2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
Ok, so its about time to order the overland shocks and taller hemi springs Thuren offers. Going to roll with the oem track bar for a good long while. Few questions.
1. Does disengaging the sway bar help at all in dropping the axle lower for the spring swap?
2. What size spring compressor is recommended or will nearly any work? Will likely rent one.
3. Do you know if new hardware is required for swapping the shocks or will the OEM hardware work with the new shocks?
4. Since the lift is fairly minimal how necessary is a post lift alignment?
Thanks.
1. Does disengaging the sway bar help at all in dropping the axle lower for the spring swap?
2. What size spring compressor is recommended or will nearly any work? Will likely rent one.
3. Do you know if new hardware is required for swapping the shocks or will the OEM hardware work with the new shocks?
4. Since the lift is fairly minimal how necessary is a post lift alignment?
Thanks.
-
- 50_Posts
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2015 11:19 pm
- Model Year: 2014
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
I put in the Thuren kit about 6 months ago.
1. Just unbolt the driver's side bolt on the sway bar - pretty much have to do this to get the necessary droop.
2. Don't need a spring compressor. Just make sure you disconnect the locker wires and breather hose to the axle so you can get enough droop for the springs to drop out and slip the new ones in...
3. Overland shocks come with new nuts for the top and I reused the bottom bolt/nut.
4. I didn't bother with a post lift alignment because my stock tires were almost worn out and was planning on new tires soon. Truck didn't seem to track any differently after the lift. Other guys might chime in on this.
Good luck!
1. Just unbolt the driver's side bolt on the sway bar - pretty much have to do this to get the necessary droop.
2. Don't need a spring compressor. Just make sure you disconnect the locker wires and breather hose to the axle so you can get enough droop for the springs to drop out and slip the new ones in...
3. Overland shocks come with new nuts for the top and I reused the bottom bolt/nut.
4. I didn't bother with a post lift alignment because my stock tires were almost worn out and was planning on new tires soon. Truck didn't seem to track any differently after the lift. Other guys might chime in on this.
Good luck!
2015 Power Wagon SLT
Stickers removed, Dual Alternators, Thuren PW coils and sway bar with Overland shocks, Magnaflow muffler, resonator deleted, tow mirrors, AMP Powersteps, Carli front diff guard, Husky X-Act mats, spray in bed liner, Undercover tonneau cover
Stickers removed, Dual Alternators, Thuren PW coils and sway bar with Overland shocks, Magnaflow muffler, resonator deleted, tow mirrors, AMP Powersteps, Carli front diff guard, Husky X-Act mats, spray in bed liner, Undercover tonneau cover
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
Wow, didn't think you could get the axle low enough to do the swap with no compressor!black_hawk8888 wrote:I put in the Thuren kit about 6 months ago.
1. Just unbolt the driver's side bolt on the sway bar - pretty much have to do this to get the necessary droop.
2. Don't need a spring compressor. Just make sure you disconnect the locker wires and breather hose to the axle so you can get enough droop for the springs to drop out and slip the new ones in...
3. Overland shocks come with new nuts for the top and I reused the bottom bolt/nut.
4. I didn't bother with a post lift alignment because my stock tires were almost worn out and was planning on new tires soon. Truck didn't seem to track any differently after the lift. Other guys might chime in on this.
Good luck!
I must ask, what were your impressions of the ride and behavior of the truck before and after the addition of the overland kit? What other parts did you replace when installing the shocks and springs?
-
- 50_Posts
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2015 11:19 pm
- Model Year: 2014
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
I just did springs/shocks and the Thuren sway bar. Nothing else to replace unless you are thinking upgraded bump stops. Ride is great - a bit smoother than stock and great flex.
2015 Power Wagon SLT
Stickers removed, Dual Alternators, Thuren PW coils and sway bar with Overland shocks, Magnaflow muffler, resonator deleted, tow mirrors, AMP Powersteps, Carli front diff guard, Husky X-Act mats, spray in bed liner, Undercover tonneau cover
Stickers removed, Dual Alternators, Thuren PW coils and sway bar with Overland shocks, Magnaflow muffler, resonator deleted, tow mirrors, AMP Powersteps, Carli front diff guard, Husky X-Act mats, spray in bed liner, Undercover tonneau cover
- 14PowerWaggy
- 50_Posts
- Posts: 226
- Joined: Fri Aug 22, 2014 11:56 am
- Model Year: 2014
- Location: Georgia
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
Having the Thuren Overland kit installed next week... Looking forward to seeing how the truck handles/rides...
2015 Granite Power Wagon... 37" Toyo MT's... Trail Ready wheels... Thuren Suspension... AEV ProCal
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
I'm also planning to install Thuren front overland kit this weekend. Can't wait to see the truck level.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
2016 Power Wagon - Toyo R/T 35" - Thuren coils and trackbars - King 2.0 IFP
-
- 50_Posts
- Posts: 219
- Joined: Mon Oct 10, 2016 11:38 am
- Model Year: 2014
- Location: Mesa Arizona
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
Hey, I put Thurens front kit on last fall. I put his trackbar on at the same time, his kit price is unbeatable? His instructions are pretty good, I disconnected the sway bar links when I did mine, I think it helps a little when pushing down on each side.NickTF wrote:Ok, so its about time to order the overland shocks and taller hemi springs Thuren offers. Going to roll with the oem track bar for a good long while. Few questions.
1. Does disengaging the sway bar help at all in dropping the axle lower for the spring swap?
2. What size spring compressor is recommended or will nearly any work? Will likely rent one.
3. Do you know if new hardware is required for swapping the shocks or will the OEM hardware work with the new shocks?
4. Since the lift is fairly minimal how necessary is a post lift alignment?
Thanks.
Didnt need a spring compressor for mine, you can push down the axle that far, once shock is out, and brake line brackets are disconnected from axle. Also, dont freak out when you put his spring and the Stock PW spring side by side. I got the 1.5 Inch lift and at first I thought they sent me the .5 inch springs . LOL The stock spring is almost the same height as his, but you will notice coil diameter difference and # of coils for his rate. Believe me it does lift the front 1.5 inches!!
His overland shocks come with all the hardware, rubber grommets, ect.
I waited a while to get mine aligned, till about 2 months or so later after I put 37`s on. I have some pics in the tire thread and PW pic thread. He has his own specs for alignment, you can e-mail him if you dont have. He likes 0 Toe. Will still need to probably re-center steering wheel though.
Also tools I can look when I get home, but I know a 18MM 21MM 14MM 19MM 10MM sockets and wrenches are your friend. I think the Track Bar was 27 MM ??? Maybe someone else can chime in. oh yeah, if you do the trackbar, a Racket strap is your best friend to pull bolt holes back into place if you do yourself. Big breaker bar or Pipe for Trackbar also. The back auto nut on the passenger side Trackbar bolt was the hardest, has a tab you have to hold it by while you try and start bolt in it... that took a while. LOL I put taller jackstands under the front boxes off frames right behind bumper.
Anyway, I love mine, It does ride better, some of it came from the taller tires as well. I think Lings are what really makes the difference. He is truthful on his site, the overland shocks are nothing that special, but a nice cheaper shock to start with. Kings are on my wish list . LOL I still say most of the harsh ride comes from rear of empty truck.
2016 Tradesman White, adding mods now, 37 Ridge Grapplers on Method Standards 17 x 8.5 x 5.75 BS, Thuren Overland front 1.5" Kit. SLT Grill, Mopar Steps. More Thuren stuff soon....
-
- 50_Posts
- Posts: 219
- Joined: Mon Oct 10, 2016 11:38 am
- Model Year: 2014
- Location: Mesa Arizona
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
Oh yeah, I thought I had a pic of stock track bar and Thuren side by side, cant seem to find it, but its night and day as far as quality...just FYI
2016 Tradesman White, adding mods now, 37 Ridge Grapplers on Method Standards 17 x 8.5 x 5.75 BS, Thuren Overland front 1.5" Kit. SLT Grill, Mopar Steps. More Thuren stuff soon....
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
90% of my offroad driving is work related, I doubt I will need any upgrade in the future on shocks given high speed offroad is just never going to be in my future. Thanks for the replies. Good to hear on no need of a compressor. Sounds like a super easy swap. I know the swap to 2.5" skyjacker D25s on my 97 2500 truck was pretty easy.
ps. Going to the 37s just by itself definitely makes the truck ride nicer!
ps. Going to the 37s just by itself definitely makes the truck ride nicer!
-
- 50_Posts
- Posts: 219
- Joined: Mon Oct 10, 2016 11:38 am
- Model Year: 2014
- Location: Mesa Arizona
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
Yeah, I dont go off road here in AZ that much, would like to more, but I think air pressure is a big help with off road. My truck rides like a Cadillac on the highway at 70. Ridge grapplers are part of it. It s kind of stiff off road on big bumps, but I havnt taken it down below 40 lbs , im sure 25 or 30 lbs in the tire makes a big difference. For the money I dont think you can find a better mod that his front end kit. I am going to try his King Stabilizer and rear track bar next !
2016 Tradesman White, adding mods now, 37 Ridge Grapplers on Method Standards 17 x 8.5 x 5.75 BS, Thuren Overland front 1.5" Kit. SLT Grill, Mopar Steps. More Thuren stuff soon....
- DamageWagon
- Vendor
- Posts: 2303
- Joined: Tue Oct 11, 2016 1:21 am
- Model Year: 2011
- Location: Portland, OR
- Contact:
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
I've never heard someone say that Thurens instructions were good. That is definitely a first. He must give you "best gen" guys better write ups. I think my spring install paper said "remove OEM coils. Install new coils." It didn't mention the part where my driveshaft was sitting on my exhaust pipe and I was standing on a brake rotor to install the spring while disconnecting the brake lines lol
Sent from my safe space
Sent from my safe space
-
- 50_Posts
- Posts: 219
- Joined: Mon Oct 10, 2016 11:38 am
- Model Year: 2014
- Location: Mesa Arizona
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
Yeah, for us "best gen" guys they even offer a mechanic with white gloves to come do the work .LOL Your right, the instructions were not a book, so to speak, but had a few helpful pics, but yeah, I think with any of this stuff you have to jump to conclusions to do the work.... I think the shock inside the spring guys have it harder!!!DamageWagon wrote:I've never heard someone say that Thurens instructions were good. That is definitely a first. He must give you "best gen" guys better write ups. I think my spring install paper said "remove OEM coils. Install new coils." It didn't mention the part where my driveshaft was sitting on my exhaust pipe and I was standing on a brake rotor to install the spring while disconnecting the brake lines lol
Sent from my safe space
2016 Tradesman White, adding mods now, 37 Ridge Grapplers on Method Standards 17 x 8.5 x 5.75 BS, Thuren Overland front 1.5" Kit. SLT Grill, Mopar Steps. More Thuren stuff soon....
- nts007
- 2000_Posts
- Posts: 2284
- Joined: Wed Dec 11, 2013 10:01 pm
- Model Year: 2008
- Location: Sask, Canada, Earth
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
You need to unhook the track bar from either side to easily swap the springs. Trust me. You can fight one in but never get the other. The track bar will hold you up and many beers and many swears later you will just unbolt the track bar. The axle will swing nice and free and droop to wherever you need
08 ctd--mini max--thuren 3" coils and LT Leaves--4.56 gears and lockers in pw axles--some lights--afe intake system--bd super b turbo--Banks w/m Injection--Dynatrac Balljoints--king 2.5"s--37" Hankook Dynapro MT--DOR Long arms--Custom emf track bar--Manual T-case swap--Full PW Under armor--PSC Hydro Assist and so much more
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
nts007 wrote:You need to unhook the track bar from either side to easily swap the springs. Trust me. You can fight one in but never get the other. The track bar will hold you up and many beers and many swears later you will just unbolt the track bar. The axle will swing nice and free and droop to wherever you need
Have you found this to be the case with the 14 and up year trucks?
- nts007
- 2000_Posts
- Posts: 2284
- Joined: Wed Dec 11, 2013 10:01 pm
- Model Year: 2008
- Location: Sask, Canada, Earth
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
Any solid axle is restricted by the track bar. You are also over twisting the bushings that do not piviot! They only flex in the stock track bar. You are installing longer springs. You will want it to be loose
08 ctd--mini max--thuren 3" coils and LT Leaves--4.56 gears and lockers in pw axles--some lights--afe intake system--bd super b turbo--Banks w/m Injection--Dynatrac Balljoints--king 2.5"s--37" Hankook Dynapro MT--DOR Long arms--Custom emf track bar--Manual T-case swap--Full PW Under armor--PSC Hydro Assist and so much more
- Rodeoflyer
- 500_Posts
- Posts: 515
- Joined: Fri Jun 17, 2016 10:53 am
- Model Year: 2016
- Location: Conifer, CO
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
Loosening the body side boots on the long arms helps keep that bushing from binding as well.
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
- Chromolykid
- 50_Posts
- Posts: 211
- Joined: Sun Oct 25, 2015 11:05 pm
- Model Year: 2014
- Location: Phelan, CA
- Contact:
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
Would it be easier to just compress the coil at full droop with everything still attached?
“Furiosa”
2016 Power Wagon
White Knuckle Sliders
Walker Evans Wheels in 35” BFG KM3’s
DOR Steering Brace
Thuren Stage 1 KING 2.5’s
Thuren Coils Front & Rear
Thuren Track Bars Front & Rear
Thuren King Steering Stabilizer
Dethloff Swaybar Spacers
Thuren Swaybar Links Front & Rear
AEV Procal
Carli Front Diff Guard/Purple Cranium Half Spider Rear
Putco LED Headlights & Foglights
Custom Fender Flares and Grill
2016 Power Wagon
White Knuckle Sliders
Walker Evans Wheels in 35” BFG KM3’s
DOR Steering Brace
Thuren Stage 1 KING 2.5’s
Thuren Coils Front & Rear
Thuren Track Bars Front & Rear
Thuren King Steering Stabilizer
Dethloff Swaybar Spacers
Thuren Swaybar Links Front & Rear
AEV Procal
Carli Front Diff Guard/Purple Cranium Half Spider Rear
Putco LED Headlights & Foglights
Custom Fender Flares and Grill
- nts007
- 2000_Posts
- Posts: 2284
- Joined: Wed Dec 11, 2013 10:01 pm
- Model Year: 2008
- Location: Sask, Canada, Earth
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
Not really. These springs are very stiff and not many compressors can adjust the travel you actually need safely. Not saying you can't but it's pretty easy to just loosen off a couple nuts. Even better if you pull all the bolts and coat them all in anti sieze if you ever plan on removing them again
08 ctd--mini max--thuren 3" coils and LT Leaves--4.56 gears and lockers in pw axles--some lights--afe intake system--bd super b turbo--Banks w/m Injection--Dynatrac Balljoints--king 2.5"s--37" Hankook Dynapro MT--DOR Long arms--Custom emf track bar--Manual T-case swap--Full PW Under armor--PSC Hydro Assist and so much more
- DamageWagon
- Vendor
- Posts: 2303
- Joined: Tue Oct 11, 2016 1:21 am
- Model Year: 2011
- Location: Portland, OR
- Contact:
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
I will happily take shock in spring, knowing that I can stuff 4.0's in there. I wish there was a "middle finger" emoji to send the way of the "best gen" guys, as I fly past you with my 3.0's. Pfffffft. You guys do get stock long arms and engines that don't wear out cam shafts at 160,00 though
Sent from my safe space
Sent from my safe space
- nts007
- 2000_Posts
- Posts: 2284
- Joined: Wed Dec 11, 2013 10:01 pm
- Model Year: 2008
- Location: Sask, Canada, Earth
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
Hey now. Emulation is a form of flattery from you next gen wagons
08 ctd--mini max--thuren 3" coils and LT Leaves--4.56 gears and lockers in pw axles--some lights--afe intake system--bd super b turbo--Banks w/m Injection--Dynatrac Balljoints--king 2.5"s--37" Hankook Dynapro MT--DOR Long arms--Custom emf track bar--Manual T-case swap--Full PW Under armor--PSC Hydro Assist and so much more
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
I just installed the overland front kit on my 2016. More photos are in the picture thread.NickTF wrote:Ok, so its about time to order the overland shocks and taller hemi springs Thuren offers. Going to roll with the oem track bar for a good long while. Few questions.
1. Does disengaging the sway bar help at all in dropping the axle lower for the spring swap?
2. What size spring compressor is recommended or will nearly any work? Will likely rent one.
3. Do you know if new hardware is required for swapping the shocks or will the OEM hardware work with the new shocks?
4. Since the lift is fairly minimal how necessary is a post lift alignment?
Thanks.
1. Yes undoing the sway bar helped the axle drop.
2. I chose not to use a spring compressor. I didn't feel comfortable using the light duty ones I have.
3. Only new hardware that came with the overland front kit was for the top shock mount...rubber bushings, washers, and nuts. Other than that I reused all nuts and bolts with a little anti-seize.
4. I had to lengthen the new track bar 1-1/2 turns to get the axle centered under the truck but it's still not perfect. I first installed it with the pre set length out of the box like the instructions said but the axle pulled to the drivers side a good bit and my steering wheel was off. After adjustment I'm still 1/8" towards driver side but my steering wheel is centered again. Maybe another half turn will get the axle centered. I'm getting an alignment anyways to see what changed. Plus tires were expensive.
*EDIT* - I spoke with Aaron from Thuren and this is not recommended. I'm returning the trackbar to factory length 39-1/16"
Some notes from the install...
1. I had to undo brake like brackets (two per side), vent tube clips, locker and CAD wiring, sway bar, and the frame side track bar so the axle could drop enough for the stock coils to come out. I was surprised how tall the stock coils are.
2. I bolted the new track bar to the axle first and used the floor jacks to bump the axle over a bit when lining up the frame side.
Overall I'm happy and eager to get some miles on this setup. So far I've noticed less dive under braking.
Last edited by Taylor04 on Mon Apr 03, 2017 11:07 pm, edited 4 times in total.
2016 Power Wagon - Toyo R/T 35" - Thuren coils and trackbars - King 2.0 IFP
- nts007
- 2000_Posts
- Posts: 2284
- Joined: Wed Dec 11, 2013 10:01 pm
- Model Year: 2008
- Location: Sask, Canada, Earth
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
So nice to work on such a clean truck....little jealous
08 ctd--mini max--thuren 3" coils and LT Leaves--4.56 gears and lockers in pw axles--some lights--afe intake system--bd super b turbo--Banks w/m Injection--Dynatrac Balljoints--king 2.5"s--37" Hankook Dynapro MT--DOR Long arms--Custom emf track bar--Manual T-case swap--Full PW Under armor--PSC Hydro Assist and so much more
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
Thanks. Gotta keep the mall crawler clean lolnts007 wrote:So nice to work on such a clean truck....little jealous
2016 Power Wagon - Toyo R/T 35" - Thuren coils and trackbars - King 2.0 IFP
- olyelr
- 2000_Posts
- Posts: 3658
- Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2014 9:00 pm
- Model Year: 2016
- Location: Kewadin, MI
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
Damn I am not seeing any pics on my computer for some reason....
Regardless of the track bar length the steering wheel will be off center. It was way off center when I put the 1.5" leveling kit on my truck. Adjusting the wheel is easy. Simply loosen the two nuts on the drag link, spin the adjuster till wheel is straight and tighten the nuts back up. Two large adjustable wrenches works great. Pulling down on the nuts loosens them, pushing them up tightens then. To loosen them I let one of the wrenches rest against the tie rod when I spin down the nuts, and when tightening I rest one of the wrenches against the sway bar when spinning the nuts up... easy one man show. A little tip.. remember where the steering wheel is when you are driving the truck straight down the road, then when adjusting the wheel make sure it is in that same location when you start... then while you are adjusting all you have to do is spin the adjuster until the wheel is straight.
Regardless of the track bar length the steering wheel will be off center. It was way off center when I put the 1.5" leveling kit on my truck. Adjusting the wheel is easy. Simply loosen the two nuts on the drag link, spin the adjuster till wheel is straight and tighten the nuts back up. Two large adjustable wrenches works great. Pulling down on the nuts loosens them, pushing them up tightens then. To loosen them I let one of the wrenches rest against the tie rod when I spin down the nuts, and when tightening I rest one of the wrenches against the sway bar when spinning the nuts up... easy one man show. A little tip.. remember where the steering wheel is when you are driving the truck straight down the road, then when adjusting the wheel make sure it is in that same location when you start... then while you are adjusting all you have to do is spin the adjuster until the wheel is straight.
2016 Ram Power Wagon Laramie - Granite Crystal Metallic - Ramboxes - 35” AT3W - TazerRAM
Re: 2015 Front Spring/Shock Swap
I figured I'd have to adjust the drag link to get the wheel perfect. Thanks for the tips.olyelr wrote:Damn I am not seeing any pics on my computer for some reason....
Regardless of the track bar length the steering wheel will be off center. It was way off center when I put the 1.5" leveling kit on my truck. Adjusting the wheel is easy. Simply loosen the two nuts on the drag link, spin the adjuster till wheel is straight and tighten the nuts back up. Two large adjustable wrenches works great. Pulling down on the nuts loosens them, pushing them up tightens then. To loosen them I let one of the wrenches rest against the tie rod when I spin down the nuts, and when tightening I rest one of the wrenches against the sway bar when spinning the nuts up... easy one man show. A little tip.. remember where the steering wheel is when you are driving the truck straight down the road, then when adjusting the wheel make sure it is in that same location when you start... then while you are adjusting all you have to do is spin the adjuster until the wheel is straight.
I used a shared iCloud album to host the images. First time I've tried it, not surprised theres issues with the photos. I noticed on Tapatalk not all the pics show up too.
2016 Power Wagon - Toyo R/T 35" - Thuren coils and trackbars - King 2.0 IFP