I've read so many positive reviews of the KORE suspension...

[JCleary]

I decided to pull the trigger!



Just dropped off the '03 HO QC 4x4 6 speed for the 'ol KORE Chase system, Weld wheels (well, I'll have the wheels, but the tires aren't coming until after Christmas), Banks Monster Exhaust, AFE Proguard (sp?) 7, and Torque Tube to be installed.



I can't wait to get it back. Gotta wait 'til Thursday.



I hope it's as good as they say it is.



Anyway, the truck currently has 3. 73's and I'm running BFG 285's. I recently made a 500 mile trip from sea level to 7k feet, down to 4k, and back. I hand calculated 19. 5 mpg, at about 65-70 the whole way. I thought it would do better, but the truck has 13k miles. Perhaps it will loosen up a bit more near 30k?



Any ideas how much my mileage will drop with the 35" Toyos?

 

[0013]

the KORE system is the only way to go--wish i knew about it before i installed my SJ lift. you'll be nothing but happy with it. especially if you do any wheelin. congrats... .

 

[LightmanE300]

Jcleary, do you do a lot of offroad driving?

 

[JCleary]

Jcleary, do you do a lot of offroad driving?

I don't want to write a book here, but I have had a history of off-roading. I used to own a CJ5 which was pretty trail-ready. It had a mild 2 inch lift, 32" BFG Muds, Warn XD9000, etc. Great for hunting. The only thing it lacked (IMO) was lockers.



In 1998, I bought a new Land Rover Discovery. In the first week, I ruined the paint job, demonstrating to my buddy that yes, in fact, it *can* go farther and in more difficult terrain than my CJ. I had it for three years, and wheeled it quite a bit. 90k later I sold it.



Then I bought a 2001 Land Cruiser. Too nice, and too expensive to wheel that one seriously. So I took a 2 year break. Best built vehicle I have ever owned.



Now I have my CTD, and soon KORE suspension, and I'll be back on the trails. It was one of the main reasons for me getting the 6 speed. I like the control off road with it. Now I'll have fun on the way to the riding spots, not just when I get there.

 

[KYLE4]

The Kore is superior to all mass produced lifts excellent street ride and awesome off road capabilities well worth the money

 

[Featherman]

Kore

JC;



CAn you post pics or send me pics when you're done. I too am leaning towards the KORE. Have heard nothing but positive feed back on the system and responses to my inquiries at KORE have been addressed.



Where are you getting it installed? What is it costing you to install?

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Then I bought a 2001 Land Cruiser. Too nice, and too expensive to wheel that one seriously. So I took a 2 year break. Best built vehicle I have ever owned.

Maybe thats because you never took it off the blacktop to put it through the paces? :-laf :-laf :-laf



PS: not a flame just joshing.

 

[JCleary]

Actually I tried wheeling the 'Cruiser... It is pretty capable, but the running boards always get in the way. Kind of expensive to replace after couple of times. The traction control works well, and the CD player never skipped while off road...



Nothing beat the Discovery off road, however. I could tackle almost anything. The only two mods I would make are the Old Man Emu suspension (maybe 1"-2" lift, but great articulation) and lockers.



As far as the KORE install, I'm getting it done by a guy named Mike at Rock Star Engineering in San Jose, CA. Same guy that did the CTD for 4-wheeler magazine (I think that's the publication) He's charging $400 for the install. Not bad in my book. He's also doing the AFE and Banks mods. I can't wait to pick it up tomorrow. Just wish I had the 35's mounted and ready to go.



Any ideas on fuel mileage with a 305/555, 3. 73's and 35" tires????



I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

[JStieger]

Is there any info if the off-road goodies on the new Dodge Power Wagon will be available as Mopar accesories to retrofit onto earlier 3rd Gens?

 

[sarj]

Any ideas on fuel mileage with a 305/555, 3. 73's and 35" tires????.

With the 600, I just ran a tank last weekend at 17. 4 on the highway. Only have 4500 miles on the truck though. Lost some in the city with the taller tires though, but I can't tell you how much... probably running about 13-14. You also might notice a little less braking.



sarj

 

[Metalaram]

the 35's wont hurt mpg to much you will feel a slight power loss on the bottom end but any small loss will be more than made up for with the exhaust and AFE they were the first two things i did and it went up about two MPG from stock. it wont add tons of HP but will spool more quickly and rev quicker! if you can get an edge EZ for it the intake exhaust and edge are a great combo and wont hurt your motor or blow the turbo... you will like!!!!

 

[JCleary]

I've been thinking about getting some sort of computer upgrade. The Banks rep was pushing me pretty hard to get the six gun, but it seems almost everyone here is using the Edge or a B-Dog system.



I don't really want to void my warranty (I have 13k mi), so I don't know if I should make any changes other than intake and exhaust.



I would like some more power, though... Don't we all?

 

[Metalaram]

the edge EZ is not the biggest HP & torque gain you can get from a box but it is reliable and safe!!!!!. set it on level 4 and enjoy! ive had mine for 20,000 out of 29,000 and no problems. it also unplugs easily for trips to the (*******)! milage was at least the same or a little better and the power is smooth and FUN!!! and with the exhaust and intake EGT'S are no problem... . chris

 

[tpuig]

I just got back from Baja this morning and while I didn't calculate the mileage, it's about the same as running the oem BFG's. In nearly 4000 miles on this trip, they were great. As mentioned before, the Toyo's are absolutely great tires. On road, off road, rocks, sand, anything. Initially I ran them pretty full, but after talking to Kent in La Paz, I dropped the pressure down. That will probably cost one or two mpg, but the ride is so much more comfortable and better handling. The gearing is not great for off the line, but once you start cruising, it's fine. I did Bahia de Gonzaga to San Francisco yesterday, and it was a comfortable cruise at about 70-75 mph on I-5, ranging anywhere from 1500 to 2500 rpm on the passes.

I had my front and read Kore done at Mike's in SJ, when it was Rock Star Trux. Haven't been able to get a hold of him to do the rear leafs, which he probably still has sitting in the shop waiting for me. If you want to try the tires and wheels, let me know. I'll be putting the BFG's back on in a couple days, and I'm just up in Mountain View.

As far as mileage, it's been creeping up slowly. I just passed the 47k, 48k, 49k and 50k mark these last two weeks, but that was with pesos and litres, and using fuel cans, so I don't know the actual mileage. But overall I'm getting about 18 or more on my 75% freeway commute on Hwy 280.

Hope this helps.

TP



BTW, ran a Nissan van and Land Rover in Africa, and they were both great. The rover couldn't be stopped, which was good considering my lower position on the food chain there...

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

I know we are heading off on a tangent here but I have to tout the old '65 88 Land Rover I had too. It was a stout little rig for off road. It had a chevy Iron Duke four banger and a Warn overdrive. I also had a friend with older Rovers with the diesel fourbanger.



A dream machine for me would be a 3bt in an 88 LandRover. I prefer the crawling style 4 wheeling, but then again I'm just an ol' dog.

 

[scbroder]

Any ideas how much my mileage will drop with the 35" Toyos?

I have the 35 inch Open Country M/T tires. My MPG decreased by about 1. 5 MPG.

 

[JCleary]

It seems my mileage has already dropped, but it's due to my driving. I love the sound of my new exhaust.

 

[LightmanE300]

Jcleary - how do you like the kore setup compared to stock?

 

[JCleary]

Jcleary - how do you like the kore setup compared to stock?

I really like it. It seems to ride a bit stiffer than stock in the front, and a bit softer in the rear. It now rides more like a 1/2 ton than a heavy duty truck. The truck definitely seems to be more planted on the road, and it handles well for a lifted vehicle.



The ride in town is stiffer, but highway ride is a vast improvement. I have not experienced the expansion joint bounce since the installation of the kit. I can't wait to go offroad to see the improvement there. The suspension soaks up bumps that would kick you in the rear before.



I do wish I opted for the limiting straps. I went over a speed bump the other day, and the rear shocks topped out with a BANG. I definitely did not expect that. Perhaps it won't happen when the spring pack settles.



If I had to do it again, I would. I feel it's the best kit out there.

 

[JCleary]

I just had the Toyos installed today.



They are sweet! Ride is pretty good, and they're almost as quiet as my BFG 285's.



Only thing I have to say is...



I need 4. 10's or a LOT more power