Here are a few questions that we are asked on a regular basis:
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Is the merchandise in stock? Unlike most companies that you see on the web, we actually have a 100,000 sq ft warehouse and a multi million dollar inventory. We do our best to stock most of the products that we advertise, but occasionally we do run into backorders. If we do not have the product in stock, we can usually get it in a day. If we are out of something and the delay will be longer than our normal estimated shipping time, we may drop ship the merchandise directly to you from the manufacturer. If a product is going to be delayed for an unreasonable amount of time, we will contact you about the problem.
How long will it take to get my order? Depends on where you are, if the merchandise is in stock, or if we have to put a tire and wheel package together. We can normally get merchandise to the east coast in 1-3 business days, the Midwest in about the same time, and to the west coast in 4-7 days. How the merchandise has to be shipped also makes a difference. Large tires and heavy suspension kits must go by truck freight and may take a little longer than these estimated times.
Can I ship to a different address? Yes, but for your benefit and safety, we are very careful about credit card security. Shipping to a different address may require additional time to verify the shipping address before the order gets processed, so shipping to a different address may delay your order.
Can we ship COD? NO -- too many problems involved. People not at home, bouncy checks, extra charges added on by the shipping companies, and many more. If you do not have a credit card, you can call and place an order with one of our knowledgeable sales people and you can mail in a check or money order.
What does it cost to ship merchandise to me? The website has a shipping calculator built in. Pick your merchandise and fill in your zip code into the shipping estimator and it will give you the shipping charges or you can call in and talk to one of our sales people and they can tell you the amount.
What is your return policy? Click SERVICES.
What are your hours? Click CONTACT US.
Can I pick up my merchandise at your store? Yes, but make sure that you call ahead for availability and pick up hours.
Do you have a catalog? Not any more, the website is easier and faster to maintain new products. Catalogs got to be too outdated too quickly.
TIRE & WHEEL QUESTIONS
How large of a tire will fit my vehicle? Good question! There are many, many factors involved in this question. Throughout the site, we try to show the maximum RECOMMENDED tire size with each suspension kit. This doesn't always mean that you will not be able to get a larger tire under your vehicle, but we tend to stay on the safe side. There are always exceptions the other way also. If your springs are sagged, frame bent, cab mounts collapsed, or any number of other reasons, even the recommended tire may not fit.
How long will a tire last? Lots of variables here - How you drive, the roads that you drive, the vehicle that you drive, wheel alignment, tire rotation intervals, wheel size, all have major implications on how much wear that you get out of your tires. General rule of thumb is that radials last longer than bias tires and all-terrain tires last longer than mud-terrain tires.
What is the difference between a bias tire and a radial tire? The way that a tire is constructed is what makes a tire a radial compared to a bias ply tire, but to you, the differences will be ride, traction, and wear. A radial tire will normally last longer, ride smoother, be quieter, and give better street performance. A bias tire is normally tougher off-road.
What is the difference between offset and backside measurements on a wheel? The offset is the difference (usually measured in millimeters) between the front of the wheel and the rear of the wheel in relationship to the center. The measurement will be in a + (plus) or a - (minus) to designate whether there is more offset to the front of the wheel or to the rear of the wheel. A + means that there is more wheel to the inside, while a - means that there is more wheel to the outside. Backside measurement tells you how many inches there are between the surface that contacts the drum or rotor and the back of the wheel. Most suspension companies give a maximum backside measurement that will fit that particular kit.
What does the term "hubcentric" mean when talking about wheels? Some vehicles center their wheels on the vehicle by the wheel studs and lug nuts. This method is called "lugcentric". Other vehicles center the wheel by the center bore of the wheel fitting over a raised ring or hub on the vehicle. This is called "hubcentric". You can usually fit a "lugcentric" wheel on a "hubcentric" vehicle, but not vice versa. You may experience some vibration when you fit a "lugcentric" wheel to a "hubcentric" vehicle.
SUSPENSION QUESTIONS
What is the difference between a knuckle style suspension kit and a bracket style suspension kit? A knuckle style kit achieves all or most of it's lift by supplying a new knuckle in the kit that repositions the stock axle stub to achieve the lift.
A bracket style lift drops all of the stock suspension parts by means of drop brackets.
Both kits have advantages and disadvantages. Knuckle kits are usually easier to install, but widen the front end and will not normally allow the use of a stock offset wheel. Knuckle kits normally ride better and offer more ground clearance since the differentials are only dropped a couple of inches. Stock spare tires do not fit most knuckle kits. Bracket style kits usually require more installation time and give up some ground clearance, but have no restrictions on wheel offset, do not widen the stance, and a stock wheel can be used for a spare.
What is the difference between a suspension kit and a suspension system? Some manufacturers use these terms interchangeably, but a kit usually comes with rear lift blocks and/or add-a-leafs and a system comes with new rear springs.
Do your suspension kits contain everything that I need to install it? Depends on the kit. Some kits contain everything needed and some must be pieced together. We try to tell you what additional parts may be needed in each lift kit description. If you have questions, you can e-mail or call us for help.
Do your suspension kits come with shocks? Depends on the kit. Check the kit description to see if shocks are included.
What is the difference between hydraulic and gas charged shocks? A hydraulic shock is considered the standard shock in this industry. A hydraulic shock usually gives the best ride on the street and is more than capable of most people's idea of off-roading. There are also different variations of the hydraulic shock that feature cellular gas foam or gas bags built into the shock to keep the shock oil from foaming. A gas charged shock gives a firmer ride and will not heat up as much in extreme conditions as fast as a hydraulic shock, but the street ride may be too stiff for the majority of owners that use their vehicle mainly for daily driving.
Do I need a high end shock? You do if you really want to be cool! OK, really, are high end shocks worth the extra money? For most people, no, but they really do make a difference. You probably will not notice that much of a difference in daily driving, but if you do any serious off-roading, you will notice a big difference. Besides that, billet aluminum shocks with remote reservoirs hanging off of them can make you the envy of all of your buddies and that in itself is worth some serious $$$$.