TMR Customs 14 Bolt Shave Kit – The Original 15 Bolt Conversion

When it comes to building hardcore off-road axles, few upgrades have stood the test of time like the TMR Customs 14 Bolt Shave Kit—also known as the 15 Bolt Conversion. This was one of the very first products we ever designed, back when TMR Customs was working out of a modest 1,600 square foot shop.

Like most good ideas, it started with a $200 junkyard find. We picked up a GM 14 Bolt axle locally and got to work. The very first TMR Shave Kits were built for two people: myself (Tim) and a customer-turned-friend, Colin. To this day, Colin and I still argue over who truly has the OG TMR Shave Kit.

From Humble Beginnings to a Proven Off-Road Upgrade

Our first kits were simple: a set of bottom plates that allowed you to shave the housing for increased ground clearance. Back then, you had to modify your own differential cover to make everything fit. It wasn’t fancy, but it worked—and it worked well.

Over the years, the design evolved:

• HD Diff Cover Included: We soon added a heavy-duty fabricated diff cover to eliminate the need for customers to cut up their stock cover.

• No-Machine Ring Gear Version: Our latest iteration allows you to complete the shave without machining the ring gear. This version saves valuable shop time and uses more off-the-shelf parts, making it the most user-friendly option yet.

Why Shave a 14 Bolt?

The GM 14 Bolt axle is legendary for its strength, but it comes with a drawback: a massive, low-hanging differential housing that loves to get hung up on rocks. By converting to a 15 Bolt setup with a TMR Shave Kit, you gain much-needed ground clearance without sacrificing durability. The result? A stronger, smoother, and more trail-ready axle that can handle anything you throw at it.

20 Years Later – Still Going Strong

Nearly two decades have passed since those first two kits left our shop, and both are still on the trail today. That longevity speaks volumes about TMR’s commitment to precision engineering, craftsmanship, and building products that last.

At TMR Customs, we’re proud that the 14 Bolt Shave Kit remains one of our flagship products. Whether you’re tackling hardcore rock crawling trails, desert racing, or building a bulletproof weekend wheeler, our 15 Bolt Conversion delivers the clearance, strength, and reliability you need.

Ready to Shave Your 14 Bolt?

Shop the full lineup of TMR Customs 14 Bolt Shave Kits here and see why off-roaders around the world trust TMR for their axle upgrade needs.