The folks at MIT are top notch. I can't thank Kenny enough for the professionalism and insight he showed while helping me with my 05 Ram 2500. MIT straightened my bent rear axle housing, re-geared it, and turned the work around in remarkably short order. Rather than try to make the most he possibly could on the job, Kenny let me know what could be reused and allowed me to do the tear down and axle removal myself which saved me hundreds of dollars. I'll be bringing it back in to re-gear the front to match, and will happily refer anyone I know here for drivetrain work. My newly rebuilt rear axle is completely quiet, no gear whine or hum and I couldn't be any more pleased with the workmanship and quality MIT shows. They have a customer for life, or at least as long as Kenny is there. read more

They installed a larger fuel tank on my Toyota Tundra. Thorough and very helpful. They were knowledgeable and friendly throughout the process. Would definitely use them again. read more

These guys are the local experts on everything 4x4! They have done numerous work for me to include lockers for a Jeep CJ-7 to an extended fuel tank for a Toyota Tundra. Always professional and very honest. They are the only shop in the area I will go to!!! read more

I've had several items repaired on my 2004 Jeep Wrangler, and just recently I had a 1 1/2" leveling kit installed on my new 2025 Jeep Gladiator. They did a fantastic job! Kenny and his crew were really helpful when I was deciding whether or not to install the kit. On top of that, they quoted my a price that was lower than ORW, 4 Wheel Parts. Very knowledgeable and very friendly. I would recommend MIT to anyone who's looking for work on their off road vehicle. read more

Anyone who owns a Jeep that has done any type of modifications to the suspension, tires, steering, (etc), can surely sympathize with the seemingly endless issues of maintaining a stable quality ride. The problems that arise from these modifications can making solving the issues extremely difficult, as well as frustrating, with multiple trips to the shop just to pick it up and find the issues still remain. Trial and error seems to be the norm with many. Small fixes, as inexpensive as possible, until hopefully you solve the problem or learn to live with it. It's a Jeep thing right! Well, I have to say I spent years trying to resolve the bump steer issue and stability I had with my Jeep. It was in and out of the shop so often it seemed like it was the only time I got to drive it! I did every small fix that was recommended to no avail. Finally someone recommended I give MIT a try. I could kiss him! I went in and discussed the series of problems and fixes that had been happening over the course of the past several years with Karen. She wrote it all down and said to let them know when I could schedule some time to bring the Jeep in and let them do a diagnostic inspection and test drive. Jeff, the shops owner and a lifelong Jeep enthusiast, took my Jeep out for a test drive and did a visual inspection of her undercarriage, then he made his suggestions. Two things really impressed me about Jeff, he told me everything he thought needed to be done and discussed the difference for replacement parts (ie. new, rebuilt, upgraded) and why he recommended those specific repairs. He also took the time to discuss what I could expect if I did just the most necessary repairs (We've all made that choice once or twice) as opposed to looking at the system as a whole and how each part played a role in the ultimate outcome. At this point, the decision was easy. I had already done the nickel and dime try, so I was all in! He also explained the possibility of other issues that could exist that they would not be aware of until they started tearing things apart...and of course they did (like a bent front axle among other things). But each time Jeff himself called me and let me know the situation and what needed to be done. Finally, I have to boast over their mechanic Kenny! He provided me the best customer service. HE CALLED ME and kept me up to speed on how things were going, shipping issues, general updates. He was absolutely terrific and did an amazing job on my Jeep. The one thing I noticed immediately upon picking it up was how clean everything was underneath. (I had almost everything in my engine compartment repaired or replaced by another shop and it didn't look like they touched anything...it was filthy) I know that may sound weird, but to me it just showed that they really cared about the job they were doing! Now for the best part....MY JEEP DRIVES AND RIDES BETTER THAN EVER! I cannot thank MIT enough for every aspect of their care and service! If you're in the market for a great shop...I strongly recommend MIT! Thanks Karen, Jeff, and Kenny! You all did an amazing job. We will see you again for hubby's Jeep upgrades! read more

MIT DriveTrain Specialists - JeepJeep - Auto Repair Near Me - El Cajon, California

MIT does amazing work and more importantly they are honest people. Also a huge plus, they have great customer service. If you want quality work done and people you can trust come here. Always great seeing Darlene, JT, and Kenny. read more

We had just bought a new Chevy Silverado 2500 HD and the truck was too high for us to get into so the dealer suggested MIT drivetrain specialist and they installed floorboards for us. Kinny was super nice and got the job done in under three hours. Will definitely use him again I like that it was local, family owned, and then it was a one stop shop. Cat read more

MIT DriveTrain Specialists - Auto Repair Near Me - El Cajon, California

I was referred by another location to this place. The Staff was very friendly & knowledgeable, they offer free estimate, knew right away what my issue was. I'm very happy with The service and will be coming back for any further issues or services that I need in the future read more

I relocated to San Diego from Florida with a new build on my Jeep JL.  After visiting two other aftermarket shops in the area, I decided to call ahead, read some reviews, and try MIT.  My initial visits at the other shops (SD The Truck Shop and ORW) included a $130+ paid diagnostic fee where they ultimately couldn't address why there was a clicking every time I made a turn or pulled off from a stop in drive.  So glad I made the decision to try MIT.  Within 10 minutes of Jeff doing a free assessment to drive and locate the issue, found out the clutch plates were going bad in the rear differential.  Jeff was amazing! Worked with Kenny on replacing it with a worm differential replacement.  After some discussion on the pros and cons, came away  feeling the investment although pricey was worth it.  Never felt pressured to upgrade and even was advised on possibly going through the manufacturer to get it replaced under warranty.  Kenny, Jeff, and the rest of staff were inviting and the follow up on service was also great.  Received calls weeks later to make sure everything was in working order. Thanks Karen!   I would highly recommend it if you are a jeep owner and need aftermarket needs.  Will definitely head back for additional service. read more

Posting for my Mom:: I took my Jeep to MIT because it was making a weird sound. Everyone there was very nice and took the time to explain everything. It ended up being a bent axle which was fixed before we left for Glamis. They even called the Monday we got back to see how our trip went. Thanks guys! Ps. My Granddaughter still talks about your cats! read more

I now have over 1000 miles on the new ring and pinion gears and Detroit Truetrac's. Glad Jeff talked me into the 4.88 gears! They work great running up and down from Big Bear. Truetracs performed great in the snow! Brought up a concern over whistling/whirring upon letting off the gas, but Jeff assured me it was common with the 4.88 Sierra gear set. Outstanding customer service from all the employees! read more

MIT DriveTrain Specialists - 2009 Ford Super Duty - Auto Repair Near Me - El Cajon, California

MIT has done excellent work on 2 of my vehicles. 2017 F-150 2wd. Had them install Ford e-locker and gears. E-locker required wiring too. The work has performed great and I've tested this set-up to the extreme. 2nd project was brakes, and miscellaneous steering components, all drivetrain fluids and shocks on 1974 CJ5. The jeep was pulling to left when braking. They handled this job perfectly. read more

MIT DriveTrain Specialists - F150 - Auto Repair Near Me - El Cajon, California

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I'm not one to write reviews and my recent effort on Google reminds me why I shy away from doing so - but, I want to reve about MIT Offroad/Drivetrain specialists on Pioneer Way in El Cajon. I, without hesitation give them 5 stars for my review. Some years ago they did work on an Jeep I had purchased and the work was completed quickly and resolved my issue; so recently I found a need to have the same Jeep examined by them because I had had an issue with it cutting out while I was driving. I had taken it to two different service centers and although they tried, several times, the issue always returned. Finally, in an effort to get a specialist company to do a serious and definitive examination on my vehicle I asked MIT if they would look at it. They agreed, I delivered ot to them and they were able to determine that an electrical short had been caused by an electrical wire having been shaved open from a bolt on the engine that had been rubbing, for years, on a firewall wire and when my vehicle turned a certain way a short of my electrical engine supply would happen. I was to a point where I was considering selling the Jeep if I couldn't resolve the issue. They found the problem, fixed the issue for me and I am super pleased with their efforts. Great people! Great service! Thank you MIT! read more

The folks at MIT go above and beyond to communicate, clearly, what the problem is, what the fix is, and how long it will take. They don't nickel and dime customers with fees just to diagnose the problem. We also appreciate their follow up call, a week or two later, to make sure everything is working as expected. They are reasonable, friendly, and trustworthy. read more

They did a great job repairing my jeep differential. They were complete and fast. My family has gone to them over the decades. I replaced the limited slip differential that matched my driving for the desert and snow. They gave me a much better price than my regular shop. Thanks read more

These guys do awesome work. Not the cheapest but quality service. I have a old jeep YJ that needed removal of previous owner's 4" body lift. The original leaf springs were done. My teeth would chatter just driving down San Diego's many potholes. I was gifted parts for 2.5" Rubicon Express suspension lift, zone 1" body lift (so I could maintain my 33" tires), and greasable shackles. They installed all of the parts. They had discovered that the body mounts were basically broken off, and welded me some custom ones. The work was done efficiently, given the work they had to do. It's been about 9 or 10 months without issues. The ride is way more comfortable, quieter, and most importantly, I feel safer. For any future Jeep work, for sure I'm coming back to MIT. read more

MIT DriveTrain Specialists - The little Jeep has a Cush ride now, thanks guys! - Auto Repair Near Me - El Cajon, California

I have a 04 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ SE 4WD. The body has 283K I had some suspension work done by another shop and got Death Wabble. UGH!!!! I took it back twice to the other shop. Then I remembered in 2016 I had taken it to MIT for a bent axel. (son was 4 wheeling) Fast forward to 2023. I took it to back to MIT, Jeff test drove and said I needed a few more parts to stop the death wabble. Death wabble solved. MIT also said I had a few other issues and agreed. The entire crew at MIT are awesome, honest and very informative. I will now go back to them for any suspension work for my Jeep. To Jeff and the entire team, great work!!!! read more

I was referred to M.I.T. because I needed the best of the best on my f250 super duty, Jeff and crew where awsome, they went over the top with my truck found other problems and left me with a flawless set up, I recommend only coming here for gears and anything that anyone might need. They do it all read more

I am absolutely PISSED OFF and appalled with this shop right now!! I've spent over $4,000 at M.I.T. on LABOR ALONE! The shop owner Jeff is awesome and knows his stuff. The manager Kenny behind the desk is an amazing guy that takes the time to help you out and makes sure you understand everything. With that being said the owners wife KAREN IS A NIGHTMARE! She had an attitude 95% of the time unless you're physically handing her cash or your credit card to pay a bill! I'm a meticulous person and ask questions when I don't fully understand something. I'm not an idiot when it comes to mechanical aspects or working on cars, but when I don't know something I obviously want to ask questions especially when I'm paying almost $200 an hour for labor! Karen seemed extremely annoyed with me every time I would ask a question or ask to LOOK AT THE BILL! Obviously I'm going to look over a $1,400 statement when I was quoted less. Turns out there was some pricing mix up and they did extra work to my Jeep. Not a big deal, but don't give ME and attitude when I'm paying for my own work and asking questions. Like I said I've spent over $4,000 here for work done to my Jeep. I called Kenny back today to schedule another appointment to have some more work done just to find out that the wife KAREN made a note in the system to not accept further jobs for me or make anymore appointments. The labor rate here is high and her attitude sucks to a core. The fact that she's behind the desk and handles customers blows my mind! But the shop does good work and being in California everything is high so it was worth it to pay the extra money and deal with her to have stuff done right. BEWARE IF YOU COME TO THIS SHOP!! I spent 8 my baths coming here and over $4,000 just to be treated like shit and kicked out of the shop. read more

I had a rear differential leak on my Cadillac, ATS. Yes, my Cadillac, they're not limited to just trucks and Jeeps, lol. They were very good at communicating, great mechanics! Also, they got it done in one day. They were very friendly and didn't try to take advantage of me. They have a lot of integrity, which is hard to find these days. I will be a return customer. read more

MIT DriveTrain Specialists - And here it is running like a champ - Auto Repair Near Me - El Cajon, California

This team is top notch. Got my 69 Chevy pickup fixed up just right! Affordable, quick turn around time, and amazing service. They work on old and new, but build some incredible Jeep rock crawlers and drive trains. I will be using them for future upgrades. read more

Hello, I own a 2nd Gen 4Runner and recently lifted and added 33 inche tires. Been doing some research on regearing my diff. M.I.T was where I was recommended. They were very helpful in what I wanted and informed me of different options before going forward. Staff is very knowledgeable in what they are doing. So I Scheduled my service to be done. After driving my car I noticed the difference. More torque and better Gas mileage. Highly recommend M.I.T for anyone that wants to regear their truck. Thanks guys read more

Great shop with a great staff. The owners and technicians are really knowledgeable and friendly as well. They have the off- roading experience and stories to prove it as well. They were recommended to me by a friend, and I'm glad I went to this shop for my 4 runner. They took a look at my suspension and told me that my setup was good for the terrain I'm driving on. I appreciated their honesty. They didn't try to oversell me on anything. Kenny the technician researched skidplates for me and got back to me promptly. I highly recommend this shop! - torin read more

Bought a used 2002 TJ it needed some maintenance do to some neglect from the previous owner. I took it to MIT on short notice because I now live in Yuma and I have known Jeff from when he work at Border parts and he built me some rear ends back in the day. More recently I had a 1997 TJ which MIT did all the work on that . Jeff told me that the new jeep (2002) had all good components just need some TLC and I had them change more than they thought I needed. I asked them let me know if anything else needed attention while it was there. Couldn't be happier, The whole crew at least everyone I have had contact with Jeff, Karen, Kenny and Darlene have always been great. I would always recommend them with the utmost confidence to anyone. Karl L. Marx read more

My Jeep TJ had a bad vibration. I went to a off-road shop in lakeside, which tried to sell me a slip yoke for the rear drive. Lucky, I didn't do it. I went to MIT for another reason (shock mount welding) and the owner instantly knew that it was a bent front driveshaft. They fixed it and it now works perfectly. MIT is obviously top notch in off road mechanics and modifications. They are not the cheapest place. But, they sure know their stuff. Just make sure that the owner gets involved in tricky diagnosis items. read more

Just had long arms installed on my 2005 LJ by MIT. I've had work done here before and have been very happy with the outcome. Really nice folks who don't mind answering my stupid questions or suggesting a particular brand or configuration for my offroad needs. If I owned a buisness, I would run it like this! read more

Was recommended here by a friend to see about having the rear seals on my 2014 Ram 2500 pickup truck replaced. The right rear wheel was leaking fluid after a vacation trip. Called down to MIT and Karen answered. She was very informative and knowledgeable. She quoted me to have both wheels done and to change out the diff fluids in both front and rear diffs. The quote was absolutely reasonable and she had an opening same day!!! All went very well and I'm a very critical person by nature. . . So nice to see a business with such a strong customer service ethic. Was an all-around great experience. read more

I have gone to MIT Drive Train Specialists two times, both times with very unique requests for a heavy duty forklift transmission issue. The team at MIT was fantastic and they were able to fix both transmissions, and find the non-standard seals and bolts for a reasonable price. I will definitely be going back to MIT. read more

The year was circa 2003: I had just installed a coil conversion in my 1993 Jeep YJ. Eager to test its limits I found myself in the Imperial Sand Dunes aka Glamis. After pushing the limits for the majority of the afternoon with most of my friends impressed, I sat in the sand looking at my taco'd front axle. I had been scouring the off road magazines for years at that point and knew the two best driveline builders were both in Southern California, but only one was located in San Diego County. After limping home from the dunes my first call was to M.I.T., I was greeted promptly and provided a fair quote quickly. The team here delivered as promised, on time, on budget and with excellent quality. Long story long I ended buying both axles done here and I fully intended to take advantage of the warranty they offered. I beat that Jeep for 15 years in the dunes. An unforgiving place. Despite my best efforts I couldn't break what they built. God bless Karen, Jeff, Kenny and their talented crew. Do not hesitate to trust them with your dream build or mechanical repairs. They fully stand behind their work. read more

MIT DriveTrain Specialists - Exhibit A - Auto Repair Near Me - El Cajon, California

I took in my '84 Bronco because steering was loose and needed some drive shaft work. All I can say is WOW, WOW, WOW! Jeff and his team went above and beyond and did a thorough inspection, fixed many other issues I was not aware of. Communication and professionalism-5 stars, a real white glove experience at a fair price. Thanks again Jeff and team! read more

Hate to only give this establishment only 2 stars. Kenny and the rest of the staff are great people to talk to. They explain everything clear and in great detail. I really prefer to support small businesses when I can. Even if their quotes are sometimes more the the bigger 4x4 repair shops. Brought my 2017 Jeep JKU in on August 29, 2019 to be regeared. Their quote was somewhat higher the the bigger shops but I really enjoyed dealing with the staff. The work came with a warranty but I couldn't find the coverage for it anywhere on the receipt. I'm sure it's probably in there just gotta look harder. Then comes September 24, 2019. I noticed the pinion seals on both front an rear axles are leaking, so I take it in to M.I.T.. Guess what? I'm 26 days over the warranty coverage. You gotta be kidding! Hard to believe the pinion seals for both axles only lasted 12 months and 26 days and not covered under warranty. Really sucks! Especially after spending way over $2000 for the original job. Don't think I'll be back. read more

I built me up a WWII 1944 Willy's MB to rock crawl. I asked these fine young men over here to build me a shortened rear end because I was blowing up vintage parts on a regular basis. These fine fellows here shortened me a Dana Super 44 Spooled W/ 5:38's. Here today, I've asked these fine young men to put back together for me the T-90 SPICER-18 I blew up. With the build happening right in the beginning stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, I received a phone call informing me that the build is finished & that I have however long we need to pick it up. That not to worry, the health of our families are more important in these times. That it's ready when I am. The world needs more folks like these folks right here. Thank you guys. read more

Friendly lady of front they changed differential fluid change and also recommended Roy Miller to me because I had a weird noise coming engine Roy fixed the problem I'm 10 mins lol read more

This place is amazing! Jeff, Keany, Karen, everyone that works there was just beyond helpful and got the job done in no time! I trust them 100%. I appreciate you all for the assistance with the axel. Until next time.... Kindly, Diana read more

M I T did some great work on my bronco. And this shop is ran very well. The ladies at the front desk were friendly and Kenny kept me informed throughout the repairs. Jeff (the owner) personally test drove the truck and was able to get the 4x4 fixed after diagnosing issues in the transfer case. I also got my drum brakes and master cylinder fixed up at this shop after Jeff had noticed how poorly my truck had been braking and suggested the fixes. A huge thanks goes out to jeff and his staff also for being able to quiet a obnoxious buzzing sound that I had been stumped for months trying to find the source to fix. Shoutout to the friendly shop kitty that roams the office as well, definitely cool to see! read more

Use to bring my 92 YJ in here for all kinds of work. Sold it and bought a JKU. They took care of the rear pinion seal leak I had and even squeezed me in next day. They aren't the cheapest or the closest, but I really only trust them to do work on my Jeeps. Ends up coming out cheaper in the end as it always seems to be done CORRECTLY. Way more than I can say for 90% of the shops out there. I love the call backs after work is done to make sure there aren't any more issues. read more

We had another mechanic recommend this place so we were very trusting of them. The more time we spent with them the more money we spent. We learned that the first amount that they told us we were paying was not the actual cost. When we were picking up the vehicle we were told for the first time that there was an extra percentage put on for the CC charge that is passed on from the CC company to the company and then on to us, middle classish and below people. Then we got told when we were picking up a part that we thought we already paid for that we owe them a couple more hundred dollars. Not cool. People are sweet, but seems like they are just finding ways to get money? read more

I do not know these people I have never been here before! I did however make a phone call because I I'm in the market for Jeep. And my buddy at Trust Auto told me to call these people because they really know about jeeps and the concern he had about the drivetrain. When I call them, the first person answers the phone after a few rings and apologized and said we will get with you as soon as possible thank you very much for your patience and was very genuine with that in and of itself. The phone got picked up a few seconds later again with a woman answering this time I told her about my dilemma regarding the drivetrain and me wanting to buy this Jeep. She gave me some amazing advice and told me how much it would cost and what I could expect from problems like this. She was concerned for me like I was her son and it really felt like someone really cared about someone that they've never done business with. that is very valuable. I know what it takes to have a 5-star review and they absolutely deserve nothing less! Thank you very much for who you are. read more

Great experience! Recently bought a jeep that was in desperate need of some upgrading and badly needed maintenance. From a couple welded brackets, new axles, driveshafts, re-gearing, shocks, SYE kit, brakes etc. Jeff and Kenny were all over it and offered some great suggestions and advice. Definitely will be a repeat customer! read more

This is not a cookie cutter franchise shop like the other 4x4 shops in town. I dealt with Karen, Jeff, and Kenny - they are all straight shooters. It's hard to find honest, non-BS shops but MIT is one of the rare few. Thanks MIT read more