Split : RPM/Mike Lee/SyTy Perf

[2500avalanche]

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

You know, it is nice that RPM is standing behind its product and fixing it. It says a lot about the company. A lot of companies would have said "F-U!"
That is why I am getting my exhaust from them. Great service.:tup:

 

[syclone0209]

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

You know, it is nice that RPM is standing behind its product and fixing it. It says a lot about the company. A lot of companies would have said "F-U!"
That is why I am getting my exhaust from them. Great service.:tup:

X2 I have had nothing but great service and great products from mike. And he's always ready to help when i have questions. :tup:

 

[Try Me]

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

...I wonder what would happen to the manufacturer if a failure of a part like this caused a serious injury/fatal accident, and wasn't covered by adequate product-liability insurance? If he/they had any assets, the attorneys would take/get them all...
.

Thats why you incorporate, your personal/family assets can not be touched.

I could definetly see where an extra gusset would be required for strength, Id like to see some pics of before and after the modification/new and old designs.

 

[BigBadSmoosh]

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Yes. Spoke to a tech at RPM this afternoon and have consequently emailed back and forth with Mike.

These arms were in the first run (as I stated), and Mike told me that since then, as I suspected, the design was changed to include a reinforcing gusset on the ball joint plate to prevent this issue from occuring.

Once I am able to remove the arms, RPM is going to repair/update or replace the arms to the new design with the gusset (for whatever it costs me to ship the arms back to them).

On the whole, I'm still ticked my truck is broken but I'm happy with the way this is being handled and I'm confident that the updated arm design will eliminate this problem.

I'm happy to hear that the vendor is going to resolve the issue, of course the issue shouldn't have been there in the first place, but at least they are handling it properly.

it is nice to see vendors stand behind their product and work, it is a shame so many vendors can't do the same thing.

 

[2kwik4u]

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

WOW, just simply WOW. Glad to hear nobody was injured, and no additional parts were broken because of the failure.

Having been heavily involved in the testing and construction of some of the first arms ever produced (to my knowledge anyway) I can tell you that this problem was seen to occur in the VERY FIRST prototype set that was made and road tested. I'm glad to see that RPM is standing behind thier products, but at the same time I hope they are learning from it and changing the design/material specs accordingly. I'd hate to seem them simply replace the arms with another set,and the same thing happen again (or to another person using the same design). Not that a recall would be in order, and I don't intend to imply that, but I think this would be cause for all owners of this arm design to at least walk out, pull the front tires off the trucks, and thoroughly inspect their arms.

 

[cloneman315]

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

that was going to be my next mod,but at the speeds I am going I am a little scared now,but maybe the later newer designs are better.And I also have had great luck with mike I am sure he will take care of it.

 

[vanillagorilla]

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

How many were made like this? 10 sets? Where are they now? At the very least they should be re-called and have some sort of non-destructive testing performed on them. Liquid pen, mag particle...something.

 

[jjorgensen52]

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

that was going to be my next mod,but at the speeds I am going I am a little scared now,but maybe the later newer designs are better.And I also have had great luck with mike I am sure he will take care of it.

There were 10 sets made in the original design

You can see here, circled in red, the gusset plate that has been added to the newer arms. My original style arms are below and circled in blue is the area where the failure occured and the gusset has been added.

 

[ghettosled]

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Couple things:

This issue ONLY applies to the first 10 kits. We have sold over 100 kits, so unless you are one of the first 10 customers then it doesnt apply to you!

Of the first 10 kits, two have had this problem. The first one is what prompted us to issue a voluntary re-call. There were emails and a thread posted on syty.net in regards to it. We told people to send back the lowers and we would either update and re-powdercoat your existing arms or swap them out with a new set. We took and are taking responsibility and standing behind our product because safety should always be a number one consern. It is also important to note, that both customers have openly acknowlegded the real reason for failure, and it wasnt because they were just cruising down the road. We cant prevent people from trying to catch air over speedbumps, or go offroading etc. You dont expect 24" wheels with low profile tires to handle 6" deep pot holes you do? Both failures were resulted from foreign impact. While we can't make them bullet proof, we did address a potential weakpoint after the first 10 sets and have taken steps to improve the design and keep people safe.

In conclusion, our suspension kits are currently in use by MOST of the worlds fastest trucks, and expirience more rigorous testing and abuse then any other coil over kit previously or currently available.

My truck pictured below has a set of standard lower control arms. Just like everyone else. No additional re-inforcing, etc. It has hit the ground so hard after several of these wheelies there is a thick coat of rubber on the lower crossmember from scraping the track. And it continues to hang in there just fine. I dont think anyone else has ever put another coil over kit to this kind of test.

There are pro's and con's to everything. We do our best to provide the highest quality products and service. While we are not your only choice for SYTY products, we strive to be the best. Constructive criticism is always welcome and appreciated. However, sarcastic comments and remarks only end up hurting the community, especially when they come from moderators. The same people that want your money to contribute to the community are the same ones taking cheap shots...

No wonder the Nationals are a complete waste of time!!!!!!! [edit: should have clarified and singled out all the people who ruin it]

 

[phoonTy]

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

. No wonder the Nationals are a complete waste of time!!!!!!!

Wow.

 

[SYO237]

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

No wonder the Nationals are a complete waste of time!!!!!!!

[offtopic]

Mike, I have to ask what this topic has to do with Nationals?

You saying that is a slap in the face to every single person who has ever contributed their personal time to make the event happen each year. As I recall, you have been invited each year to the event openly as other vendors have on here, no one has ever asked you NOT to come. Of course, you have done your fair share of contributions as well with donations and give-aways to events, that hasnt gone unnoticed.

That's a shame to see that comment come from you with how much Ive seen you grow the business over the years due to the help of this site and being able to expand your services. You have been one of the longest standing syty vendors that has been able to stay with the changing times. You know as well as anyone else on here that with the good comments, comes the negative...regardless if its a customer, moderator, what have you....thats how it is anywhere, not just SyTy land. I just dont understand why you are connecting it together with Nationals and openly slam the event saying its a waste of time?

I am not one to stand up and get on a soap box when it comes to vendors and what they do or dont do (its not my place to get involved in someones elses business), but I felt this was necessary to post and say my thoughts.

[/offtopic]

 

[BigBadSmoosh]

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

However, sarcastic comments and remarks only end up hurting the community, especially when they come from moderators. The same people that want your money to contribute to the community are the same ones taking cheap shots... No wonder the Nationals are a complete waste of time!!!!!!!

Since i made a sarcastic comment, i'll be happy to reply.

RPM is a reputable vendor in the community, people have good/bad experiences with every vendor, consistently you do resolve the issues making both parties happy. The is a part of being a business man, it does not mean you deserve special treatment or that as a community we should turn our backs to design differences and FLAWS.

Moderators are members of the community first and foremost, their job is to keep the forum clean, work safe, and running consistently, not to suck on the proverbial tit of vendors.

What ANY of this has to do with nationals confuses me.

Why the majority of vendors decide to skip out on a national event made for the community by members of the community baffles most people. It is an opportunity to showcase your work, gain new customers, meet your current customers and have an enjoyable weekend with people with similar interests.

I go out of my way to support products that improve our trucks and the vendors that design them, ask anyone that has been at a meet with me, I hand my keys over to anyone that is interested in driving a truck with a "cheap" coil-over setup. I promote the products i use and the vendors that work with me, not the people that turn away from the community and don't actively participate.

Design failures suck, but they are a part of the design process, if a company does not do their own design from beginning to end and does not do proper testing, there will be failures.

comments like these make me glad i don't purchase anything from RPM, they also ensure that I won't purchase anything from Terrence "mike" Lee in the future either. :tup:

 

[QWERTYphoon]

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

-The same people that want your money to contribute to the community are the same ones taking cheap shots... No wonder the Nationals are a complete waste of time!!!!!!!

Totally uncalled for!

-We took and are taking responsibility and standing behind our product because safety should always be a number one consern.

-Glad to hear it! I have your RPM coil overs on my truck, it's a great product! Now maybe you can work on your customer service and your shitty shipping!

 

[Captain Morgan]

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Well, I was going to wait until this evening to share this, since I've only been sitting on it, biting my tounge since 2003, but since everyone else seems to be coming out of the closet with the Mike Lee / RPM experiences, I guess I can share mine as well.

Tuesday, June 17, 2003

I e-mailed RPM to get a quote for a downpipe and ITS minigate for my PTE-52

> Hmuch would an external WG downpipe & ITS
> Minigate combo run me for my PTE-52?
>
> Im not really sure on the time factor as I am in not
> really able to toss out tons of money right now, but I
> would like to get an idea of what Im looking at
> spending when I am able to purchase something.
>
> Any thoughts or information would be appreciated.
> I look forward to doing business with you in the near
> future.
>
> Peace.

I got a reply back that same day (so far so good)

the dp is $435, and the wastegate is $245. Together as a package deal you
save $40. thanks

Mike aka "Ghettosled"

Thursday, June 26, 2003

> Mike,
>
> Im wanna order the downpipe from you (setup for the
> ITS mini-gate & PTE housing). As it turns out, I won
> an ITS Mini Gate just this past weekend in a raffle,
> how ironic is that, but I still need to order a pipe.
>
> I just had a few questions;
> 1. Everything is stainless, correct?
> 2. Does the pipe come with a 3" exhaust cutout? If
> not, could I get one on it and how much more would
> that be.
> 3. I guess when I hear back from you, should I call
> 310-344-4212 to place my order and should I ask for
> you?
>
> thanks again dude.
> -Morgan

Again, got a reply same day;

the exhaust is stainless and we do not offer a cutout. Our system is also
designed to be used without a cat. Just call when you are ready to place an
order.. thanks

Mike aka "Ghettosled"

I called between 1 - 3 days of getting that reply, gave Mike my CC number and was told they would be shipped in 2 weeks.

Saturday, July 19, 2003

> Mike,
>
> just wondering about the progess of the downpipe since
> its been a few weeks.
>
> thanks

reply;

i should have them back from the bender in about 2-3 more weeks.

Mike aka "Ghettosled"

my follow up;

> Damn, and how long is the turnaround gonna be from
> THAT!?

reply;

you can cancel you order if you wish. I have not made any charges to your
credit card.

The reason for the delay is I have decided to have the pipes mandrel bend
for a better look, and fit. This way they can be mass produced at a more
affordable cost. I could make up more by hand, but at this point in time I
would prefer not to manually assemble any since they will all be
computerized in the near future.

Mike aka "Ghettosled"

GREAT! you couldnt have mentioned this weeks ago??? :dunno:

Friday, August 08, 2003

At this point, I had missed Nats because I didnt have a complete downpipe on my truck, since I was originally told 2 weeks to ship, 2 months later I still had nothing and still wasn't driving my truck.

> Hey Mike,
>
> Its been 3 more weeks, just wondering if there was any
> progress. thanks
>
> -morgan

reply;

just getting settled down from the nats trip.. should be ready for me to
pick up at the benders.. Just havent had a chance yet.

Mike aka "Ghettosled"

Wait a moment, I thought Nats was a waste of time? :lol:

Tuesday, August 12, 2003

> So its gonna be out before the 19th right??

reply;

probably not. I still have to weld up the wastegate mounts, and I have a
few other things i need to take care of.

Mike aka "Ghettosled"

my reply;

> Mike,
>
> This means it will be over 2 MONTHS for a downpipe you
> said would take 2 WEEKS, THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE by
> anyones standards im sure. Now what are we gonna do
> about this???
>
> -Morgan

reply;

cancell your order then.

Mike aka "Ghettosled"

After that reply, I finally had enough;

great business you got there. make my damn pipe already.

reply;

I dont know what else you want me to do. I farmed the bending out to an
outside source in order to save you guys money and get a perfect fit every
time. They have been lagging. I purposely have not charged any deposits,
b/c I was not 100% how long it would take. I have only been relaying the
info they have given me. Unforuntately it has been longer then expected.
You are the only customer who is constantly complaining. My business is
only a reflection of the customers attitude.

Seen as how you declined to cancell your own order, I will do it for you.
So you can go build you own ****ing pipe.

Mike aka "Ghettosled"

What would I have liked?? How about building one the way you had originally quoted me for, the way you had previously done all your other ones! But no, typical Mike Lee fashion, you just pass the buck and blame someone else, whether it be an outside source or the guys in your warehouse because items werent shipped, parts were missing of they just took weeks and weeks to arrive. If you weern't 100% sure, then why did you tell me 2 weeks on the phone? What was the topic of you sending the pipes out to be bent NEVER mentioned when I originally called??

I was the only customer constantly complaining? I highly doubt that. Perhaps all the others were only complaining occationally??:lol:

Your business is only a reflection of customers attitudes? Not in this case pal, your customers attitude was a reflection of the lies and bullshit that was said over a 2 month period.

I was glad you cancelled my order, now I can PROUDLY say I have never purchased a damn thing from you and I never will and I will certainly never recommend anyone else to purchase from you either. In fact, I was considering purchasing some turbos from you this spring, but I decided to buy from Detroit Turbo instead, I'm glad I did, he actually cares about his customers and didn't feed me 2 months of lies and excuses.

Oh, and for the record, I did build my own ****ing downpipe! It's been working FLAWLESSLY for 6 years, so thanks again!!

 

[ghettosled]

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

I apologize for my comment on the nationals. It was not meant to discredit the hard work of those who have spent countless hours of their free time to organize an event for others to enjoy. I probably could have worded it better or been more specific and singled out people. I am very sorry, espeically to guys like Adam who have done nothing but help us in the past.

I guess i should not be suprised by some of the comments, b/c its the same people everytime. Obviously had a bad expirience years ago and can't let it go.. Moderators shouldnt have to stick up for vendors, but they also shouldnt take your money then take every chance they get to stab you in the back. There are several of you (and you know who you are) that ask for donations, promise this and that, and pretend you love our company but when it comes down to it you are on another forum talking shit b/c we arent a member and think we wont see or hear about it. Whats even more funny is some of you "haters" call looking for assistance with product selection, part numbers, turbo sizing whatever only to buy it from another vendor b/c they couldnt offer anything but a $1 cheaper price. Your name shows up on caller ID, i know exactly who you are yet I STILL help you after 5 phone calls of "I'm going to buy it next week when i get my paycheck." WTF?! I cant imagine what you would think of us if i told you what i really thought of you on the phone, but I bite my tongue.

The situation with the suspension is shitty. It has been from day one. Promise something, get fcked by a vendor and have to pull a rabbit out of your ass just to keep the customer happy. Then it bites you in the ass, and you get accused of copying stuff etc. There are plenty of threads on it, so i dont need to bring it up again. All i can do is stand behind our product, make sure it fullfils quality standards and offer assistance to those customers who need it. Obviously if it sucked, there wouldnt be such a large percentage of guys who have replaced a previously purchased kit.

 

[eviltwin]

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

can some one please clean up this thread and put a leash on the administrator? thanks

 

[cloneman315]

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Here is what I think,most people dont own there own companys and have no clue of how things work and how things come up etc etc.Sometimes it just happens that way...

My advice is when someone has a problem try to get it fixed with the vendor first before you even start a post that you might think may stir some shit up.

Lets not make yet ANOTHER great vendor with great products and support tell us all to go **** ourselfs.

And also admin should not be allowed to take any sides with neg remarks,and speak about a vendor or ANYONE for that matter in a negative way.They need to be neutral,and if they cant be ,well maybe the job is not for them.My 2 cents anyone agree?

 

[Captain Morgan]

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

can some one please clean up this thread and put a leash on the administrator? thanks

there is nothing to clean up and why should my experience be silenced? care to explain your reasoning behind that? I did nothing but post FACTS, if you dont like it, I cannot help that. Just because Im an "administratior" doesnt change facts...

And also admin should not be allowed to take any sides with neg remarks,and speak about a vendor or ANYONE for that matter in a negative way.They need to be neutral,and if they cant be ,well maybe the job is not for them.My 2 cents anyone agree?

again, I hope thats not in reference to me, because Ive kept quite long enough about "problems" with people and vendors alike on this forum. Who do you think people PM when someone gets ripped off by another member, THE ADMINS, who do you think gets PMed when they have a problem with a vendor and the vendor avoids them, THE ADMINS. Are supposed to just ignore the problems because we have to stay neutral? I can be fair regardless of what my opinion of PEOPLE are, but when a BUSINESS starts causing problems, its a completely different story.

So spare me the lecture on what we should and should not be allowed to do. I was speaking as a regular member (see smaugs post), Im not airing out anyones dirty laundry but my own, but believe me if I wanted to I could write a best selling novel with all the drama thats loaded up in my PM box.

 

[eviltwin]

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

there is nothing to clean up and why should my experience be silenced? care to explain your reasoning behind that? I did nothing but post FACTS, if you dont like it, I cannot help that. Just because Im an "administratior" doesnt change facts...

the thread is about the control arms, not the problems you had with a downpipe order from rpm 6yrs ago :tup:

 

[cloneman315]

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

Re: Can't catch a break - broke an a-arm

I did not see your name in my post anyplace,it was a generic quote.Of how I see it.The drama is because half the people on here are like a bunch of ****ing girls!!