Another institution gone. :(

[Tacoma]

New Process/New Venture was closed a while back, and is now on the auction block:

http://www.hilcoind.com/sales/sale.asp?SALE_ID=1949&SALE_REFERENCE_ID=UCJMYEVJRZ12112008165811


I grew up with the glory of the New Process factory sign in my mind, we passed it nearly every day. When they changed it to New Venture, it was still nice to see. Knowing that every manufacturer in America was using their products, and knowing that practically every 4x4 vehicle had a New Process transfer case, gave me a joyful feeling. They were made in my backyard, by people I knew. And knowing that those little round tags were installed there gave me a little feeling of hometown satisfaction at every junkyard I went to here in Utah, every oil change and broken driveshaft I touched here.

More importantly, and sadly, though, this is another major American company gone under. We are losing our manufacturing base in increasing amounts, and much like the news that Bethlehem Steel was going under in the 00's, the news that New Process/New Venture is completely done for fills me with sadness for our country. If we don't do it, someone else has to, and that means jobs, capacity, and profits coming and going to some other country.

anyway. Check out the auction and see how many machines they've got for sale there. Holy cow! Wish I had a few million laying around to start a gear company!!!

 

[Bart]

Very sad indeed.

 

[bryson]

Tacoma, my friend, you are odd. But it is sad to see them go.

Since I haven't read anything about it, and I'm too lazy to do so, tell me who is building the t-cases for Jeep, Ford, Dodge, Chevy... now?

 

[BCGPER]

I think Borg-Warner is the biggie now days.

 

[JL Rockies]

I think Tacoma might be turning into a chick.

 

[Coreshot]

I think Tacoma might be turning into a chick.

Tacoma is a guy?!?

 

[bryson]

Tacomae? I think he accidentally swapped his Viagra for estrogen pills. And then plucked his eyebrows. And then exhausted himself with a thighmaster. And then read Jeepin' Joe's autobiography. Twice.

 

[Cody]

And then read Jeepin' Joe's autobiography. Twice.

Now that's effeminate.

 

[mbryson]

So, just been looking at new Wranglers. They say they still have 241 in "normal" Wrangler and 241 rock-track (or something similar) in the Rubicon. What supplier is building that?

 

[BCGPER]

My guess would be NOS.

You're seriously looking at the aluminum walker of the off road industry? Sucks getting old, don't it?

Before you decide, come take mine out now that it's pretty much done. I like it better now than the day I bought it.

So, just been looking at new Wranglers. They say they still have 241 in "normal" Wrangler and 241 rock-track (or something similar) in the Rubicon. What supplier is building that?