EasyDoesIt's Build - 2018 Power Wagon "White Rhino"

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EasyDoesIt
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EasyDoesIt's Build - 2018 Power Wagon "White Rhino"

Post by EasyDoesIt » Tue Jan 30, 2018 12:26 pm

First thread on the forum, so bear with me.

I picked up a 2018 Power Wagon this month and will be setting it up for local trails around Nevada and Utah. I've found through a couple sites (PW Registry included) what I believe to be the best direction for the trails I run, the towing I do, and daily driving.

I'm new to Power Wagons but not new to offroading, upgrading, or rebuilding 4x4s (CJ7, Dakota, Tacoma's, Scout 800a, F150, Discovery 2).

I've only taken the truck on one trail up the side of Mount Charleston and from that came away with three things, I need diff protection, rock sliders, and more clearance. Since this is my first new vehicle and I'm still paying for it, I don't plan on thrashing on it too much. But I do like to hit a couple trails each month and do a lot of off grid camping so it will get used for the purpose it was designed.

Clearance:
Over the weekend I found a set of 37" Nitto Grappler AT2s for $700. 75%-85% Tread remaining and they come with full replacement warranty from Discount Tire. Even though I hadn't planned to upgrade to 37's for at least a year, I couldn't pass up the deal. They mounted great and only needed 1.5oz-2.5oz per tire. They even came with a 37-13.5 toyo mt for spare...too big for me but I will list it for sale soon.

For towing my 7k lb - 9k lb toy hauler through the mountains of NV/UT/AZ, a regear may be in my future. From reading multiple threads and looking through gear websites, I'm having a hard time finding 4.88s for both diffs. I'll do more research when I have cash in hand to make the purchase.

Rock Sliders:
I'm looking into either building a set of sliders similar to others I've seen on here and White Knuckles or I may go a different route. I cant justify the $1,400 plus shipping cost of the White Knuckles or I'd pick them up. Either way I will have sliders for the April Moab Trip.

Diff Protection:
I'd prefer a complete diff cover to replace the factory cover but short of that I might get the guards. Front cover is priority.


I'm registered for PW in Moab and cant wait to get this beast out on the slick rock.

I'll upload some pics when I figure out how to upload from my computer or my google photo account.

Edit, figured it out. Some pics from my first trail run, a good 4" of snow by the time we reached the summit. Some parts got pretty hairy for it's maiden voyage but all and all it handled it very well.

Stock
0129181156a_HDR.jpg
Stock everything
Drivetrain Modifications:
-Thuren Front Springs (1.5" over stock)
-Thuren Rear Track Bar
-Thuren FOX 2.0 IFP SHOCKS
-DOR Steering Brace
-Power Stop Z36 Pads F/R
-37"x12.5x17" Cooper STT Pros
-5.13 Gears (Yukon Front & AAM Rear)
-Synergy Draglink


Exterior/Armor Modifications:
-Custom frame mount Rock Sliders w/Kickout
-Carli Front Diff Gaurd
-Dethloff Engine/Trans Skid


Engine Modifications:
-Rear exhaust resonator chop/axle dump


Interior Modifications:
-Ceramic Tint, all windows + windshield
-BlackVue 650s 2CH Dashcam
-Cab Filter Kit (Genos Garage)


Recovery Equipment:
-60" HiLift Jack w/Lift Mate
-Rhino USA Tow Strap 3" x 30ft
-20k lb Snatch Block
-WARN Receiver Shackle
-Shovel, Fire Extinguisher, and misc straps/shackles


Electrical Modifications:
-AEV Procal
-Nany Disable (RetiredBLM)
-On Board Air Smittybilt 2781 Compressor (behind grill)


Planned Modifications:
-Thuren 2.5 Shocks F/R
-Custom Front Bumper (3/16" steel)
-Front Cam
-Air Lift Airbags (5000k w/internal bumpstop)
-Rear floods
-Front Boogies
Attachments
Resized952018012095143526958808.jpg
Resized952018012095143646958669.jpg
Resized952018012095150653953972.jpg
0129181156a_HDR~2.jpg
0129181621_HDR.jpg
Now with 37s
Last edited by EasyDoesIt on Thu Dec 26, 2019 7:49 pm, edited 4 times in total.
Live: Las Vegas NV, Drive: 2018 PW & 2014 LR4

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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by Bill2014 » Thu Feb 01, 2018 12:17 am

Welcome to the group :cheers:
2014 Power Wagon Laramie
Titan V5 2.5" Receiver Pintle Hook
Warn wireless winch controller
.188" DOM White Knuckle Rock Sliders
Locker Bypass & Nanny Kill Switch

Moab 2006

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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by OffroadTreks » Thu Feb 01, 2018 12:37 am

Welcome to the group. Have you found us on https://www.facebook.com/groups/offroadpowerwagon/ << we have a member on there, Chris S. who doesn't post here who has installed both Nitro & Yukon 4.88's in his 2016 Ram Power Wagon, who has all of the part numbers and details. I have most of it saved in my notes.

Diff guards are probably all you need and offer the best bang for the buck in my experience. I do a lot of wheeling around rocks. You are more likely to smack into a rock with the front diff than you are to run over it and get hung up and peel back the lip. Which is the major worry everyone has. You're far more likely in my experience to get the rear hung up.

Either way welcome. I'll see you at PW in Moab.
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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by EasyDoesIt » Thu Feb 01, 2018 11:58 am

Thanks Bill and Mike.

I'm not a FB guy but will be sure to do more gear research when the time comes. I read several regear threads for the 2014+ PWs and it seems like Nitto, AAM, and Yukon gear availability fluctuates. At least through the gearing sites I've checked recently. It might be more of a phone call order or in person order.

I like the simplicity of the Diff Guards but the holes/openings seem like the perfect place for rocks and branches to get jammed/hungup. That's the primary reason I'm partial to a full smooth cover.
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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by Chubbs » Thu Feb 01, 2018 12:16 pm

If that is your concern, I recommend you take a look at the Carli diff guard.
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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by OffroadTreks » Thu Feb 01, 2018 12:23 pm

I do A LOT and honestly, that concern has never shown itself. And I've heard it too. Has yet to happen. Those holes are very narrow.

Carli front and Cranium rear is pretty common. I think AEV is really the only offering right now for solid covers on the new trucks. And when you go on their website, they have a nice note about it not fitting with Power Wagon suspension. So that means your options are, custom or Carli & Purple Cranium. WAWA
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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by Colibri » Thu Feb 01, 2018 12:30 pm

I hit my Carli guard so hard the long side axle tube broke out of the cast housing and I bent my Carli trussed axle and the diff skid was scratched up but unharmed and my diff cover was completely untouched
Central Texas and Houston area
2009 5.7 auto quadcab
Carli 3” coils deaver leafs 3” kings with 4 tube bypass rear and fr/rr hydro bumps
Howe steering pump and gear with hydraulic ram assist
Custom tube bumpers and white knuckle sliders
Creative fab trussed axle. rem polished and cryoed 5.13 gears with arb lockers fr/rr
Sharadon stage 2 545rfe with 3000 stall edge converter
Lots of other stuff lol

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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by OffroadTreks » Thu Feb 01, 2018 1:51 pm

Colibri wrote:
Thu Feb 01, 2018 12:30 pm
I hit my Carli guard so hard the long side axle tube broke out of the cast housing and I bent my Carli trussed axle and the diff skid was scratched up but unharmed and my diff cover was completely untouched
That sounds like bad driving to me. :poke:
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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by Colibri » Thu Feb 01, 2018 2:20 pm

MikeKey wrote:
Thu Feb 01, 2018 1:51 pm
Colibri wrote:
Thu Feb 01, 2018 12:30 pm
I hit my Carli guard so hard the long side axle tube broke out of the cast housing and I bent my Carli trussed axle and the diff skid was scratched up but unharmed and my diff cover was completely untouched
That sounds like bad driving to me. :poke:
I can’t say otherwise, but sometimes shit happens when you’re off-roading at high speeds. Learned my lesson about patches of tall grass though. Either way, for the front axle the Carli piece is hands down the way to go.
Central Texas and Houston area
2009 5.7 auto quadcab
Carli 3” coils deaver leafs 3” kings with 4 tube bypass rear and fr/rr hydro bumps
Howe steering pump and gear with hydraulic ram assist
Custom tube bumpers and white knuckle sliders
Creative fab trussed axle. rem polished and cryoed 5.13 gears with arb lockers fr/rr
Sharadon stage 2 545rfe with 3000 stall edge converter
Lots of other stuff lol

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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by OffroadTreks » Thu Feb 01, 2018 3:29 pm

That's why I am trussing my axle this month. Murphy and his stupid law. :lol:
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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by Colibri » Thu Feb 01, 2018 3:37 pm

Go with Thurens truss. Way better ground clearance than the Carli unit imho
Central Texas and Houston area
2009 5.7 auto quadcab
Carli 3” coils deaver leafs 3” kings with 4 tube bypass rear and fr/rr hydro bumps
Howe steering pump and gear with hydraulic ram assist
Custom tube bumpers and white knuckle sliders
Creative fab trussed axle. rem polished and cryoed 5.13 gears with arb lockers fr/rr
Sharadon stage 2 545rfe with 3000 stall edge converter
Lots of other stuff lol

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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by OffroadTreks » Thu Feb 01, 2018 4:49 pm

Colibri wrote:
Thu Feb 01, 2018 3:37 pm
Go with Thurens truss. Way better ground clearance than the Carli unit imho
I'm going with a Dethloff truss most likely, although we are considering Thuren because no design solving and timing. But ..... we shall see. I'll drive out to DamageWagon on the 23rd. :cheers:

Stay tuned. :rockon:
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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by Colibri » Thu Feb 01, 2018 5:14 pm

:rockon: Oh snap! Marcus will get it done right for sure
Central Texas and Houston area
2009 5.7 auto quadcab
Carli 3” coils deaver leafs 3” kings with 4 tube bypass rear and fr/rr hydro bumps
Howe steering pump and gear with hydraulic ram assist
Custom tube bumpers and white knuckle sliders
Creative fab trussed axle. rem polished and cryoed 5.13 gears with arb lockers fr/rr
Sharadon stage 2 545rfe with 3000 stall edge converter
Lots of other stuff lol

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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by EasyDoesIt » Sat Feb 03, 2018 2:06 pm

I'll probably pick up a front Carli gaurd over the purple whatever.
Live: Las Vegas NV, Drive: 2018 PW & 2014 LR4

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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by TommyG » Sat Feb 03, 2018 3:40 pm

Great looking truck. Congrats. I'll pile on the Carli bandwagon for a front diff guard. That thing is stout.
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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by yellowranger1 » Mon Feb 05, 2018 11:44 am

Another vote for the Carli front guard. Stout, and sleek.\

Truck looks great, especially on the 37s!

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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by jpbrazill » Wed Feb 07, 2018 1:30 pm

What kind of run are you getting with the 37s?
2017 Power Wagon: Granite Crystal: Rambox: 35s, res chop, N-Fab Steps: Deezee tailgate assist: airhorn delete: AVS vent visors:

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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by EasyDoesIt » Wed Feb 07, 2018 4:31 pm

jpbrazill wrote:
Wed Feb 07, 2018 1:30 pm
What kind of run are you getting with the 37s?
Run?
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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by jpbrazill » Wed Feb 07, 2018 11:12 pm

Sorry, “rub”.
2017 Power Wagon: Granite Crystal: Rambox: 35s, res chop, N-Fab Steps: Deezee tailgate assist: airhorn delete: AVS vent visors:

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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by EasyDoesIt » Thu Feb 08, 2018 7:19 am

The only rub I get with normal driving is at full lock (sway bar and radius arm) and even then it's at FULL lock. If I back off the steering wheel an 1/8th turn, no rub.

I'm hitting a trail this weekend with Dremel and paint marker. The goal is to trim and mark whatever rubs when I get the tires stuffed. If I can't trim it with the Dremel on the trail, i'll sort it out at home.

On another note, I picked up a few recover items. Plan to mount them over the next few weekends.

-60" Hi-lift Xtreme w/trac mounting system. Will mount in the bed along the front or side. TBD.
-Hi-Lift Jack Mate to lift my truck and trailer from the wheels.
-30ton recovery strap (already have shackles and warn hitch shackle)
-20k snatch block
-Smittybilt 2781 5.65cfm compressor. Will try get it to mount under hood. Was set on getting the Viair 450 but found a decent deal on the Smittybuilt and believe it will work better for my application and infrequent use.

Will get some shots once things are mounted and wheelwells trimmed.

I need to work up an inexpensive, removable, lockable bed mount spare tire carrier. I'm thinking a flush mount plate w/flange that I can screw down a tire/wheel to. I think I have a fairly simple solution that I can run a steal cable/padlock through but would like to see what others have done.

Steve
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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by EasyDoesIt » Thu Feb 08, 2018 9:14 am

RPS1030 wrote:
Thu Feb 08, 2018 9:08 am

Wilco Off-road has a flat style spare tire mount I've considered for $170.

https://www.wilcooffroad.com/shop/bed-m ... rrier-ram/

I'm currently using a Y-Strap and 3 Mac's Tie-Down Rinfs.
That flat mount is exactly what I'm looking for. Now the only question is, can I build it and save $100 in material?

Thanks man
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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by EasyDoesIt » Fri Feb 16, 2018 4:46 pm

Weekend project, sliders.
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0216181118a.jpg
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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by jpbrazill » Sat Feb 17, 2018 10:59 am

Nice!!! What was the cost in materials? Keep the progress coming! How was your wheelin trip? And how much did you have to trim for ghe 37s?
2017 Power Wagon: Granite Crystal: Rambox: 35s, res chop, N-Fab Steps: Deezee tailgate assist: airhorn delete: AVS vent visors:

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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by EasyDoesIt » Sat Feb 17, 2018 3:27 pm

jpbrazill wrote:
Sat Feb 17, 2018 10:59 am
Nice!!! What was the cost in materials? Keep the progress coming! How was your wheelin trip? And how much did you have to trim for ghe 37s?
Material and some cutting discs/flappers about $350.

I had to swap the diffs on my land rover last weekend so didn't get a chance to get to a trail. Maybe after the sliders.

Progress...it's good to have friends with tools...
0217181321b.jpg
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Re: 2018 Power Wagon, White Rhino

Post by EasyDoesIt » Mon Feb 19, 2018 2:30 pm

Progress was slow but we did finish the bulk of the project. Will finish the 1-3/4" tube step in the next couple months.

Going to paint them with some black heavy equipment paint and get them mounted for pre-moab testing.
0219181111.jpg

Milling the 1/2" holes in the 2"x1/2" frame plates
0217181329_HDR.jpg
Live: Las Vegas NV, Drive: 2018 PW & 2014 LR4

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