About Al Lovi — Axle Specialist

Al Lovi — Axle and Differential Specialist

Owner, Colorado Axle and Gear | Denver, Colorado

Al Lovi is the owner and lead technician at Colorado Axle and Gear, a third-generation family-owned axle and differential repair shop in Denver, Colorado. Al has been working on truck and off-road drivetrains his entire career, accumulating over 30 years of hands-on experience with axles, differentials, regears, and drivetrain repairs on virtually every major vehicle platform.

Background and Expertise

Colorado Axle and Gear has been a Denver institution since 1995. The business was built on a simple principle: specialize deeply rather than broadly. Rather than trying to be a general repair shop, Al and his team focus exclusively on axles, differentials, and drivetrain components. This focused expertise means every job benefits from decades of experience with the specific systems involved — not the generalized knowledge of a multi-service shop.

Al works personally on the majority of jobs that come through the shop. His diagnostic approach starts with listening — literally. The audio clips on our homepage (“rear end whine,” “rear differential noise,” “posi chatter”) were recorded to help customers identify the sounds their vehicles are making before they bring them in for diagnosis. This kind of hands-on, educational approach is characteristic of how Al runs the shop.

Areas of Specialization

  • Axle and differential repair on all major domestic and import platforms
  • Ring and pinion installation and regearing for lifted trucks and off-road vehicles
  • Locking differential installation: ARB, Detroit Locker, Eaton, Spicer
  • CV axle shaft replacement and upgrade for 4WD and AWD vehicles
  • Drive shaft and U-joint service and angle correction
  • Fleet axle and differential maintenance programs
  • Performance axle builds for high-power and off-road race vehicles

Parts and Brands Al Trusts

Over 30 years, Al has developed working relationships with the top drivetrain parts manufacturers in the industry. The shop uses and installs Dana/Spicer components, Eaton differentials and limited slips, ARB Air Lockers, Detroit Locker, AAM (American Axle and Manufacturing), Strange Engineering axle shafts, Revolution Gear and Axle, and Yukon Gear and Axle. Parts selection is always driven by what is right for the application — not what is cheapest or most convenient.

The Colorado Axle and Gear Approach

Al’s philosophy is straightforward: do the work right, be honest about what needs to be done, and charge a fair price. The shop offers free diagnoses — a direct reflection of the confidence Al has in his diagnostic ability and the trust he wants to build with every customer who walks through the door. Over 80 percent of the shop’s business comes from referrals, a number that speaks for itself.

Diagnostic Audio: Sounds Your Axle Makes

Al created three reference audio recordings to help vehicle owners identify common differential and axle noises:

Rear End Whine

A whining or howling sound from the rear axle area that increases in pitch with vehicle speed, similar to a jet engine winding up. This typically indicates worn pinion bearings, a worn ring and pinion gear set with improper backlash, or insufficient differential fluid. A rear end whine that increases with speed and is consistent under acceleration but changes when you lift off the throttle is a classic symptom of pinion bearing wear. Caught early, this is a bearing replacement; left too long, it can lead to a full gear set replacement.

Rear Differential Noise

A grinding, rumbling, or clunking sound from the rear differential housing. This is distinct from a whine and typically indicates carrier bearing wear, damaged ring and pinion teeth, or a differential side gear problem. A rumbling that varies with vehicle load (louder when towing or loaded) often points to carrier bearings. A clunk when accelerating from a stop can indicate excessive gear backlash or worn spider gears. These are the most common symptoms we see on high-mileage trucks and Jeeps.

Posi Chatter

A chattering, skipping, or shuddering sensation felt through the vehicle — usually most noticeable when turning in a parking lot or making tight, slow-speed turns. This is the classic symptom of a limited-slip differential (Positraction, or Posi) that needs friction modifier additive. The friction discs that allow the Posi to work correctly become glazed or dry over time, causing the grabbing and chattering sound. In most cases, a differential fluid change with the correct friction modifier additive resolves Posi chatter. If the problem persists, the clutch pack may need replacement.

If your vehicle is making any of these sounds, bring it in. Al provides a free diagnosis and will tell you honestly what needs to be done and what it will cost.

Contact Al and the Team

Address: 2611 W. 64th Ave Suite A, Denver, CO 80221

Phone: (303) 286-0338

Toll-free: (800) 893-0338

Email: Al@axlengear.com

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8AM–5PM