About Us

The CARBON Story

CARBON might be a new brand, but it has old roots! Founded by Ron Stobaugh, Carbon is now part of the Metalcloak family of brands.

Metalcloak is one of the few, independent family owned and operated companies in the off road industry [learn more] and we were proud to work with the Stobaugh family.

Ron and his family used decades of experience to bring the Highest Quality products to you at a fair price!

Here's a brief history:

1985 - After college, Ron Stobaugh co-founded West Coast Differentials in Northern California, not far from the Rubicon Trail.

1987 - Ron and his future wife Tracy start Gear Performance, again in Northern California.

1990-96 - Racing off road almost full-time, winning races and Championships, Ron specializes in Baja races, learning the value of tough products in the middle of nowhere. Ron and Tracy have a son, Austin, who is born into off-road racing and the off road business.

1995 - Ron contracts to the Timken Company, developing a business case for Timken to enter the aftermarket axle and gear business.

1997 - Ron Stobaugh co-founds Superior Axle and Gear and DriveTrain Direct. Austin works in the warehouse during summers packaging axle kits.

2004 - Ron starts ALLOY USA, and eventually he and his team buy Precision Gear. Austin continues learning about axle and gear manufacturing, assembly, marketing and customer service.

2009 - Ron starts TEN Factory and manages the Motive Gear off-road program, developing sponsorships with Rob MacCachren, Cameron and Heidi Steele, Jeremy McGrath, Bryce Menzies, Shannon Campbell, Brad and Roger Lovell and more!

2010 - Austin founds Baja Tested as his first business.

2011 - Austin adds Rubicon Tested to his entrepreneurial journey.

2014 - Austin launches Baja Sunlight, specializing in High Quality LED Lighting.

2014 - Ron joins Hammerking Productions and King Of the Hammers, taking the sponsorship/partnership program to a whole new level.

2015 - Austin and Ron Found CARBON Off Road. Specializing in Jeep products! Chromoly Axle Kits, complete axle housings and more.

2024 - Armored Works, LLC, parent company of Metalcloak, completes and Asset Purchase of Carbon Off Road (press release).

Metalcloak is proud to carry forward the amazing history of the Stobaugh family and ensure that Carbon Axles continues to be a top company with premium products for the off road enthusiast.