+1 this is very important. Even if youre within tolerances when you do the install, when the run-out does exceed the specs down the road, you will have binding issues and bigger problems.

 

Gear cams are what Harley has used for decades and are great, however on modern TCs the current chain system is good enough. I can't see any good reason for dismantling the engine to improve runout so gears can be used, unless there is some serious tuning being done at the same time. For any bolt-on package leave the crank alone and use chains.

 

While gears can provide more accurate cam timing and reliably they require close tolerances and proper installation plus they cost $. I wouldn't do gears without trueing and welding the crank. Even though my runout was .002 I kept the chains when I did cams @ 25,000 miles. I did replace the tensioners even though they looked good. I'll look at them once and a while.

 

There are some small technical advantages to be had from gear drives, but the main reason many (including myself) converted our TC's to gears was because of the weaknesses of the original chain system. These were addressed in later years and with the mild specification of your build the small advantages are not worth the cost (which is why my '08 RKC doesn't have a gear drive but my '99 FXDX does).

I think the conversation needs to move on to which cam would suit your build and riding style.

 

If you want to use gear driven cams,then i would get the crank work done.Imho.

 

I have the S&S 585GEZ cams in my 107" Road Glide. Compression is 10.5:1 and it doesn't need Compression releases. 121h/132t.