Marlin Crawler's New Rock Crawling Long Travel IFS Suspension System (#RCLT)

So basically they're heroine...Got it.

 

They actually make really good shit, crawl box and drivetrain wise at least, they just do everything in their power not to sell it or ship it to you!

I can't believe they all but stopped making crawl box stuff, why kill the money maker while you dick around with suspensions? Crazy business move.

 

Yep - and not only how they fit the bad ex analogy, the reviews have been clearly demonstrating that this has been their MO over the past 20 years - so it's like new guys (who care to even superficially research online) knowing this girl has exhibited the same behavior again and again and saying "sh*t won't happen to me."

Man four years ago I really wanted a built r150 but my better judgement prevailed when you couldn't find any online review platform that had good things to say about CS the majority of the time.

 

I mean, my ex is part El Salvadorian, so I get it. I'd go back in an instant...

 

My marlin rebuilt trans is pretty awesome and was cheaper than junkyard ones near me at the time!

It's good stuff when you actually get it! Actually is the key LOL. Their issue is they are used to having barely any competition. In the crawl box game it was AA (garbage), trailer gear (Dumpster fire for a long time and shady drama), inchworm (good stuff but more expensive than marlin for not much gain). Other than that it was an atlas if you wanted Lower gears. Now they have actual competition and I'm afraid their days are numbered. Trail gear is getting their crap together, NWF is awesome, and in the suspension arena they have no proven track record.

 

Yep, in the 5 years I've been looking around I've only seen 2 anywhere for sale - one went for way more than I wanted to pay for ($1500) and another was in a truck that was in Fresno (surprise, surprise).

 

Yes, I ordered Mar. 1st and received order Dec 6th I believe was the day. I don't know when these other people ordered/recieved their kits so I will refrain from getting into whether or not influencers recieved theirs first. I have not installed it yet, even if I was to install now I am missing the brake lines and not recieved any info about when they will be here yet. Technically I still haven't recieved a full kit... So no coment about that yet either. I can say the parts are beefy and look well made.
My biggest issue, like many others is the communication. I did recieve prompt responses to emails but all those did was give me vague info of the shipment timeframe that not 1 came to fruition. Customer service goes a long way with me, whether I'm spending 1.00 or 7,000.00 I expect a truthful answer. Shipping tomorrow? Great thanks. Shipping in 2 months ok I guess. Shipping in 9 months? Well that sucks, but thanks for letting me know the truth, I will keep my order. I think this last example is what Marlin was afraid of, at least with this particular product. With all the mess of the last year I will believe that they would have had issues getting answers themselves. That's the thing that keeps me from totally ripping the company. That, and I knew they are notorious for being slow, and having communication issues. I knew ahead of time to expect delays from them but 9 months and still waiting on parts puts a sour taste in my mouth. There are some companies that I just won't do business with anymore and unfortunately Marlin may just be another one.

 

LMFAO! Big Mike and Big Nate (the wonder buddies) called my comment on Insta out specifically at 17:08 in his latest video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04WkUSRzYSk&t=1064s





Smash that like button if you agree LMFAO

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYb9Ua6JujW/

 

I did a 5-speed swap in my 4Runner a few years ago, I sent in a junkyard R150F to Marlin to be rebuilt. I sent it in March 2019 and received my rebuilt one 5 weeks later. I was in fairly regular communication with Kyle, and for the most part everything went smoothly. I've ordered clutch kits, a clutch master cylinder, short throw shifter, and brake lines through them, all received in a timely manner. If I were to give Marlin Crawler a review looking at ONLY my personal experiences, I would give them 5 out of 5 stars. I'm sure I will get major flack for this.

I don't know if I am an outlier, or what. I am not denying that others have had or are currently having horrible customer service experiences. I am in no way trying to defend them from their faults (this thread and all the missed timelines are evidence of some serious mismanagement issues). I guess my point is - they have done some things right. But with everything I've seen/read (especially on this thread), I would definitely have some hesitation in ordering from them anytime soon.

 

You being modest or what?

 

I don't think you deserve ANY flack what so ever for that comment. It was your personal experience and an honest assessment of it.

I honestly wish more people had that type of experience with them, but the overwhelming majority have not... and that is sad to me. Every time these things happen, like Pelfrybuilt, Mob Town etc... it makes it harder for us, in the community, to know who to trust. Sometimes there's a lot of money for people (especially relative to their personal finances and budget) riding on some of these builds.

But that doesn't say that you, or other people, haven't had, or can't have, positive experiences.

 

Now I kind of want to go to King of Hammers and park next to Big Nate... cause you know he'll be parked close to his good buddy Big Mike.

 

Come on out. Park next to the rest of us at YotaMafia.

 

I think our site needs improvement and something we work on daily making it the best easiest experience for
Our customers regardless of their level of down the rabbit hole

 

I think he is being realistic. Their website is really good based upon the market it competes in but the next step up in website is a huge jump which requires a lot of work and a staff to maintain.

 

That, was my thought, it’s my backyard. Mr. Dirtlifestyle got upset at me on YT over my comment about Mr. Marlin. It appears that with his kit came a responsibility to run interference for Marlin.

 

Here are some of the left side in progress and the right side finished

 

Be prepared for a ton of chopping under the hood to clear your tires.

 

I’m glad to hear that. Definitely not salty for anyone receiving good CS. I didn’t have the means to buy twice if you know what I mean and running the risk based on a good percentage of reviews I read kept me from pulling the trigger. Definitely not mad at anyone for receiving items.

Yeah, if they didn’t make nice stuff in general it would be like “who cares?” Frustrating when a community of sorts would be able to symbiotically improve along with their business if promises were upheld and all go away happy. I don’t think anyone wants anything but Marlin to improve and get on track and to legit build our trust.

 

We gusseted and beefed up everything we could. Including engine mounts, extra crossmembers, and boxing the frame.