (Trannies and Tcases/adapters). But, within a few months had an ENTIRE suspension line that was identical to All-Pro's. If you want to place the blame, place it on Geiger, not at Trail-Gear. Geiger stole all of All-Pro's designs and took them to Marlincrawler. I guess that it was only fitting when he took them to Trail-Gear.

FWIW, I have installed numerous TG, All-Pro, and MC kits. I can tell you that TG is by far the most complete kit. And for the record, you will see ZERO difference in the quality of parts. ZERO!

I prefer to run their kit on my own rig. If I hadn't built it myself, then I ran their products with ZERO issues.

To think that Marlin and All-Pro aren't using Chinese steel to make their parts is absurd. Its the only way to keep costs down and to raise the profit margin. They may buy it in the USA from a US based steel supplier, but I can tell you that its likely Chinese steel. Most steel suppliers sell chinese steel these days.

For the record. I have no issues with All-Pro or Marlin and am not bashing either company. I am simply telling it how it is. I used to work for All-Pro and have met Marlin and talked with him at length on several different occasions. I have the utmost respect for Marlin and do use his parts as well from time to time.

**4x4Fink** · 07-29-2009, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottyC

Marlin's springs are purchased from Betts Spring company (an american company). Yet, they are manufactured and assembled overseas in India. USA springs is a loose term.

(This is NOT directed at you Trikekid, just people in general)
I always find it ironic that people who don't know the whole story make comments about TG copying everything and trying to steal designs. Its obvious that those people weren't around when Marlin hired Chris Geiger after he was fired from All-Pro. At that time Marlin only produced drivetrain parts (Trannies and Tcases/adapters). But, within a few months had an ENTIRE suspension line that was identical to All-Pro's. If you want to place the blame, place it on Geiger, not at Trail-Gear. Geiger stole all of All-Pro's designs and took them to Marlincrawler. I guess that it was only fitting when he took them to Trail-Gear.

FWIW, I have installed numerous TG, All-Pro, and MC kits. I can tell you that TG is by far the most complete kit. And for the record, you will see ZERO difference in the quality of parts. ZERO!

I prefer to run their kit on my own rig. If I hadn't built it myself, then I ran their products with ZERO issues.

To think that Marlin and All-Pro aren't using Chinese steel to make their parts is absurd. Its the only way to keep costs down and to raise the profit margin. They may buy it in the USA from a US based steel supplier, but I can tell you that its likely Chinese steel. Most steel suppliers sell chinese steel these days.

For the record. I have no issues with All-Pro or Marlin and am not bashing either company. I am simply telling it how it is. I used to work for All-Pro and have met Marlin and talked with him at length on several different occasions. I have the utmost respect for Marlin and do use his parts as well from time to time.

Fink

explodingchimp · 07-29-2009, 01:06 PM

thanks scotty, i still like Addicted

**4x4Fink** · 07-29-2009, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by explodingchimp

thanks scotty, i still like Addicted

I still like Addicted, too...just waiting for my sticker.

Fink

swapped89 · 07-29-2009, 04:07 PM

I say.It just depends on what sticker you want and how much your willing to pay for that sticker.I have both companies products on my truck and have no complaints with either. I mostly lean towards TG because of there price and shipping is free to the local 4wd shop. but when i get mmy 4.7 tcase gears i will probably go with the marlin set due to the "all spline technology"

It depends on what parts your gettin and how much you wanna pay. Both IMHO are great companies.

86Toyrunna · 07-29-2009, 04:22 PM

im a fan of both.. i was going to purchase a mc rear bumper for my 4runner but when i hit checkout the shiping was dang near half the cost of the bumper and im just a state away.. so i went to trail-gear and saw that they had a new rear bumper out and guess what, i bought it and the shiping was literaly 25 bucks. i love the marlin clutch kits and have run them in both my 85 pu and now my 86 runner. they all will have there quirks and from what iv heard online and in person is that mc is kinda droppin the ball on shiping correct parts and correct quanity of parts. iv had excilent service when dealing with trailgear, if there is an issue i call them up and no questions asked they fix what ever is wrong.

Volcom · 08-07-2009, 01:32 PM

I've got a mixture of Marlin & TG products on my 4Runner. I've never had any issues with either. Both companies have been easy to order from and work with.

Marlin Dual case adapter & 4.7 gears
Marlin billet steering arms
Marlin HREW sliders
Marlin front axle rebuild kit

Basically a full TG F&R suspension kit minus the arms & rebuild kit

Addicted Off Road front bumper

934rnr · 08-08-2009, 11:39 AM

Steel is steel no matter if it forged in china or the usa.
Most likely the steel is stuff your buying back from a us car that was crushed and recycled.
I've had both trail-gear and marlin on my trucks quality is the same.
I have also had products from bud-built and sky-manufacturing on my trucks too all support their products well.

tc · 08-09-2009, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 934rnr

Steel is steel no matter if it forged in china or the usa.
Most likely the steel is stuff your buying back from a us car that was crushed and recycled.

As a metallurgist who worked in a steel mill, I can GUARANTEE you this is not true. If you compete only on cost and have all that extra shipping cost in there, you gotta cut corners somewhere - and quality, safety, and environmental responsibility are those areas in China.

07-27-2009, 03:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
ocdropzone Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: PDX, OR Posts: 4,705	been beat to death __________________ ~Robb '81 Trekker The B4Runner Build TREKKER Forum Mini FAQ/Misc Ideas Thread TRY THESE SEARCH LINKS GOOGLE FOR TOYOTA WEBSITES LINK TO ONLINE FACTORY SERVICE MANUALS Drive a real 1st Gen Wheel Responsibly, Don't Screw It Up for Others

07-27-2009, 03:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
waskillywabbit Super Moderator-Sponsoring Member Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 14,548	I say you got too much damn time on your hands. __________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC MySpace Twitter Facebook 7th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, 2010 The toughest part of a Jeep is the chick driving it. WabFab Off-Road 4th Anniversary Sale

07-27-2009, 04:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
BoostinChick Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Abington, PA Posts: 704	I went with TG due to shipping cost. Whenever I get mine I will let you know how it holds up. __________________ 1994 4Runner SR5 3VZE (Auto) \|DynoMax Cat-Back\|-\|EGR Block Off\|-\|31x10.5R15 Treadwright A/Ts\|-\|Infinity Reference and Kicker Components\|-\|OME Steering Stabilizer\|-\|Aisin Manual Hubs\|

07-27-2009, 05:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
desertyodaboy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Fresno, Ca (Hell) But from San Diego and moving back soon Posts: 206	Marlin all the way __________________ 99' Tacoma Trd V6 4x4, TRD exhaust, supercharger, 2.5" SAW coilovers in front, Bilsteins 5100s in rear, 32" Goodyear wrangler MTRs on 15" welds, HID lights on custom bumbers Ivan stewart TRD decals and red top Optima...GONE CURRENT 20004runner Limited 4x4 3.4 265/75/16 Cooper Discoverer S/T 14" Magnaflow Gray Wire Mod Deckplate Mod DR CO, TC UCA and PP Coils with Bilsteins 85 2wd Toyota p/u Stock 85 4runner Stock for now http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc7/desertyodaboy/

07-27-2009, 05:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
AxleIke Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Boulder, Colorado Posts: 4,887	Not equal at all. Marlin all the way. __________________ 1987 Mutant 4runner\|Slightly Modified\|Lacking general build direction -Lifts and Tires look cool at the Mall, Lockers and Gears look cool on the trail. -Internet Nice Guy

07-27-2009, 05:19 PM	#6 (permalink)
explodingchimp Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lake Tahoe, CA Posts: 12	this was more of way for me to make up my mind about things, and to just find out what other people were thinking, cuz in my mind, they seem pretty equal

07-27-2009, 05:37 PM	#8 (permalink)
Tofer Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Tacoma WA. Posts: 6,902	as a trail-gear dealer i have had zero issues with any of the TG products i've used and sold. __________________ 94 4runenr: all the good stuff....... 89 4runner: 3.0, Auto, 5.29 lockright f/r. 31x10.5 wildcountry ATs. 81 2wd pickup: 22R \| 5-sp \| long bed \|Civic SI seats \| LockRight \| Hella 500s pacific-crawlers.com For all your Trail-gear and HID lighting Solutions Needs check out yotaworks.com Online store coming soon :)

07-27-2009, 07:35 PM	#9 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,372	Trail-Gear is the Walmart of the offroad world. (This is fact, and non-debatable). Some people will have a problem with that, and some won't. It's up to you. Personally, I am torn. Marlin and others innovate products, Trail-Gear has innovated the manufacturing and marketing of them. All reports are that Trail-Gear is producing a quality product at (often) a dramatically reduced price. I want to support the companies that are fostering creative new products for our trucks, but money is money! __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action Last edited by tc; 07-27-2009 at 07:37 PM.

07-27-2009, 08:07 PM	#10 (permalink)
Nashman00 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 115	i like them both both have there ups and down like any other company usely trail gear is priced lower since they tend to be the new dog's both companies have other companies make there stuff so choose what you want

07-29-2009, 05:22 AM	#11 (permalink)
TrikeKid Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Roy, WA Posts: 325	The debate between marlin and TG is based mostly on business ethics and the antics of TG's owner Chris Geiger. If you want to read about it, search any of the big 4x4 sites that cover Toyota trucks, you'll find page after page of that BS. Pick which one's stickers you like better. The only place I think MC is far and a way the class of the industry is drive train and the fact you can get American made springs from them. __________________ '85 Xtra Cab Knobbly tires and such things.

07-29-2009, 10:33 AM	#14 (permalink)
scuba Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: WHEELIN BIG BEAR Posts: 6,968	Wasnt there just one the other day about MC, TG, And AP..? WTF ?!?1 Dont feed the troll.. __________________ Screw you guys I'm goin to TTORA Mods, please be mature and leave my sig alone, thanks. No, I will not be your friend.

07-29-2009, 10:35 AM	#15 (permalink)
4x4Fink Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Centerton, AR Posts: 5,952	I've always been an "all Toyota, all the time" kind of guy so I tend to be pretty brand specific on certain parts. If I'm going to drop some cash on something I want a reliable piece and a reliable name stamped on it. With that being said, I have always had this unfounded respect/preference for Marlin products when the truth is, I've never bought a single thing from them. Does that mean they're doing a better job of "tooting their own horn" or am I just being persuaded by those that do use them all the time? I said that to say this, I just bought a Master Cylinder from WabFab (Trail-Gear dealer) and have had nothing but positive things to say about it. I have also purchased sliders from WabFab (Trail-Gear) in the past, while I did have one problem with the length of the legs they sent me it wasn't a big deal and I made it work. I've never heard a die hard bad story about either one, each have their pro's and con's and like tc said, money is money. Fink __________________ 1985 4Runner 22RE 4WD "Ratchet" 2007 Tacoma Double Cab SB 4x4 V6 TRD Sport AR-TTORA "My work number is 9-1-1."

07-29-2009, 10:56 AM	#16 (permalink)
cootees Contributing Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Roanoke Va Posts: 919	I have some trail-gear parts.. I have some marlin parts... if you ask me they both work well together. __________________ -- '90 4Runner 2Dr 3.0 / sas /OME 860 coils / rear e-locker / 32's/ MC Rear bumper / TG Sliders / surco basket / cobra 18 wxstII / ISR / Magnaflow exhaust

07-29-2009, 01:06 PM	#19 (permalink)
explodingchimp Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lake Tahoe, CA Posts: 12	thanks scotty, i still like Addicted

07-29-2009, 04:07 PM	#21 (permalink)
swapped89 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: B-TOWN, Oregon Posts: 564	I say.It just depends on what sticker you want and how much your willing to pay for that sticker.I have both companies products on my truck and have no complaints with either. I mostly lean towards TG because of there price and shipping is free to the local 4wd shop. but when i get mmy 4.7 tcase gears i will probably go with the marlin set due to the "all spline technology" It depends on what parts your gettin and how much you wanna pay. Both IMHO are great companies. __________________ SAS 89,trussed, bobbed, Trail Gear front & rear 5''. 3.0 V6 cold air k&N, 40 ser. flowmaster, 5speed, HP ARB font diff, Marlin Crawler inner's and marfields. 5.29 yukons, Detroit rear, 35''x13.5 toyo's. Steadily growing body damage. Two way alarm, TG rock defense bumper, Warn 8000, TG crossmember,geard rive t-case w/marlin XD 4.7s. TG Sliders, some day dual cases and a cage

07-29-2009, 04:22 PM	#22 (permalink)
86Toyrunna Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: B-TOWN, ORYGUN Posts: 431	im a fan of both.. i was going to purchase a mc rear bumper for my 4runner but when i hit checkout the shiping was dang near half the cost of the bumper and im just a state away.. so i went to trail-gear and saw that they had a new rear bumper out and guess what, i bought it and the shiping was literaly 25 bucks. i love the marlin clutch kits and have run them in both my 85 pu and now my 86 runner. they all will have there quirks and from what iv heard online and in person is that mc is kinda droppin the ball on shiping correct parts and correct quanity of parts. iv had excilent service when dealing with trailgear, if there is an issue i call them up and no questions asked they fix what ever is wrong. __________________ current: 1986 4Runner, Rebuilt 22RE with engnbldr HP head, cam'd, battery/intake swap, SASed, 5.29s, detroit rear, 35in MTRs, trussed and armored axles, marlin HD clutch, soon to be dual cased, TG rear bumper, Best mod todate CHROME METAL SR5 DOOR HANDLES, thats whats up RIP: 1985 Standard Cab SR5 pickup, add-a-leafs and shackels, 33" BFGs, it died a horrible death (50mph roll over) DD: 2006 Scion Tc w/TRD Supercharge and TRD stainless cat-back exhaust

08-08-2009, 11:39 AM	#24 (permalink)
934rnr Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: S. Burlington, VT Posts: 1,240	Steel is steel no matter if it forged in china or the usa. Most likely the steel is stuff your buying back from a us car that was crushed and recycled. I've had both trail-gear and marlin on my trucks quality is the same. I have also had products from bud-built and sky-manufacturing on my trucks too all support their products well. __________________ 86 Toyota 4 runner Soild front axle, 35x12.5 BFG KM2's, winch, blah blah blah.... http://www.yotatech.com/f116/my-new-red-snappah-152938/ My cardomain page Last edited by 934rnr; 08-08-2009 at 11:46 AM.

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