I think KORE's BS'ing Me

[olznut]

I emailed KORE last week about their Recon kit. Last month, I got the Bilstein 5100 series shocks which I noticed that the same shocks come in the kit, so I asked them if they would discount the kit for the cost of the shocks. I got an email from saying that their Bilsteins are different from my Bilsteins Strange, their kit has about a 2" lift, and the place I got the shocks said they're good for up to a 2" lift. And looking at Geno's Garage catalog, they have the same shocks in there, same part # and all and is quoted in saying that they were developed together with KORE and Bilstein just for our trucks, as quoted in the catalog, so I think someone's hosing me. But if I'm wrong, I apologize in advance.

 

[SRadke]

They could be a custom valved shock using the same hard parts. I don't know.



-Scott

 

[mberry]

I believe they do have custom valving in the KORE setup.

 

[olznut]

It just strikes me as real odd that in Geno's, they say how they developed them with Bilstein and are custom tuned for our trucks, but yet they tell me the exact same shocks I got with the same part #'s and everything, are different? That's what gets me.

 

[SRadke]

I don't know any details but it is entirely possible they buy the shocks of that part number then do the custom valving themselves.

 

[Prairie Dog]

The Bilsteins Ginos carries are for gassers, maybe Kore has revalved them for our heavier front ends.



Scotty

 

[olznut]

Geno's catalog says right on it that they were made for the CTD's... .....

 

[BillGotthelf]

The Geno's Bilsteins are probably valved for stock components. The Kore stuff could have different valving to go with their addons.

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

Hi Guys,

Last year KORE quit selling the stock replacement Bilstein shocks. They (Geno's) were referred to Bilstein by KORE. The +2 Shock does have the Diesel Truck valving developed by KORE and Bilstein. I might be wrong but I believe the stock replacement Bilsteins have the KORE Valving too. KORE used to have to have Bilstein take apart the shocks to have them valved and then reassembled which would validate the same part number... I have had hundreds of Boxes from Bilstein that were Stamped KORE. I have never seen that shock anywhere else...



Greg DRC

 

[vegasredneck]

E



those 5100 are all the same because they are pre man. like Nriver stated once you get into the shocks with res. then you can get custom valving. I really like KORE's lifts but I don't understand why they won't make the adjustments for you. If you only want the lift then why not sell it. Just like I have FOX res on my SD right now but when I bought the lift SDHQ told me don't waste the money on all four corners just by the 5100 for the rear. They used the same valving and saved me 200+

 

[kentkroeker]

Gents,



The Bilstein shocks that come with our Recon Series and HD Leveling Kit are different than those sold by Geno's. Although visually similar, the front shocks are a different part number. KORE coil springs provide significant droop travel. The Bilstein 6681 sold by Geno's will not work with our kits as they are too short and will top out while traversing medium-sized bumps. However, the 6681 will work well with the OE coils and should work with most puck-style spacer kits.



At one time, the rear Bilstein shocks we sold with our kits were custom-valved. KORE worked with Bilstein to develop valving that incorporated a one-way check valve to maximize rebound control while minimizing compression damping. In a few months this exact valve profile will be offered by Bilstein in their 6647 shock. I have been told that it will retain the original 6647 part number with the addition of an alpha-numeric rev designation to indicate the new valving.



Since the first of the year KORE has not sold revalved 5100 Series shocks used in the rear of the Recon kits. Today we use a different shock with a soft linear instead of a digressive valve profile. To reflect this change, the price of this kit was lowered on 3 Jan. 2006.



Besides causing stocking problems, there are several reasons why KORE no longer parts-out systems, the most important of which is that the components in our systems are designed to work in concert. Since KORE prioritizes function, mixing components with differing performance parameters doesn't make sense. It would be like installing a high-flow exhaust while retaining a restrictive intake. You may save some money, and the truck will sound different, but the modification won't yield significant performance gains without addressing the motor as a whole.



As new designs become available, KORE does sell upgrade parts to prior customers. Our database or their invoice shows what system they have, we know what's compatible with what and we know that as prior KORE customers, they're on The Team.



KORE would probably increase profit if we sold all of our parts separately, but we're not interested in this kind of opportunism; we're interested in long-term reputation - and that revolves around balanced performance. Which is why KORE matches complete suspension systems to driving requirements, instead of just selling a variety of parts to whomever wants to purchase them.



In the long run we've found that everyone benefits.







Best Regards,



Kent Kroeker

 

[Red360]

Shocks

Well put... nuff said! :-laf

 

[DaveHess]

Mr Kroeker, I would like your opinion. I have no intention of lifting or modifyiing the suspension on '03. However, with that said, I would like to upgrade shocks that would be compatable with a towing and street use only driving style. The Bilstein's in Geno's catalog are my first choice. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance. Dave

 

[CumminsBu]

DaveHess, the Bilstein's shock that Geno's sell are design for what you would like to do and the best shocks that you can buy for a shock truck. Kore's are design for his Pace/ Recon system. If I still had the shock suspension I would buy the factory Bilstein shocks from Geno's.

 

[kentkroeker]

Mr. Hess,



The Bilstein 5100 is an excellent OE replacement. They'll give you better control and a smoother ride. They also carry a lifetime warranty.



In about a week KORE will have the first Fox 2. 0 remote reservoir OE replacement shocks - designed specifically for stock CTD-equipped Dodge Ram 4x4's. These shocks are similar to those that come with the KORE Chase Series, but with lengths that are compatible with stock suspension.



Kent Kroeker

 

[DaveHess]

Thank you gentlemen for your information and opinions. It's always nice to hear from those with the experience and know-how to validate your choices. Thank you for your time. BTW, Mr. Kroeker, did I read somewhere you are a fighter pilot? Just curious as I am retired USAF. Spent my time working the heavies. B-52's and my favorite, the B-1B! Dave

 

[olznut]

They made a great difference in towing for me. No more rear end "bobbing" when towing. ALOT more stable as well!

 

[scotty1]

I have the front springs and the Bilstein shocks [all around] from Kent/Kore as well as the front stabalizer blocks. [I know Kent and his skinny friend Greg will chime in if I named that wrong. LOL]



I tow heavy. I have tried the Rancho route. 5000's and 9000's.

The 5000's never held up past one summer... and the 9000's were not much better... lots of leaks... perhaps the cold climate contributed to that.



Kent and I discussed what might work best for the towing crowd since I have no plans of smashing my dually fenders off roading.

This is by far the best combination with the following:

Firestone air bags to level off the truck when I have heavy pin weight... 4,000 lbs plus, Advanced Air Hitch and a Brakesmart Controller coupled with a Pacbrake. Very nice combination on expansion joints, rough roads and in the city.



Scotty