So I originally purchased and installed the cognito leveling kit about a month ago. I turned the STOCK keys up. The drivers side is all the way...and the passenger side is set to match. My alignment shop could not get the truck to align to Cognito's specs. It was short on camber adjustment and way short on caster. Chad from Cognito sent me a new set of arms that are supposedly longer. I did the swap last night. He sent only the arms so I had to change over the ball joint, bushings, etc. I did note that the Moog balljoint rubber was all cracked already! It has only been 1 month and 2k miles! The truck goes in for alignment Wed...hopefully it will be much better!
ac

Update on the ball joints: Chad will be sending me new ball joint boots to replace the cracking ones. Hopefully the new ones will be better!
ac

How does this happen? Is your truck any different than all the others here with the kit. I'm ready to order the same setup but I'm always nervous spending that much money.

I dont know how this happens. Cognito claims my truck is whacked. I bought it new, its not hit. Others have also had the issue. I will tell you this: Cognito customer service is 2nd to none. They sent me out new arms, didnt even ask for my credit card. They just assumed I would be honest and send the old ones back using the shipping label they provided. They are also sending me new ball joint boots. The only thing that sucks, is having to take the front end apart 3 times now!
ac

Cognito customer service is 2nd to none.


I'll second that one..........

That's a very good thing to hear about the customer service...you don't hear about that too often these days!

I'm having the same issues with only 15,000 highway miles on my truck with the cognito leveling kit. Both upper boots are cracked leaking grease, as well as the tierod ends are wore out and the truck pulls to the right after an alignment. When I called cognito they never admitted they were having any problems. Funny to find out about the problems others are having after I just ordered up all brand new parts to replace the failed ones, which I might add they didn't want to warranty.

Well the truck has be aligned. Came in much better this time.
Camber:
Left .2
Right .2
Caster:
Left 4
Right 4.4
Caster is still a bit low, but acceptable. They sent me new boots for the ball joints. That is good service, but I must add that I shouldnt have had to take my truck apart twice to change arms, and once again to change boots. I also shouldnt have had to pay $85 for alignments...twice. With how many people are coming up with alignment issues, maybe there is an issue with their arms? At least their customer service kicks butt.
ac

I don't care about tearing it apart (4 times for me), or the cost of the alignments ($100x4). avc8130, you say that they have good customer service but I never got anything out of them saying that they may have a issue. Considering everything you have seen is what I have seen, and I told them this. They told me they would call me back on several occasions and I still have not heard from them. Maybe it has something to do with living in Canada, I don't know. I'm done ranting and don't want to slag on anyone, All I want is just to have my truck driving the way it should.

Figures...
Just as I'm about to pul the trigger on the Cognito arms and braces you guys come out of the closet with this crap.

I've been using selling the Cognito pitman and idler supports for several years now with few complaints. We also have the leveling kits and the only real issues that we have seen is mis-packaged kits with the wrong ball joints. This was covered quickly and easily.

I have no complaints about the pitman or idler supports. Every 10K, I only have to pump 1/2 shot into each joint. They work really well. I am just looking for resolve on the alignment issue. How do I get this done if no one responds to my phone calls? I have tried on 3 occassions and the only time I get a phone is from Chad asking for my CC# info, when I ordered the replacement parts to fix the outstanding issues. I even asked him them about the issues I was having and he said he would pass it on. Again no one has called me back. My objective is not to slang or rant and that's all I am coming across as, what other choices do I have? How do I get my issues fixed if no one responds?

Wow,

I too was thinking of pulling the trigger as well. I guess I will keep looking a little more.

Don't be hasty on that, they have a great product that works really well. They appear to have fixed all the problems, I would still recommend it to anybody. It resolves frontend droop, as I call it. And besides there pricing is next to none. I just have one issue that needs resolving.

I have no complaints about the pitman or idler supports. Every 10K, I only have to pump 1/2 shot into each joint. They work really well. I am just looking for resolve on the alignment issue. How do I get this done if no one responds to my phone calls? I have tried on 3 occassions and the only time I get a phone is from Chad asking for my CC# info, when I ordered the replacement parts to fix the outstanding issues. I even asked him them about the issues I was having and he said he would pass it on. Again no one has called me back. My objective is not to slang or rant and that's all I am coming across as, what other choices do I have? How do I get my issues fixed if no one responds?


rebel7777,
Have you contacted the place you ordered your Cognito kit from to help you with this? Maybe you ordered from us? I would love to see your specs the shop that did the alignment gave you. That will help understand where your at.
I also called and talked to Chad about your post and he doesn't recall your phone call. You have a valid stand point of being un-happy. I talk to Chad all day long and he is a great guy and sometimes Cognito has more phone calls coming in than they can handle.

Lets try to help you and get you what you need to fix your problems. Sometimes things/calls fall threw the cracks:(. Its happened here:o:.



Thanks
Nor-Cal Nick

Yeah that sucks. If I end up getting the leveling kit it would be just my luck to have it need the longer arms. $85 for an alignment! Ouch. Last time I had mine done it was $69. That's no good to pay that twice.

I have an idea.

Nick, you get with Cognito and arrange to sell me a kit for cost. I'll clear up all this nonsense about the kit not aligning correctly and any ball joint boot issues. I will also commit to telling everyone I know how great the kit is and submit no less than 30 posts here to tell all the members that it's the ONLY way to level a D-Max.

Tony

I have an idea.

Nick, you get with Cognito and arrange to sell me a kit for cost. I'll clear up all this nonsense about the kit not aligning correctly and any ball joint boot issues. I will also commit to telling everyone I know how great the kit is and submit no less than 30 posts here to tell all the members that it's the ONLY way to level a D-Max.

Tony


Yea ... No problem .... Cost is $460.00... here is the link to buy ;)

http://norcaltruck.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=235

Run down all the options and you can dial in your leveling kit.

Need more help, let us know and we can help you with questions.


Nor-Cal Nick

OK smarty pants... Looks like I can buy directly from Cognito's website.

I think I've read enough posts to figure out that Cognito's UCA kit is well engineered and I just pulled the trigger with Dan @ NorCal truck, which BTW was great service. As with anything man made, you can never get an exact duplicate, so there may be problems from time to time. I just hope I can get one of the sets that has the right length arms from the beggining. I'll post and let everyone know how mine turns out.

I think I've read enough posts to figure out that Cognito's UCA kit is well engineered and I just pulled the trigger with Dan @ NorCal truck, which BTW was great service. As with anything man made, you can never get an exact duplicate, so there may be problems from time to time. I just hope I can get one of the sets that has the right length arms from the beggining. I'll post and let everyone know how mine turns out.


Agreed, I'll do the same as I have just orderred as well.

Update on the ball joints: Chad will be sending me new ball joint boots to replace the cracking ones. Hopefully the new ones will be better!
ac

I had the same problem they sent me a pair also good customer service.

Well the truck has be aligned. Came in much better this time.
Camber:
Left .2
Right .2
Caster:
Left 4
Right 4.4
Caster is still a bit low, but acceptable. They sent me new boots for the ball joints. That is good service, but I must add that I shouldnt have had to take my truck apart twice to change arms, and once again to change boots. I also shouldnt have had to pay $85 for alignments...twice. With how many people are coming up with alignment issues, maybe there is an issue with their arms? At least their customer service kicks butt.
ac

You got to get a lifetime alignment from firestone mine aleady paid for itself 3 times I like to stick it to them they ripped me onetime before.

OK smarty pants... Looks like I can buy directly from Cognito's website.


:lol: Yes you can.....

But when it come down to real time fitments we can service you above what a MFG. can do to liability reasons.

If you looking for a deal its better to PM rather ask in the open ;).

Let me know if you need some help.


Nor-Cal Nick

Hey guys,
All this talk about the Cognito leveling kit has got me wondering. Has anybody out there ever tried or heard anything about the Readylift leveling kit? It seems so simple and alot less complicated than the Cognito set up. Cheaper too! Here's the website...
http://www.readylift.com/products/sfID1/6

Hey guys,
All this talk about the Cognito leveling kit has got me wondering. Has anybody out there ever tried or heard anything about the Readylift leveling kit? It seems so simple and alot less complicated than the Cognito set up. Cheaper too! Here's the website...
http://www.readylift.com/products/sfID1/6

Isn't that basically the same as putting green keys on? I have the green keys, ride stiffer because the shock is already extended and A-arms may be striking metal to metal. Check the Nor-Cal website for the explanation.

:lol: Yes you can.....

But when it come down to real time fitments we can service you above what a MFG. can do to liability reasons.

If you looking for a deal its better to PM rather ask in the open ;).

Let me know if you need some help.


Nor-Cal Nick

Nick,

I'm just blowing smoke. You're the man. I'm ready to go as soon as the longer Bilsteins are available. Did someone say the shorter shocks are just as good with extensions? Maybe I should just install the kit before I get shocks? I may be lucky enough to be forced into adding an inch in the back.

Tony

I'm ready to go as soon as the longer Bilsteins are available. Did someone say the shorter shocks are just as good with extensions? Maybe I should just install the kit before I get shocks? I may be lucky enough to be forced into adding an inch in the back.

Tony


The Cognito arms with Cognito lower shock brackets (the way we pkg all of out kits) takes care of the extra shock length issue.

Isn't that basically the same as putting green keys on? I have the green keys, ride stiffer because the shock is already extended and A-arms may be striking metal to metal. Check the Nor-Cal website for the explanation.

I'm not familiar with Green Keys, you got a website? In reference to the extended shocks the ready lift kit provides extentions to enable you to bolt up stock shocks so they are not over extended. Supposedly keeping the ride the same as when you bought her. This could be complete bs though, was hoping someone might know for sure...

I have been hearing about the ball joints being installed on the bottom the the UCA. What is the difference between the top and the bottom? And, how should they be installed?

They should be installed on the bottom.
ac

Hey guys,
All this talk about the Cognito leveling kit has got me wondering. Has anybody out there ever tried or heard anything about the Readylift leveling kit? It seems so simple and alot less complicated than the Cognito set up. Cheaper too! Here's the website...
http://www.readylift.com/products/sfID1/6

Keys and extenders will only give you so much. Ready lift is over price for what they offer for lift. Most newer trucks don't need keys to get alittle more out of there front end.
Take a look at this post on what happens:
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1641068&postcount=7



Isn't that basically the same as putting green keys on? I have the green keys, ride stiffer because the shock is already extended and A-arms may be striking metal to metal. Check the Nor-Cal website for the explanation.

You are right. Keys are keys with different deg. clocking in them and you only have so much travel. Max out your travel and there goes your ride.


Nick,

I'm just blowing smoke. You're the man. I'm ready to go as soon as the longer Bilsteins are available. Did someone say the shorter shocks are just as good with extensions? Maybe I should just install the kit before I get shocks? I may be lucky enough to be forced into adding an inch in the back.

Tony

Keep in touch with me..... I have a order coming with the right spec. shock coming. No brackets needed.


I'm not familiar with Green Keys, you got a website? In reference to the extended shocks the ready lift kit provides extentions to enable you to bolt up stock shocks so they are not over extended. Supposedly keeping the ride the same as when you bought her. This could be complete bs though, was hoping someone might know for sure...

Check out this link to see how it all works:
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1641068&postcount=7


I have been hearing about the ball joints being installed on the bottom the the UCA. What is the difference between the top and the bottom? And, how should they be installed?

If you are using a Cognito UCA for a stock replacement app. then you want to load the ball joint on top of the UCA mount.
If you are running the UCA in a above factory stance then you want to bottom load the ball joints. This will give you a better range of align. specs and give you a little more drop out travel to keep your ride.



Nor-Cal Nick


.

I'm not familiar with Green Keys, you got a website? In reference to the extended shocks the ready lift kit provides extentions to enable you to bolt up stock shocks so they are not over extended. Supposedly keeping the ride the same as when you bought her. This could be complete bs though, was hoping someone might know for sure...

Basically the Green key replaces the stock torsion bar adjustment key. The green key is a slightly different degree I guess so you can crank the front end up higher than with stock keys. That's what I did and of course ride is worse for bumps (bounces much more) but the front end doesn't roll while cornering and that's what I like. I didn't notice a difference in regular road driving, still smooth but speed bumps are a different story. I have not replaced the shocks yet but am going to order the extended Bilstiens next week and see how it improves. If it don't help I will probably order the Cognito.

Nick, I want to say thank you for your help. Chad called me last week and he did finally recall our conversation and he apologized for this. I accept his apology and I am awaiting the new parts so that I can reinstall/realign. Chad believes the problem may have been the dealer aligning to Chevy specs and not cognito's. I can't confirm or deny this as I don't have the numbers from this alignment. All a can say is the cambers are maxed on both sides and the tires have been rubbing since the last alignment was done. I will post my results and advise Chad from Cognito once I receive, install the new parts and have a wheel alignment done again. Thanks again, Rich

rebel7777,


Great !!! :ro)


Not a problem..... I have a Cognito tattoo on the inside of my lower lip ;).



Nor-Cal Nick

I'm glad that's the only place, I can't imagine another man wanting to tell another man where he has his "private/special" tattoo's. TOO MUCH INFORMATION, I maybe scared for life.

Thanks again, I will keep you posted.

Rich

I don't care about tearing it apart (4 times for me), or the cost of the alignments ($100x4). avc8130, you say that they have good customer service but I never got anything out of them saying that they may have a issue. Considering everything you have seen is what I have seen, and I told them this. They told me they would call me back on several occasions and I still have not heard from them. Maybe it has something to do with living in Canada, I don't know. I'm done ranting and don't want to slag on anyone, All I want is just to have my truck driving the way it should.


i dont think its anything to do with being in Canada:) i get top notch service from cognito
i honestly think this is the best lift kit ive seen have not personally tried the CST
i now have 60 000km on the truck with this lift and only had one wheel alinment and she drives straight and smooth considering i have done hundreds of boosted launches and back road driving im pretty happy

update, installed the new A-Arms this weekend, and just had my wheel alignment done today. Everything finally came into spec, overall very happy with the way the truck now drives. I can finally keep it between the lines,

Thanks Nick and Justin,

Richard

So what about the moog ball joints leaking grease? Any fix for this or am i just going to deal with it? Installed the cognito kit with shocks at all fours a month ago..

Nick thanks for all your help resolving my issues. I haven't seen a issue with the ball joint boots yet, but Nor-Cal and Cognito's customer service is 2nd to none.

My ball joint boots were cracked after only 1 month. Cognito sent me replacement boots. I havent installed them because I am sick of taking the front end apart! I will wait and install them later.
ac

Cracking boots? Might try Energy Suspension Poly ball joint boots???

With the issues I am hearing, I'm going to order a set before I bolt the Cognito kit up.

update, installed the new A-Arms this weekend, and just had my wheel alignment done today. Everything finally came into spec, overall very happy with the way the truck now drives. I can finally keep it between the lines,

Thanks Nick and Justin,

Richard


Thanks for posting your results....


Nick thanks for all your help resolving my issues. I haven't seen a issue with the ball joint boots yet, but Nor-Cal and Cognito's customer service is 2nd to none.

Thanks Dave ... your a great customer to have :)


So what about the moog ball joints leaking grease? Any fix for this or am i just going to deal with it? Installed the cognito kit with shocks at all fours a month ago..


*** Leaking boots .... ***
There was a run of bad boots. The rubber was drying out and cracking. If anyone has a bad ball joint boot leaking grease please contact the place you purchased your Cognito Motorsports parts from. They should have new replacement boots available to ship at no cost.


Thanks Nick

Replacement boots are nice and all, but a lot of people buy these kits and install themselves, or pay a local shop to do it. I have had my front end apart twice before I somewhat got it all to work and I have to take it apart again to change the cracked boots now. I guess the support is good, since when their parts dont work or are defective they try to remedy the problem...but isnt that just normal business?
ac

Well I guess my boots are junk as well after only 8months. I was greasing my truck today and the grease was shooting out the sides of the boot. So I'm going to need replacement boots as well. Guess I'll be calling Nick and utilizing that great customer service again.