Kore Chase with Welds/Toyos - Worth $6000?

[LightmanE300]

Cute post Greg. I know you are highly involved and have a lot of respect for Kent and what they do. I also see the value in the chase system. My post isn't questioning that, nor anyone's integrity. I'm simply asking folks that have chosen this path, if they had the $6000 in their pocket again, would they spend it again. I said you were biased because I already knew what your answer was going to be ;-)



As for the wheels - I tend to disagree, but would like to know for sure. Tell me this Greg - If weld tells me they have a Cheyenne 8 in 18x8. 5 that is a specific hub centric dodge wheel, with 6. 5 backspacing and positive 40mm offset (which is nowhere close to ANY of their other wheels), and with a retail price of $575, do you really think we're talking about a DIFFERENT wheel? Maybe Kent had an exclusive on an original run or something, but it sure seems to be the same wheel to me.



I got another quote today for $485 shipped. .



PS it's cool that $240 is nothing to a big baller like you, but to me it's not an amount of money that I just say oh well and throw away. .

 

[Punkineater]

I don't think anyone on here questioned the integrity of Kore or it's owner. I do think the suspension and wheel package is overpriced, but hey to each his own right. Furthermore, $250 is $250. If you think that's throw away money then that's fine, but some of us don't have that luxury.

 

[Diesel Dan]

Pumpkineater,

Exactly what are you using for your calculation that Kore products are overpriced????? How much money are they supposed to eat for the extensive R & D that they have done in Baja? Kore products are not for everyone. Some people are fine with a lift kit. But if you had ever riddin in a Kore truck at speed, you would understand. But untill you do, you don't have a clue. Never will( I don't mean to be attacking you specifically, This is for anyone that hasn't ridden in a Kore truck and posts opinions that products are too expensive when they havn't experienced it firsthand. )



If you think that w/ a little ingenuity you can produce a system that can compare w/ a Kore system you are sadly mistaken. Spend the next two years almost every weekend bashing your truck in mexico and then post conclusions.



DD

 

[Punkineater]

Pumpkineater,

Exactly what are you using for your calculation that Kore products are overpriced????? How much money are they supposed to eat for the extensive R & D that they have done in Baja? Kore products are not for everyone. Some people are fine with a lift kit. But if you had ever riddin in a Kore truck at speed, you would understand. But untill you do, you don't have a clue. Never will( I don't mean to be attacking you specifically, This is for anyone that hasn't ridden in a Kore truck and posts opinions that products are too expensive when they havn't experienced it firsthand. )



If you think that w/ a little ingenuity you can produce a system that can compare w/ a Kore system you are sadly mistaken. Spend the next two years almost every weekend bashing your truck in mexico and then post conclusions.



Maybe your pumpkin has been fermenting a little too long :-laf



DD

Wow if that wasn't a specific attack, I would hate to read a post in which you were attacking me specifically. Like I stated my needs are different. The Kore may be great, but I feel the entire system is overpriced and not for me... ..... that's still my choice right? I have an opinion on the Kore and if you don't agree that's great, but I do have the right to state my opinion whether or not it agrees with yours. I've been building different suspensions for various vehicles for 20 years so I do have a handle on what works well for me and build my suspensions to address those needs. If you want a Kore buy a Kore. Makes no real difference to me and I'm sure you'll be happy with it. I'm simply stating that you need to define your needs first and if you don't need everything the Kore has to offer then there are more affordable ways to build a suspension that will fulfill them.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

As for the wheels - I tend to disagree, but would like to know for sure. Tell me this Greg - If weld tells me they have a Cheyenne 8 in 18x8. 5 that is a specific hub centric dodge wheel, with 6. 5 backspacing and positive 40mm offset (which is nowhere close to ANY of their other wheels), and with a retail price of $575, do you really think we're talking about a DIFFERENT wheel? Maybe Kent had an exclusive on an original run or something, but it sure seems to be the same wheel to me.



I got another quote today for $485 shipped. .



PS it's cool that $240 is nothing to a big baller like you, but to me it's not an amount of money that I just say oh well and throw away. .

That's interesting. . . I would have to agree with you Lightman, sounds like the same wheel. I hope Weld isn't pulling a fast one on Kent



I have seriously considered the Cheyennes from him, but I have a hard time spending $2000 on a set of wheels, plus there are no Load Range E tires in the 18" sizes I like, otherwise I would have bought a set myself. If I did find a set for $485 each I'd still buy 'em from KORE for $500 (not trying to suggest to you how to spend you $$ though).



Vaughn

 

[LightmanE300]

Vaughn, maybe the exclusive deal with Kent was for a limited time only. . who knows. It sure does sound like same wheel.



The price I was quoted was 485 shipped. I'm not sure how much Kore charges for shipping, but typically most sites I've been to are around $25/wheel. So thats $160 more to buy them from Kore if thats what it costs to ship - again I haven't checked on the shipping charges.



I'm just annoyed to no end I didn't buy them before Jan 1st at the $435 TDR price. I wish the price hike would have been more public, I would have bought them in December, without question. Frustrating.

 

[Fred Swanson]

Punkineater, reread LightmanE300's original post.



"To those that have done these upgrades, if the money was back in your pocket, would you spend it again?"



Have you purchased a KORE system? Have you ridden in a KORE truck? I'm sure over 20 years, you've got some interesting stories to contribute to threads on suspensions.

Yes, you can go buy the Fox or the Bilstein shocks yourself, you can buy springs yourself, and you can go through a ton of R&D yourself. For some, that is the path they choose.



I have to object to stating the KORE system is overpriced and basically not worth what KORE is charging for it. Like Dan and Greg both stated, knocking KORE for it's world-class suspensions, without providing any factual evidence, is just flaming, and I believe, not acceptable on this forum.

Look what happended to the transmission threads. Now you can't even say anything about a transmission you have no first-hand experience with. I'd sure hate to have that spread over into other manufacturers products.

The common theme on this forum seems to be invite a vendor on, let him hang around awhile, then start attacking them for whatever reason. There's plenty of examples of this, so I don't need to drag up the past.



Have you read any of the informative threads where Kent has taken the time to explain how and why suspensions work, and what does and doesn't work? I can only dream how many personal emails and calls he takes a week just answering questions.



Now for the wheels, I have no clue if Weld is selling them outside of KORE. it wouldn't suprise me, though.

 

[Diesel Dan]

Pumpkineater,

I agree with you that everyone's needs are different. But you still say that Kore is overpriced perhaps you can't afford it. Perhaps it is more system than you need. I understand that. You have the right to express your opinion absolutely. However, when it is not based on any factual information then it is worthless at best. I would think that w/ the 20 years experience build suspension systems you of all people would understand how inexpensive this system is... ... . Oh thats right, I forgot that you havn't ridden on a Kore truck at speed ... ... ... .



Nevermind... ...





I am glad i don't work in Kore's RMA dept. I bet it would be a pretty boring job.

 

[LightmanE300]

DieselDan and all others who are offended by his 'overpriced' comment, please take a large-sized chill pill. Let's not rip on our vendors too hard , and let's not call each other's opinion's worthless. No offense but I found ALL of the replies on this thread helpful, and I don't want this to turn into a nasty thread with people arguing.



To those that may care, I have decided on a chase system. Done deal, hallelujah. Screw the $6k, I know if I don't get it, I'll be always wondering and wanting it. I figure while I'm young and single I might as well buy the toys now... everyone I talk to that's older or has a family says the toy buying situation gets put pretty close to the back burner. Lots of guys report having to check with the CFO



Still not sure about the wheels yet. I found the toyos for $318/tire at my local Conrads, including installation, road hazard protection, and lifetime balancing/rotation.

 

[JSellers]

Lightman,

I bet it even comes with a cool KORE sticker!

Whaaatt? I didn't get a sticker!



Lightman, I'd spend the money again - in a heartbeat. For anyone that can't splurge for the full Race/Chase system, I'd recommend the springs and Bilstein 5100 shocks. You should get a large part of the ride quality which the KORE systems provide for a 7000 pound truck. Pretty amazing if you ask me - my Ram now rides much better than my Chevy K1500.



The wheels are a non-issue for me, because I can't fit them on my dually. Don't know how I'd think about this if I had SRW.



Hope this helps,

John

 

[tpuig]

Yes, I would.

I did spend the $ on the KORE Fox system, the Weld wheels and the Toyo tires. Expensive? Yes. I don't feel they are overpriced though, and would do it again. Readily. If you don't want to spend that much on that system - Fine, your opinion is noted. Move along now. If you don't happen to like any of the current wheel offerings, perhaps you could contact the vendors and have one made. Just please stop complaining. Some folks like vanilla, some like strawberry and some like chocolate. Get what you like.



As to the difference between wheels and tires. I did lots of off roading and a short Baja trip with the stock 17" BFG's. They were fine. Very good in fact. I've had 6 sets of BFG's on various vehicles. But when I did a 4000 mile Baja trip with the 18" Toyos, they were better. Much better.



I will be going to Cabo San Lucas at least once a year for the next 30 years or so, barring the unforeseen. I invite any members to join me on the drive. KORE system or not. I'll buy the first couple rounds. Let's have some fun in the dirt and horrible Mexican roads. That is where the KORE system really shines. And as Marek and Fred mentioned, once you've driven there, you'll understand. And watching Kent cross the finish line of the Baja 1000 was awesome. He's a great guy, and I think the business will do very well.

TP

 

[Punkineater]

Wow one differing opinion and I'm attacked faster than a powerstroke owner over on Dieselstop. Lightman, I hope I at the very least offered a small amount of insight and provoked some additional thought. What it boils down to is that it's your money and therefore ultimately your choice. I wish you nothing but luck and be sure to post pic's when you're done.

 

[CAT 385]

I really appreciate you guys for this thread because after reading it I decided that I wanted a suspension not a "lift kit"for my truck so I am going to install the Kore system. I can not believe that the same people that have to have the Cummins because it is the best would not want to put the best suspension on the truck also.



And no I do not have the extra money to spend on a cheaper kit that I wouyld be in the shop trying to get the truck to drive "stock" again. I only have the money to do this once so it has to be right the first time.

 

[sarj]

I wanted the suspension upgrade, and the leveling of the truck was nice. I'm not hip to his new marketing names. I'm running the Bilsteins with rear mini-pack, and if I had to do it again, I'd do it exactly the same way, and I'd do it the week I took delivery of the truck. I'm 50/50 on doing the wheels. I'm running the BFGs right now with no complaints or troubles. I have lots of good history with the BFG's. KORE is well worth the money if you are looking for performance, and if I had to go with any of the other products out there, I probably would have left it stock with some 295's or something.



sarj

 

[GTani]

Most people I have seen using the Kore race/chase systems are in desert country. Calif,Baja Mx. , Arizona etc. This is where this system thrives. I have a home in Baja Sur. It's 50 miles from the highway and 30 miles of it is usually bad washboard. This system lets me go as fast as I want with control and not worrying about breaking anything. For the ride I get on those 30 miles I would pay double. Well not exactly,I bought the Bilsteins and kind wish I had bought the Fox setup.

 

[jrobinson2]

To those that have done these upgrades, if the money was back in your pocket, would you spend it again? Thanks in advance guys for your thoughts.

I bought an early T-rex King system and have been extremely pleased, I would definitely buy it again.



Jared

 

[LightmanE300]

I most hear guys with this system rave about how fast it goes smoothly. Well I dont live near any deserts, and realistically spend most of my time driving bumpy 35mph roads on the way to/from work. Can anyone comment on how it peforms in normal, daily road driving? I dont' have access to much offroad driving at all. .

 

[WoodChuck]

To me it's perfect on the road too. I have the Bilstein 5100s which are all you need for road and also fine for moderate off road. You only need the 7100s or Fox shocks for continuous high speed off road. I'd compare the Kore system to driving a BMW or Saab which are responsive, firm and controlled but not harsh and the stock system to say my old '97 Lexus ES 300 which was nice when driven slow to moderate speeds but like a marschmallow when driven at a spirited pace in canyons and felt like it floated at high speeds (not really confidence inspiring)

 

[LightmanE300]

Has anyone ridden in both a truck with the PACE(5100's) and the Chase(7100 remote res) systems ? I'm curious how they compare ON road.

 

[Tim]

Has anyone ridden in both a truck with the PACE(5100's) and the Chase(7100 remote res) systems ? I'm curious how they compare ON road.

I don't think you're going to be able to tell much of a difference. Bilstein 7100s for a road driven vehicle is major overkill anyway. The 5100s will be fine, if you want reservoir shocks use the 5150, it has a piggyback reservoir that is smaller and they're much cheaper than the 7100s.