Certain companies say “in partnership” because it depends on the “grade” or line you buy. If you opt for the cheaper gears you get chineesium. But let’s be real. China has been buying our metal scraps for years. So odds are it was once American steel.
I have used Richmond gears before. Maybe the metal was stamped in China. But the money goes to a company in the states. So in my opinion, it’s helping our economy.
why I continue to use Richmond is their customer service. It’s the bees knees. They’ll talk to you until you’re satisfied. Offer their tips and tricks and not think twice about it. That’s an A+ in my books. There are a lot of options tho. Best choice, Get gears and set em up right. If you know what you’re doing. Whatever company you choose will stand by you and make your gears run right.
First: I do not wish to lean my opinion on you and am not being contradictory. I do however have this to say about steel and china....only because it matters to ME and possibly others as well.
China WAS buying our steel until the last few years. I have an uncle who sells for a metal recycler in bhm al(steel city) and per the new regulations he has seen a shift in the business. trade embargo on china has caused a lot of changes recently. especially since corona. the good stuff(classified) has been tied up in US manufacturing contracts for a few years now. Most of his unclassified steel has sat in bins for the last 10 months and the un culled stuff is just thrown away because he has no room to store it. He used to sell the classified alloy and unculled to china or india but now it just sits. Those same embargoes are why you see materials pricing going up across the board. Raw and processed materials handlers have seen big changes since the new administration.
The general consensus is that the stuff being sold overseas wasnt classified in the us and was not under the restrictions that us steel manufactures have to abide by. this is what leads to fatigue in the metals being produced. too much of one thing or not enough of the other.
India has started sourcing from US, from Germany, and japan so id be more likely to choose Richmond for quality over other brands since those countries produce top notch materials.
I grew up in the IRON city. I used to live under a 200ft tall iron statue of Vulcan the god of the forge, US STEEL is 20 miles from my house. I have a lot of family and friends in the steel business. It hits close to home for me. Otherwise I wouldnt be so damn encompassed by its influence on the economy.
I do appreciate Richmond having a commitment to its trade. They also support the local economies in other great ways like supporting the trail rides and drag racing.
For me its a matter of PRIDE ill admit that. My people make steel better than the rest, so on and so fourth.
Honestly I dont have a frikken clue how to "set up" gears or a diff. Ive never done anything other than axle swaps on a jeep to get the desired ratios. I spend money on tools though...not labor, and im sure the info is here somewhere.
That is why your point is so valid: I will most likley need info ,advice, and support ,LOL.
