Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

SheepdogOutdoorsman · Post by **SheepdogOutdoorsman** » Thu Jan 23, 2014 3:10 pm

So, I thought I'd share some preliminary photos of my Trail Ready Pre-Runner Guard bumper install. I'll post some more detailed photos of the install at a later date. This was a preliminary mount up a couple months ago before I decided to relocate my winch to the bumper itself. The roller fairleads on the bumper sit lower than the roller fairleads located on the bracket that holds the winch in its factory location. I feel this would put too much tension on the rollers and the cable. Also, the company I used to powder coat the bumper, and all of its brackets, never sandblasted or etched the steel ... so the powder coat started to flake off. I've since disassembled everything and dropped it off to get stripped and re-powder coated correctly. The pictures I'll provide of the detailed install and winch relocation will come from when I receive everything back and begin the install and relocation process. Anyway, here you go ...

Picked up the bumper from the powder coater (first time)

Disassembled the front end and removed all unnecessary parts

Here's what she looks like installed!

SheepdogOutdoorsman · Post by **SheepdogOutdoorsman** » Thu Jan 23, 2014 3:22 pm

Hey RckyMtnRam, here are some pictures I took to show the flex of my truck with the Mopar 2" Leveling Kit Installed. From my experience this past weekend I have to say I'm impressed with the kit so far. I ran into zero issues off road. I used 4-High, disconnected the sway bar, and even had to drop it into 4-Low once with the lockers on to get through a pass. She flexed and performed as designed. Is it as capable as a Carli equipped Power Wagon? ... probably not, but for most of the things I need my truck for it met my standards. I'll eventually upgrade, but I'm pleased with what the kit offers so far.

Front-Left Fully Compressed

Front-Right Fully Extended

Rear-Left Extended

Rear-Right Compressed

verdesardog · Post by **verdesardog** » Thu Jan 23, 2014 4:00 pm

When you do relocate your winch to the bumper make sure it spools off the winch in the same direction or the brake will not work properly....in other words you will have to turn it around so when spooling off the bottom of the drum it is still going in the same direction as when spooling off the top in the PW mode.

SheepdogOutdoorsman · Post by **SheepdogOutdoorsman** » Thu Jan 23, 2014 4:25 pm

verdesardog wrote:When you do relocate your winch to the bumper make sure it spools off the winch in the same direction or the brake will not work properly....in other words you will have to turn it around so when spooling off the bottom of the drum it is still going in the same direction as when spooling off the top in the PW mode.

Yeah, not only do I have to tip it upright, but I also have to spin it to allow the cable to feed from the bottom. I'll also need to rotate the drum that contains the free spool lever, so it will face up when I mount the winch upright. On top of that I'll more than likely need to re-run the wires from the winch controller box since it'll be mounted so differently from factory. It's going to be a lot of work, but I think it will work perfectly once I get it all done. Thanks for the insight!

RAM4ROKS · Post by **RAM4ROKS** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 4:35 pm

Bumper looks great!!! I also want to thank you for all the pics of how you routed wiring through the firewall, I have been racking my brain for a while as to how I want to do mine and you solved that for me!!! Great write up, thanks!!!!

SheepdogOutdoorsman · Post by **SheepdogOutdoorsman** » Sat Jan 25, 2014 8:27 am

RAM4ROKS wrote:Bumper looks great!!! I also want to thank you for all the pics of how you routed wiring through the firewall, I have been racking my brain for a while as to how I want to do mine and you solved that for me!!! Great write up, thanks!!!!

You're most welcome. I feel bound to share as others have shared since I've been helped in so many ways by seeing how others complete their projects. I'm a huge fan of forums because it allows everyone to learn from others successes and failures. If you're anything like me, I can't afford ($$$) a lot of mistakes when it comes to projects, so it's nice to see what worked for others. Stay tuned. There's more to come!

RckyMtnRam · Post by **RckyMtnRam** » Tue Jan 28, 2014 2:12 pm

Thanks for the update and pictures. Looks great. Did it end up sitting dead level front to back before the front bumper install? That bumper looks stout).. Thank you very much again for sharing your build!

SheepdogOutdoorsman · Post by **SheepdogOutdoorsman** » Tue Jan 28, 2014 2:29 pm

RckyMtnRam wrote:Thanks for the update and pictures. Looks great. Did it end up sitting dead level front to back before the front bumper install? That bumper looks stout).. Thank you very much again for sharing your build!

Yeah, I measured 11.5" from the top of the tire to the bottom of the fender flare in the rear and 9.5" in the front, before the leveling kit install. Afterwards they both measured 11.5". That's with or without the front bumper. With all the stuff I removed from the front to install the new bumper it ended up being about the same amount of weight in the front. The upside being that I now have a 1/4" thick steel bumper with more and brighter driving lights. It also improved my approach angle for steeper climbs and clearance.

RckyMtnRam · Post by **RckyMtnRam** » Tue Jan 28, 2014 5:36 pm

Right on. Thanks again for the great information and pictures. Very much appreciate it.

SheepdogOutdoorsman · Post by **SheepdogOutdoorsman** » Wed Sep 03, 2014 8:30 pm

So, I ordered a set of the "Power Wagon" hood decals, as well as a set of the "4x4 Off-Road" bed decals. I know some of you disapprove, but I like the eye candy.

My Tradesman PW came with the "Power Wagon" tailgate decal, and eventually I'll get the black center hood decal, but it's EXPENSIVE

... I also plan to bed-liner the rocker section to "copy" the look of an SLT, but that's later down the road

My question (more like a request for help) is getting some factory placement measurements, so I place these in the correct locations. Does anyone happen to know where to find the exact measurements, or do I just rely on one of you fine 4th Gen SLT gentlemen to waste your valuable time helping me put more stickers on my truck?

... I guess I shoulda bought an SLT!

... Nevermind ... 1,900 lb load capacity

jeep_boy02 · Post by **jeep_boy02** » Wed Sep 03, 2014 9:00 pm

I'll see what I can measure out for you tomorrow.

Stickman · Post by **Stickman** » Wed Sep 03, 2014 9:15 pm

That flat black part on the hood is a decal? I'm pretty sure it's paint with a red sticker to blend the gloss into it. Or is the red sticker what you're talking about? I'm a little lost.

jeep_boy02 · Post by **jeep_boy02** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 1:04 am

Yep it's a decal. And pricey. I've been looking at changing the red on mine and an entire redo of the graphics just like factory but in yellow would cost less from a vinyl graphics/wrap company than the hood and bed decals from MOPAR.

SheepdogOutdoorsman · Post by **SheepdogOutdoorsman** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 6:37 am

jeep_boy02 wrote:I'll see what I can measure out for you tomorrow.

Thank you sir. Your assistance is much appreciated.

SheepdogOutdoorsman · Post by **SheepdogOutdoorsman** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 6:47 am

Stickman wrote:That flat black part on the hood is a decal? I'm pretty sure it's paint with a red sticker to blend the gloss into it. Or is the red sticker what you're talking about? I'm a little lost.

Yeah, that whole piece is one big decal. I get wholesale dealer prices because I was in the auto industry, so I get some better prices, but it's still going to cost me about $375. Retail is $499. I picked up the "Power Wagon" hood decals and "4x4 Off-Road" bed decals for around $85. I'm getting quotes to bed-liner my rocker section to match the look of an SLT, but more so looking for the added protection it provides.

joshet89 · Post by **joshet89** » Thu Sep 11, 2014 1:24 pm

SheepdogOutdoorsman wrote:
Stickman wrote:That flat black part on the hood is a decal? I'm pretty sure it's paint with a red sticker to blend the gloss into it. Or is the red sticker what you're talking about? I'm a little lost.
Yeah, that whole piece is one big decal. I get wholesale dealer prices because I was in the auto industry, so I get some better prices, but it's still going to cost me about $375. Retail is $499. I picked up the "Power Wagon" hood decals and "4x4 Off-Road" bed decals for around $85. I'm getting quotes to bed-liner my rocker section to match the look of an SLT, but more so looking for the added protection it provides.

You happen to have a part number for the mopar leveling kit? I work at a Dodge dealership and get good pricing but the parts manager is always nicer when you come in with a part number. If you don't have any answers on the measurements, I will get them for you here in the next day or so as well

adeluca73 · Post by **adeluca73** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 10:05 am

What a fantastic build thread....it's thorough and complete. I'm impressed. The flat black hood is a vinyl decal. The flat black pieces between the front/rear door windows is also vinyl decals. I'm thinking about removing the door decals so the entire door is red, but it looks like a little bit of a PIA based on how it wraps into the door frame.

A few questions: I'm getting ready to start the dreaded off-road light endeavor and have been trying to figure out the best way to route the wires inside the cab to add some separate switches. I opted for the premium 9-spkr 8.4AN stereo system instead of the factory up-fitter switches (figured I listen to the radio more than I'll be using the off-road lights), maybe a dumb move since add the off-road lights would be WAY easier if there's already a ready wire bundle for accessories factory mounted under the hood, but it's too late for that (the up-fitter electronic module option was an either/or proposition with the premium sound system, and I have no idea why or what one has to do with the other, but you couldn't order both of those options together.

1) So, when wiring up the lights (say I have to larger PIAAs), is it best to wire together the lights together hot1(light farther from battery) to hot2 (light closer to the battery), ground 1 to ground 2, then wire ground 2 to the frame somewhere close, and hot 2 to the battery, and some sort of relay inline with hot 2 that goes to a lighted cabin switch, so when it's "on", it closes the relay, opening flow to the lights?

2) So what was the final solution (what configuration, what manufacturer, what parts specifically) did you implement for the front rake leveling problem? This is my next mod, and I want to get it right the first time with no wasted parts and no loss of performance, and looks like you've cracked the code on this.

Thanks and keep up the awesome posts-- as an engineer, tip of the hat to you sir.

jeep_boy02 · Post by **jeep_boy02** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 11:32 am

I guess my measurements didn't post... well I hope it's not in the wrong topic or something.

SheepdogOutdoorsman · Post by **SheepdogOutdoorsman** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 5:25 pm

joshet89 wrote:
SheepdogOutdoorsman wrote:
Stickman wrote:That flat black part on the hood is a decal? I'm pretty sure it's paint with a red sticker to blend the gloss into it. Or is the red sticker what you're talking about? I'm a little lost.
Yeah, that whole piece is one big decal. I get wholesale dealer prices because I was in the auto industry, so I get some better prices, but it's still going to cost me about $375. Retail is $499. I picked up the "Power Wagon" hood decals and "4x4 Off-Road" bed decals for around $85. I'm getting quotes to bed-liner my rocker section to match the look of an SLT, but more so looking for the added protection it provides.

You happen to have a part number for the mopar leveling kit? I work at a Dodge dealership and get good pricing but the parts manager is always nicer when you come in with a part number. If you don't have any answers on the measurements, I will get them for you here in the next day or so as well

Mopar Part Number: P5155394

Still no word yet on measurements. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you kindly! :0)

SheepdogOutdoorsman · Post by **SheepdogOutdoorsman** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 5:46 pm

adeluca73 wrote:What a fantastic build thread....it's thorough and complete. I'm impressed. The flat black hood is a vinyl decal. The flat black pieces between the front/rear door windows is also vinyl decals. I'm thinking about removing the door decals so the entire door is red, but it looks like a little bit of a PIA based on how it wraps into the door frame.

A few questions: I'm getting ready to start the dreaded off-road light endeavor and have been trying to figure out the best way to route the wires inside the cab to add some separate switches. I opted for the premium 9-spkr 8.4AN stereo system instead of the factory up-fitter switches (figured I listen to the radio more than I'll be using the off-road lights), maybe a dumb move since add the off-road lights would be WAY easier if there's already a ready wire bundle for accessories factory mounted under the hood, but it's too late for that (the up-fitter electronic module option was an either/or proposition with the premium sound system, and I have no idea why or what one has to do with the other, but you couldn't order both of those options together.

1) So, when wiring up the lights (say I have to larger PIAAs), is it best to wire together the lights together hot1(light farther from battery) to hot2 (light closer to the battery), ground 1 to ground 2, then wire ground 2 to the frame somewhere close, and hot 2 to the battery, and some sort of relay inline with hot 2 that goes to a lighted cabin switch, so when it's "on", it closes the relay, opening flow to the lights?

2) So what was the final solution (what configuration, what manufacturer, what parts specifically) did you implement for the front rake leveling problem? This is my next mod, and I want to get it right the first time with no wasted parts and no loss of performance, and looks like you've cracked the code on this.

Thanks and keep up the awesome posts-- as an engineer, tip of the hat to you sir.

Thank you for the kind words. I try to be as thorough as possible because I appreciate the same.

As for the lights, I utilized the PIAA wiring harnesses that came with the lights. I just lengthened/shortened specific wires to fit my application. It was much easier that way. I believe my build thread includes some of what I did, but some projects like the wiring of the lights, the front bumper, and my leveling kit were not detailed on my build thread because of time constraints. I just needed to get those projects done so I could move on to other projects around the house. I plan to do better in the future. Those three projects were a big deal and I feel bad for not being able to share the process. I'm sure it could have helped out quite a few on here.

The leveling kit was from Mopar Performance. I bought it from the dealer. I spoke with Mopar Performance engineers to make sure it was tested on the PW before installing it. They assured me that they performed thorough testing on the PW with no issues. After using my truck quite a bit with the leveling kit installed, I have to say I'm impressed with how I've lost nothing but gained a level truck. I eventually plan for the full tilt Carli system with long travel air bags, but this does the trick for now while I wait to get my Four Wheel Camper slide in bed camper.

My first degree was in Automotive Technology, then I studied mechanical engineering in hopes of becoming an automotive engineer. Being that I worked full time to support myself, I found it impossible to put my full focus into the coursework. I took a position with Mazda NAO as a consultant, and worked there for four years before leaving, getting into another career field, and returning to college for a different educational path. As you well know though, once you understand engineering principles everything turns into a puzzle and a virtual set of blue prints ;0P

Stickman · Post by **Stickman** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 11:54 pm

I also have the same 2" Mopar leveling kit on mine and I also think it's well worh the price, works excellent for our trucks. Only downside is if you tow a lot it does squat and makes it very nose high, but it still handles fine, just looks like a trophy truck.

jeep_boy02 · Post by **jeep_boy02** » Sun Sep 14, 2014 9:41 pm

OK... lets try this again... these are not super precise but should be able to get you some info at least and ready for placement.

On the PW hood decal 2" from rear hood seam and was level with the finish of the "roll" from top to side of hood.

front was lower at an angle and 1-1/2" down from top side of hood and 9" to the front hood lip.

The "4x4" bed sides were a little tricky. Both sides of my bed have been tweaked but both had a similar tilt.
One did measure out a whole inch lower than the other but I don't notice it by eye at all???
(front and rear "4" measurements refer to top of the "4x4" respecting front/rear of vehicle on each respective side)

Passenger side = 5" from tail light seam, 7-3/8" front "4" and 7-1/2" rear "4"

Driver side = 3-3/4" from tail light seam, 8-1/4" front "4" and 8-3/8" rear "4"

odd thing that I noticed id they have a rearward tilt of 1/8" to them. I didn't think to measure "absolute center" till just now but I could if this is as clear as mud to you.

SheepdogOutdoorsman · Post by **SheepdogOutdoorsman** » Sun Sep 14, 2014 9:57 pm

jeep_boy02 wrote:OK... lets try this again... these are not super precise but should be able to get you some info at least and ready for placement.

On the PW hood decal 2" from rear hood seam and was level with the finish of the "roll" from top to side of hood.

front was lower at an angle and 1-1/2" down from top side of hood and 9" to the front hood lip.

The "4x4" bed sides were a little tricky. Both sides of my bed have been tweaked but both had a similar tilt.
One did measure out a whole inch lower than the other but I don't notice it by eye at all???
(front and rear "4" measurements refer to top of the "4x4" respecting front/rear of vehicle on each respective side)

Passenger side = 5" from tail light seam, 7-3/8" front "4" and 7-1/2" rear "4"

Driver side = 3-3/4" from tail light seam, 8-1/4" front "4" and 8-3/8" rear "4"

odd thing that I noticed id they have a rearward tilt of 1/8" to them. I didn't think to measure "absolute center" till just now but I could if this is as clear as mud to you.

This is great! Thank you for your time and efforts. This gives me a great point of reference. They don't have to be perfectly placed like factory ... Just close to it. Thanks again! That looked like a pain!

jeep_boy02 · Post by **jeep_boy02** » Sun Sep 14, 2014 11:05 pm

Well I took reference pics to show exactly where I was measuring from and then went back and actually measured, wrote down and then rechecked... wasn't too involved and I don't mind. Just trying to lend a hand... or tape in this instance

joshet89 · Post by **joshet89** » Mon Sep 15, 2014 1:21 pm

Thanks for the part number!

I measured my trucks stickers yesterday and they are all within an inch of what have been posted, so should be good to go! I do a lot of vinyl install in my other hobby (giant scale radio control model airplanes) and what do they recommend for the install on these graphics?

Power Wagon Registry

Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build

Re: Noob's 2013 Power Wagon Build