Alignment with Kore Suspension

[bigflatdaddy]

First of all - thanks to everyone who has helped me in the past.



Now the latest question - Kore suspension on my 2003 CTD. Putting new 285/70/17 BFG on it this week, and I thought that I read something about making sure the caster was positive when aligned... . anybody know what I'm asking about? - because I don't.



Thanks!!! Paul

 

[Ereynolds72]

caster settings...

I put the PACE system on my '02. I went to the alignment shop immediately. The computer printout they gave me said the caster setting was "within spec" ( I think is was about 3. 5 degrees positive). If it is within spec. , they won't adjust it. However, the 3. 5 degrees is not enough for most trucks. I have mine adjusted all the way positve as the adjusters allow. Handles great, tracks straight and feels tight. This may not be the case for yours though. It's easy to adjust. You don't even need to jack the front end up. Just make sure you mark starting point somehow. The idea is to have your lower ball joint leading your upper ball joint.



One problem I have had though with mine as it is an '02 and the driveshaft turns constantly, is that my front driveshaft vibrates with the caster adjusted as far positive as it is. If I adjust the caster back negative, the driveshaft doesn't vibrate. For now, I am keeping the caster where it is until I can figure out how to stop the driveshaft from vibrating. I'd rather have good steering at this point.



Also, I am a firm believer in E Rated tires too.

 

[bigflatdaddy]

I went with the D rates this time - we'll see what they do. I expect a different ride in the corners, so I will have to be more careful. I really don't haul too much of anything - I just like big noisy trucks.



Thanks - P

 

[JCleary]

I have the Kore Chase, and had 285 BFG's on it (they'll go back on this coming winter for snow, too). I aligned the truck once when the lift was installed, making sure to max out the caster. I think it's 5 degrees or something. After the truck settled, I had everything realigned.



The truck tracks really well, centers well, and does not have DW.

 

[CCool]

I just had a DRC/KORE race system install by Greg Boardman (DRC) his recs. was 2-4. 5 pos. caster and 1/16" overall toe in. After getting my truck back from the shop my print out was 3. 5 pos caster and 1/16" over all toe in. rides greaaaaaaaat, also running Toyo open country M/T E load rating. The ride diff. between bfg all terrain and the Toyo's is out of this world. Greg your customer service is just as amazing as the kore system you sell. Curtis

 

[FArroyo]

Kore suspension

I installed the Kore Pace system 3 weeks ago. I haven't had a chance to take it to the alignment shop yet because I'm waiting for Greg at DRC to send me the billet block bolts which were missing on my shipment. Overall I'm happy with the way my truck handles. I wish I could say the same for customer service at DRC.

 

[mdepot]

The ride diff. between bfg all terrain and the Toyo's is out of this world.

So... which was better again?

 

[bchesley]

I installed the Kore Pace system 3 weeks ago. I haven't had a chance to take it to the alignment shop yet because I'm waiting for Greg at DRC to send me the billet block bolts which were missing on my shipment. Overall I'm happy with the way my truck handles. I wish I could say the same for customer service at DRC.

Dont wait to align it. Those little blocks only lower the sway bar. you are probably wearing your tires funny. After the alignment you can install those blocks.

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

Hi Fellas,

A couple of things we need to keep in mind here. Alignment is limited on our trucks. If your truck ran straight as an arrow before a suspension upgrade, it doesn't mean that it will react the same when you add 2. 5 inches of lift. Caster is a setting that controls the angle of which the axle sits according to the surface it is riding on. In changing where the axle sits in the stroke(2. 5" lift) you do have to adjust the caster. You must also adjust the toe to fix the camber. Doing only one will not align your truck. We have found that after the suspension is installed the caster is best set at 4. 5* positive caster. This is not the case for all vehicles, but most fall in that range. We suggest setting the toe at 1/16th of and inch positive, overall. Simply, the leading edge of the wheel is 1/16th"toe in compared to the rear edge of the wheel. To obtain the positive caster setting, align the hash marks at the 12 o'clock position on the inner caster cam. These are simple adjustments that can be made while your truck is sitting on the garage floor. Not in the air!!! If you have any questions about the adjustments, please feel free to call asap.

Now Tires:

It has also been our findings that a poorly manufactured tire can suffer greatly from road wear. Just because a name brand that has been around for years is your tire of choice, doesn't mean it could be the safest choice. Some have found out that the BF tire that is 315/70/17 D has some issues. We cannot state enough times that this tires has caused more than one truck to DW. It has been our experience that the number of calls I get from people with lift spacers needing help run that tire.

They want the "Magical" Billet Drop Blocks". Billet Drop Blocks do not cure anything. They do not cause your truck to be misaligned either. They simply replace the stock mounting point for the pivot on the anti-swaybar. In doing so, they also tighten up the front of the truck.

Back to the tire...

A tire that has a D rating is, in my opinion, is not adequate for your truck. The front of the 3rd Gen trucks is much heavier than a 2nd Gen truck. A BF 285 tire was a great alternative for the earlier models but is not sufficient for the new rigs. Its failure rate is extremely high. I have seen the replacement of this tire cure DW on even my own truck when it was new. I have been a fan of this company for 20+ years but the bottom line is: The technology has passed them up. I understand the idea of, "Why change a good thing". But our trucks have advanced and so have we. I used to think people were crazy for adding anything other than a $150 spacer puck to lift their truck. There was no need for new shocks, springs and such. I stand educated! The same thing goes for the BF tire. D ratings don't cut it in todays truck world. At least not the Diesel truck world. Dodge doesn't offer a D rated tire on our trucks but they think it is good enough for the Power Wagon. Maybe they know something? I hope so. I have invested my entire life in these trucks.



Felix,

I apologize for the mixup with your request. The bolts were shipped last Monday and again yesterday. Call me directly with any concerns you have.



Enjoy,

Greg DRC

 

[EBung]

Yep I agree at least get your alignment checked. Mine was in spec on the caster side also but my toe was in substantially which suprised me. I cant remember what my caster was but I am going to check. BTW it rides great the coils are definitely progressive but I do need the leaf packs thanks Greg.

 

[JLehman]

ok with all that said i guess i better get mine checked. Drives real good the way it is, just have stock tires on also. thanks Greg