Differential Man Products

MY  STORY

​I was born in Phoenix, AZ in 1952. I started working with all the "Old School" mechanics. The most important lesson I learned was don't take anything apart until you diagnose and positively know what the problem is and what part was bad. Compared to today's vehicles, we didn't have computers, sensors and environment restrictions. We didn't replace parts or units, we rebuilt them.  I remember going down to central parts and picking up a water pump seal kit or a starter/generator bushing & brush kit. And don't forget the starter drive and solenoid. The shop flat rate was $9.95 per hour and the truck flat rate $12.50 per hour. I made $3.50 an hour. In those days, Over the years, I became to "Go to Guy" for noises and vibrations. I always enjoyed having the customer with me as I drove his vehicle and putting it through all the driving procedures. Finally, I would say, you hear that, that this part or that bearing. Today, I have to deal with two parts of the vehicle, the mechanical and the computer stuff. I call it stuff because that how much I know of it. Well, enough of that. All I'm saying is, we lost the art of diagnosing noises and vibrations. The shops today don't take the time to evaluate and diagnose the problem. Customers tell me, they just start replacing parts until the symptom or noise goes away. 

   For years, I owned and operated the largest Differential Shop in Arizona, called Gear Train Enterprises, Inc.  In those days, we didn't have the internet. We had that long rack of catalogues and a large core pile. What made us the best was "WE DIDN'T BUILD BY THE BOOK, WE BUILT TO LAST".  That has always been my motto and has proven to be the best way to rebuild the differentials. I'll talk about that in another section of this website. 

   Before my Differential Days, I worked on many things. At 10, I rebuilt and painted bicycles. At 12, My Mom let me buy my first car. I had it in my backyard and took it apart and put it back together twice. At 16, I worked at "Safety Service & Supply", a fleet repair business. I learned to do clutches, engines, transmissions, brakes, and springs on light duty to Semi's. I barely pass high school, but was awarded the Arizona Scholarship to Lincoln Technical Institute which is now " UTI, Universal Technical Institute" At 20, I started my first business, "Paul's Automotive" a all-around vehicle and fleet repair shop. I took in a partner and that ended that. I got a job at Axle Transmission Of Arizona. That's when I fell in love with gears. I built 5, 10, 13 and 15 speed transmissions, single, two speed and double reduction Diffs. I wanted to work for myself, so I opened Arizona Powertrain. I rebuilt the same, but also provided R&R on all the vehicles, Semi's, Cranes and heavy equipment. Soon, I was building the big Allison Transmissions for the Copper Mines. The big companies didn't like the competition, so I was black-balled in the country for getting parts. I had to shut down the Allison business. 

   Because of my reputation in the differential industry, I sat on many advisory boards such as Phoenix Better Business Bureau, the Phoenix Police "Race a Cop" program and the school I attended early in life, UTI. I was also an expert witness for Quaker State and Minute Lube. I enjoyed sponsoring many car shows, drag races, mud bogs, desert races. At 16, I got to hang out with the Gene Snow's Team for 3 days at the Winter Nationals at Beeline Dragway. I also had the privilege to be on the pit crew for a NASCAR Super Truck Team. ​

   Between the age of 40 and 60, I lost my way and went through hell causing a lot of pain for my mom and the people that cared for me. Two days after I turned 60, I gave my life back to God and got my priorities straight. I realized that God kept me alive for a reason and now I'm living it. Not only can I help people with their vehicle repair, but I enjoyed talking to them. I share my testimony and what I went through in life and hopefully it helps them.

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SETTING UP SHOP in Colorado Springs

I moved to Colorado Springs in Sept. of 2013. I leased a shop from Mike Thibault, Pres. of T-Bone Construction. Mike has been very supportive and helpful. I grew my business by saving every penny and reinvesting it back into the business. I kept growing  and soon needed to expand. Over the past 10 years, I've bought and designed the tools I needed for the various differential repairs. It's nice not having to borrow or buy tools anymore. I love being a "Gear Head" again! I'm now going to produce videos for my YouTube Channel. I'll show "step by step" on how to build differentials and various tools and equipment that I use in my shop.

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My Work Experience: "My Current state".

• Setting up Ring & Pinion Gears to insure Quiet Operation and longevity.

• Rebuilding Front & Rear Differentials, Transfer-Cases.

• Machining and welding on new Spindles on all Full Float Differentials.

• Straightening bent housings and axle shafts.

• Rebuilding all Positraction Carriers.

• Building Complete Differential Assemblies for Race, Rock Climbers, Show Cars and whatever comes in. 

• Pulling and Pressing all types of axle bearings.

• Prototype Design, Mold Making, Match-plate Design and Production Set-Up.

• Tool Design and manufacturing.

• Producing Videos to teach others step by step rebuilding at home or shop.

 

INVENTIONS: SEE INVENTIONS

• Designed a Resurfacing tool for the carrier bearing thrust surfaces on the Dana 60/70 Differentials. ( 40 years ago )

• Designed the World's first Differential filtration Cover, called the "Magneguard Cover" ( 35 Years ago )

• Designed the World's first Removable Cover & Adapter Ring for the Ford 9in. Differential. (30 Years ago )

• Designed the filtration insert for the Ford 9in. Differential. ( 30 Years ago )

• Design, Manufacturing and Marketing the " Offroad Creeper".

• Manufacturing and Marketing 5 more Patented tools when ready. ( very Soon )