By Christian Sturtz, [email protected]
Photos by Christian Sturtz
It is hard to go anywhere or do anything off-road related and not see a Yukon sticker on something. Yukon is the leading brand under the RANDYS WorldWide blanket. RANDYS has a budget-friendly line, USA Standard Gear, and a drivetrain solution line, Zumbrota. RANDYS is always staying current on newly released vehicles with a complete research and development team continually working on and planning for customers’ needs. With the use of the most current technology available, this allows them to meet your needs as an off-roader. (Figure 1)
I recently had the opportunity to visit the Everett, Washington RANDYS’ headquarters. At this location, they have a full-service differential shop. While there, they were working on a Nash hotrod with a late model drivetrain and a JL. Right behind the lifts, there are several technicians doing bench jobs. RANDYS offers the option for you to send in an axle/differential, and they will build it to your specs, then ship it back to you. This is great for people who live in remote areas and don’t have access to a reputable shop. One of the techs working in the bench area was installing and testing a new gear set for an F450/550 truck with a large Dana rear end. In the photo, the tech and shop foreman are reviewing the suggested starting shim thicknesses provided by the engineers. (Figure 2)
Then we went to another area where drivetrain components were assembled and prepped. They were working on New Process rear case halves and Duragrip assemblies. It is interesting to see the custom tools RANDYS has to get certain jobs done. There was a custom parts washer capable of doing an entire dually truck rear-end at once, along with several fixtures and tools for assembling their lockers. (Figure 3)
We also visited several quality-control testing and development labs. These labs help RANDYS ensure you are receiving the best possible products they can provide. The techs and engineers in the labs were busy at work. Some were randomly checking parts for quality control; others were working to develop and prototype new products. (Figure 4)
Overall, I was impressed with the cleanliness and organization of the facility. Even the packing and shipping areas were well organized to ensure you get what you order. One of my favorite spots in the facility is the carnage wall, found in the service department waiting area. (Figure 5)
Yukon Gear and Axle
RANDYS WorldWide Inc.
10411 Airport Rd. (Ste 200)
Everett, WA 98204
1-206-317-4736
