Kore vs Carli leveling kit, huge price disparity?

[GrantP]

My 06 has a spacer style leveling kit that was on the truck when I bought it and I'm looking to replace it. The Kore leveling kit is $475 with new coils, bilstein 5100's, and swaybar drop blocks. The Carli is $825 with new coils, bilstein 5100's, and sway bar end links. I had every intention of going with a higher end Carli system but the budget allows for a leveling kit, control arms, and trac bar right now. I am not trying to start a suspension war whatsoever, but I'm trying to understand how Carli can charge an extra $350 for what seems to be the same kit. I wouldn't be surprised if Deaver built the same springs for both companies. If anyone has any info on the differences in the springs/shocks (if any) between the two please chime in.

Thanks,
Grant

 

[Regcabguy]

Kore charges quite a bit for shipping.


http://www.straptperformance.com/Thuren-Dodge-Leveling-Kit-p/thn-lvl-d.htm :Thuren's kit includes his trackbar

 

[AEdelheit]

Kores still in business??? huh .

The Kore coils are stiff and will not gain much ride quality, price might seem cheaper but I would also consider the type of company you want to support.

 

[BarryG]

I cant answer your question as to the price difference. I originally went with KORE way back when. My experience with them was through Greg Boardman and it was great. However after Greg passed and I had to call Kore directly it was not a pleasant experience, unanswered vm's and to be honest when I did talk with them it was like I was bothering them. Not what I am looking for in customer service. I have no idea how they are today. I will say I was pleased with their products on my 2nd gen they did perform as I expected (I did not have their VR coils as at the time of purchase they did not have them yet I think they came out a year or two later). Their product offering today has changed since back then. However the shocks finally gave up the ghost (this after a couple hundred k miles). I could have fully rebuilt them which they needed for approx. $250 ea. At which point I started looking at Carli stuff as I needed control arms as well as a track bar thought I would also like to upgrade the shocks and go to a complete rear leaf spring upgrade from kore's mini pack. I talked with Kore and Carli again Kore cs left me irritated. Carli on the other hand was quite good and their cs was what I would expect it to be and then some. So I opted for the Carli equipment and am pleased as punch. My only mistake was I did buy their complete leaf springs which work great by the way but I have since bought a fifth wheel and the springs aren't up to the task which I knew going in but at the time of purchase I did not have a fifth wheel nor was one in the plans. I can't use airbags due to my b&w gooseneck hitch. So I put my stock springs back on with the Kore mini packs and all is good with the fifth wheel. The carli system rides better but to be fair it is newer and I upgraded the shocks substantially so not really an apples to apples comparison. I will say Carli has my future business such as it may be.

 

[Regcabguy]

Kores still in business??? huh .

The Kore coils are stiff and will not gain much ride quality, price might seem cheaper but I would also consider the type of company you want to support.

Very true on the rate. I use them simply for the camper leverage and weight.
I had a Kore system on my '98.5. Kent assured me the shock valving was for campers. NOT. The truck was all over the road. "It just takes some getting used to." I had the rebound tightened up and everything was fine aside from the stiff arse front springs. Kent wanted me to dismount the shocks and ship them to his Valley Center compound. Everything on my dime.

 

[ckengine03]

I have the Carli commuter system and am very happy with it. The ride is great compared to stock.

 

[Tinman]

I used to have KORE. Now I don't, Carli/Thuren both my trucks. Forget KORE. Go with Carli. You could consider Don Thuren also. Just as good as Carli and usually better value (don't let his out dated web page turn you away, email him and he'll help you out). As far as $$ goes, I'd say skip the up graded control arms unless you have 2.5 shocks or better and are pounding it pretty hard. I've never had any issues with stock control arms. Yes, they are a good upgrade, but there are more important things. Springs, track bar, links and the biggest shocks you can afford.

 

[Regcabguy]

Maybe a poll for when Don upgrades his website is in order.

 

[AEdelheit]

Maybe a poll for when Don upgrades his website is in order.

Before 2016............

 

[Regcabguy]

Before 2016............

Yay. Looking forward to it!

 

[GrantP]

As far as $$ goes, I'd say skip the up graded control arms unless you have 2.5 shocks or better and are pounding it pretty hard. I've never had any issues with stock control arms.

There are two reasons why I want to replace the control arms. The leveling kit on my truck (I think it's either Rancho or Skyjacker...it's one of the "red brands") came with new lower control arms and the poly bushings are shot and making a nice clunk right now. Second, I'm tired of the tire rub on sharp turns so I'm looking to go to the Carli high clearance arms.

 

[Tinman]

Those are good reasons. Definitely get rid of the Red brand stuff.

 

[ENafziger]

Thuren or Carli all the way. Don't mess with anything else. The only Kore product worth having is the high clearance race series aluminum control arms...not even sure if you can get those anymore. The difference in price is due to Carli going with end links instead of cheap spacer blocks, and much better coils.

 

[GrantP]

Well I'm finally having some new Carli parts installed today at Strapt Performance. Front springs, high clearance arms, track bar, and Fox 2.0 shocks (basically the commuter kit without the rear springs). I'll find out in a few hours if it was worth it...

 

[GrantP]

Well I had all the goodies installed at Strapt and still had a clunk in the front end that I thought the new control arms were going to fix. It definitely was less noticeable but still there so I made another appt with Strapt to check it out figuring it was a loose bolt or something similar. Worked with the tech to check it out, all was good until we got to the ball joints....clunk. 52K and ball joints were already gone. A few hours later new Carli ball joints were installed along with the Carli sway bar and my clunk is finally gone. The front end is super tight now and the handling is great, it literally puts a smile on my face whenever I drive it. Kudo's to Carli and the guys at Strapt, couldn't be happier.

 

[Tim@KORE]

Hello Grant,

I know this post is a little late, but I would like to explain how KORE can sell their product at a lower cost. KORE is a factory direct company, other companies use distributors and have to raise the price to make a profit. KORE has taken the middle man out, when you order a KORE kit you deal with us directly. If you have any questions about KORE product, please contact me.

Tim@KORE