ABOUT GEARHEAD DIFFS

The South Island's largest differential specialist

Started in 2021 in Sydenham, Christchurch. Four full-time staff, one workshop, one thing we do: differentials. Around 120 rebuilt exchange units on the shelf and customers from Kaitaia to Bluff.

Rebuilt diff on the bench at Gearhead Diffs

Why only diffs

A general workshop sees a diff a few times a year. We see them all day, every day. That means we recognise the Colorado RG carrier bearing problem on the first listen, we keep the right gearsets and bearings on the shelf, and we set every unit up on the bench, not in the car. Doing one thing well is the whole business.

Most of the time an exchange unit is the best answer: it costs the same as a rebuild of your own, it is already built and tested, and the vehicle is back on the road the same day. For the less common stuff we rebuild your own unit with the same care.

2021Founded

120Exchange units in stock

30+Makes and models

NZ wideFree freight both ways

The team

A small crew that does one job properly. Bring the whole vehicle or just the diff and you will deal with the people who actually do the work.

Workshop Four full-time staff on the floor and the phones, plus a contractor who averages around 30 hours a week. Everyone here works on diffs and nothing else.

Diff technicians Strip, inspect, set up and test every unit on the bench. Backlash, preload and pattern are checked before a diff goes on the shelf or back into a vehicle.

Parts and dispatch Keep the exchange shelf stocked, pick and pack orders, and book the outbound freight and the return pickup for your old unit at the same time.

Front of house Take your call, look up your rego, confirm the right diff and book the job. Enquiries go straight into our job system so nothing gets lost.

4.9 ★ Google rating from 180 reviews Read them all

★★★★★"Diff arrived next morning in Dunedin, fitted it that afternoon, old one picked up the day after."Ranger owner, Dunedin

★★★★★"We send all our diff work here. George tells you straight what it needs and the exchange units save us a hoist for a week."Workshop owner, Christchurch

Come and see the workshop, or just call

Find us 03 381 0320