Suspension question...again

[jpbrazill]

I’m apologizing in advance: I’m sure this subject has been beat to death a thousand times, but I want to make sure I’m clear on what to do. Forgive my ignorance. I’ve done a lot of IFS stuff, but this awesome new truck is a new ball game for me.

I have a ‘17. So, I’m looking at the Thuren 1.5” front springs so I can stuff 37s. I would like to try and retain the factory Bilsteins, but am open to suggestions. What else do I need? Longer front shocks? Front shock extensions? Front track bar? Longer sway links?

Thanks fellas!

[IIIOIISTER]

May have to get some longer front shocks but the rear should be fine. No need to upgrade the front track bar as it is sufficient for a 3" lift. No need to touch anything else in the front.

[DamageWagon]

If you're just doing it to fit 37's you don't need to do anything. Lifting it won't change a thing, you're still bottoming out st the same point.

Per several recent discussions elsewhere, Thurens 1.5 front coils work with stock 14+ power wagon shocks. To change to his rear springs you must also change shocks or the coils can come out of the buckets. The front is fine with just swapping springs and nothing else.

NEVER run a shock extension without an equivalent bump stop drop or you will bottom out on the shock.

[jpbrazill]

Thank you both! That definitely clarifies everything a lot more. So I want to stuff 37s with as little to no rub as possible, and I figured the small lift up front would help. I guess at full stuff against the bump stops, thats no different than factory any way.

[TankerZak]

DamageWagon and I are doing the Thuren 1.5 springs on my 16 tomorrow. Everything is staying stock. All verified with a call to Thuren. Front shocks and trackbar are fine with the springs. Rear is different but his rear springs are softer than stock. I'm staying on 35s because i want my spare to fit still.

[jpbrazill]

TankerZak, awesome! That looks like thats the route I will go too!

[olyelr]

DamageWagon and I are doing the Thuren 1.5 springs on my 16 tomorrow. Everything is staying stock. All verified with a call to Thuren. Front shocks and trackbar are fine with the springs. Rear is different but his rear springs are softer than stock. I'm staying on 35s because i want my spare to fit still.

Keep us updated on this!

[jpbrazill]

RPS1030, I will stay on stock wheels. How about rub on full stuff?

[TankerZak]

Pre pic

[TankerZak]

Post pic.

[TankerZak]

Scary during pic...

[TankerZak]

Let me know if you guys want the measurement pics we took. Too much to post if no one cares.

[yellowranger1]

Looks great! Where did you measure to? I'm interested to see exactly how much you gained. I'm still trying to decide what coils to go with on mine. Thuren .5, 1.5, or a Carli Hemi coil that I can pick up and install same day along with some 2.5s...

[TankerZak]

I measured from the ground to the apex of the wheel wells. I gained the 1.5 inches exactly in the front. I.keep recovery gear in the back with rambox weight and a 5 gallon full gas can against the tailgate. I'm actually 1/8th of an inch high in the front as loaded. I think I'd be level if i took gas can and chains, and recovery gear out. I used the Thuren 1.5 springs. Carli uses stock type springs and i didnt want that. This turned out perfect. And cheap!!

[jpbrazill]

Have you noticed any inconsistancies in the front springs compared to stock? Meaning the front doesnt feel balanced to the rear, stiffer/softer in the front compared to stock? Etc?

[TankerZak]

Have you noticed any inconsistancies in the front springs compared to stock? Meaning the front doesnt feel balanced to the rear, stiffer/softer in the front compared to stock? Etc?

Nope, everything feels at least as good as stock. I think it actually feels better. I haven't had it aligned yet, but besides that I have no downside.

[Mule007]

Nice before & after pic’s; good looking truck! Good info for jpbrazil!

[IIIOIISTER]

Just get the Carli 3" Hemi coils and pop those 2.5 bad boys in there!

[yellowranger1]

Ordered some Carli Hemi 3" coils and 2.5s from CJC on Friday, and got the delivery notification by noon on Tuesday. Really excited to get some real shocks on the blue whale! Now I need to lay down a bunch of miles on my 35" RT's so I can justify upping to a 37"... 20k on them and still lots left in them!

[OffroadTreks]

Ordered some Carli Hemi 3" coils and 2.5s from CJC on Friday, and got the delivery notification by noon on Tuesday. Really excited to get some real shocks on the blue whale! Now I need to lay down a bunch of miles on my 35" RT's so I can justify upping to a 37"... 20k on them and still lots left in them!

Time to truss that axle.

[olyelr]

Ordered some Carli Hemi 3" coils and 2.5s from CJC on Friday, and got the delivery notification by noon on Tuesday. Really excited to get some real shocks on the blue whale! Now I need to lay down a bunch of miles on my 35" RT's so I can justify upping to a 37"... 20k on them and still lots left in them!

Nothing wrong with selling a good set of tires and putting that money toward a new set. I prefer doing that, rather than having nothing at the end and having to drive 20K miles on half worn/well worn tires. I like to sell the tires with half or better tread for half the price give or tank, which gets me into a new set of tires for half the price give or take... basically always having a near new set of tires

[Reloaderguy]

Ordered some Carli Hemi 3" coils and 2.5s from CJC on Friday, and got the delivery notification by noon on Tuesday. Really excited to get some real shocks on the blue whale! Now I need to lay down a bunch of miles on my 35" RT's so I can justify upping to a 37"... 20k on them and still lots left in them!

Nothing wrong with selling a good set of tires and putting that money toward a new set. I prefer doing that, rather than having nothing at the end and having to drive 20K miles on half worn/well worn tires. I like to sell the tires with half or better tread for half the price give or tank, which gets me into a new set of tires for half the price give or take... basically always having a near new set of tires

I think I'm about to do similar. Move the current 37s over to the little M116A3 I just picked up to use as a RTT/Camp trailer and put a fresh set on the truck. Better than throwing much cash at more ancient Military Goodyears.

Same here. 42s aren't cheap enough to just recycle my 37s.

[Anywhere_wagon]

Pure performance chase 4.5......... thoughts?

[DamageWagon]

This should generally answer your questions. The guys that spoke up in this thread know their shit.

http://dodgetrucksxtreme.com/index.php?topic=16483

[yellowranger1]

Time to truss that axle.

Not yet! But it's definitely in the cards for it down the road. I don't plan to beat on it as hard as some of the DTX guys do (thats what my Ranger is for) but it's definitely hard to keep your foot out of it when you're in the dirt lol. The truss is cheap insurance though. Seems like some never need it, and others bend the front axles super easily. I guess its a good thing our front ends are a bit lighter than the Cummins guys!

olyelr » Thats exactly what I've done in the past, and its always worked out well! I love having a new set of tires under the truck when possible and knowing they're up to the task no matter what, and not worrying that they're getting cracked/low on tread/beat up etc., plus, I just like the smell of fresh tires! These tires will be on the truck exactly 1 yr in Feb. Lots of tread depth left, but they are starting to show some wear from being in the dirt/rocks. I'm going to try to keep them on a while longer and then go up to a real 37 soon as there's a good way to carry a full size spare available.



So I got home from work a bit early yesterday... I'd had a redbull and was feeling motivated. I got out the jack stands and started tearing down the front suspension. I took my time with tear down and install, cleaned up the frame and coil buckets a bit, and from start to finish it took me about 4hrs and 2 beers working solo in the driveway. The Carli 3" Hemi Coils are in, as are the Carli/King 2.5s, all that's left for the front end is to readjust the track bar and re-center the steering.

I think I got the pics sorted out...