dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
I had a 1965 PW in high school, and had much fun with it. I’ve owned several 4WDs since then. I’ve never bought a new vehicle, either. When Dodge announced the new PW, I kept my eyes on it for several years. At age 50, I figured it was time for that brand new vehicle. I didn’t want anything fancy. I just wanted capability. I like bright colors, too.
My first modification is the Spyntec & Mile Marker hub conversion. I also changed the axle shafts to RCV ultimate shafts.
Wheel & tire removed. Axle cotter pin has been pulled out. The caliper and axle nut removed from the unit bearing. The ABS sensor removed. The four unit bearing to knuckle bolts have been removed. Persuading the unit bearing from the axle shaft with a puller. This didn’t require much pull. Pulling the original axle shaft from the tube. Assembling the RCV shafts, CV joint & boot. The boot required a significant push (strike) to get it to pass over the joint. Mud slinger, outer seal & thrust washer installed on RCV shaft. A look inside the new spindle shows an installed pre-greased inner axle shaft bearing. There is no access to this bearing after the spindle is fastened to the knuckle.
The step bars were dealer installed before I purchased the truck. I paid the dealer $134 to have the hood decals installed. Many aren’t familiar with PW, and I wanted others to make no mistake to its identity. My first modification is the Spyntec & Mile Marker hub conversion. I also changed the axle shafts to RCV ultimate shafts.
Wheel & tire removed. Axle cotter pin has been pulled out. The caliper and axle nut removed from the unit bearing. The ABS sensor removed. The four unit bearing to knuckle bolts have been removed. Persuading the unit bearing from the axle shaft with a puller. This didn’t require much pull. Pulling the original axle shaft from the tube. Assembling the RCV shafts, CV joint & boot. The boot required a significant push (strike) to get it to pass over the joint. Mud slinger, outer seal & thrust washer installed on RCV shaft. A look inside the new spindle shows an installed pre-greased inner axle shaft bearing. There is no access to this bearing after the spindle is fastened to the knuckle.
Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
Only 12 attachments allowed (I'll have to keep this in mind for future posts)
Grease seal installed at the inner bearing. There are two drilled & tapped holes in the new spindle for the ABS sensor. My sensor only required one hole. I flush plugged the other hole with RTV silicone sealant. A quick comparison of the new spindle and hub next to the original unit bearing assembly. Note the ABS tone ring on the new hub. A comparison of the original and RCV axle shafts (drivers side). The RCV axle shaft has been inserted in the axle tube and the new spindle is in place. The spindle is now bolted to the knuckle and the ABS sensor is installed. The inner bearing is packed and installed into the hub. The bearing grease seal is also pressed into place. There is also an outer seal installed near the tone ring. The hub is slid over the spindle. The outer bearing is packed and installed. The spindle nuts & locking washer are installed & adjusted per instruction. The disk & caliper are also installed. The inner locking hub is installed. Two different outer snap rings are included and it’s up to the installer which one to use. No inner snap ring (for axle shaft) was included, and the instructions indicate that it’s not necessary. There seems to be plenty of seal compression between the outer axle stub and spindle though. The instructions recommend the use of Loctite on the outer hub bolts. The amount shown in the photo was spread between two bolts.
Grease seal installed at the inner bearing. There are two drilled & tapped holes in the new spindle for the ABS sensor. My sensor only required one hole. I flush plugged the other hole with RTV silicone sealant. A quick comparison of the new spindle and hub next to the original unit bearing assembly. Note the ABS tone ring on the new hub. A comparison of the original and RCV axle shafts (drivers side). The RCV axle shaft has been inserted in the axle tube and the new spindle is in place. The spindle is now bolted to the knuckle and the ABS sensor is installed. The inner bearing is packed and installed into the hub. The bearing grease seal is also pressed into place. There is also an outer seal installed near the tone ring. The hub is slid over the spindle. The outer bearing is packed and installed. The spindle nuts & locking washer are installed & adjusted per instruction. The disk & caliper are also installed. The inner locking hub is installed. Two different outer snap rings are included and it’s up to the installer which one to use. No inner snap ring (for axle shaft) was included, and the instructions indicate that it’s not necessary. There seems to be plenty of seal compression between the outer axle stub and spindle though. The instructions recommend the use of Loctite on the outer hub bolts. The amount shown in the photo was spread between two bolts.
Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
Locking hub installed.
I still need to paint the spindle to avoid rust. The RCV axle joint after installation (passenger side). I’ll give high marks to the quality and ease of assembly with the Spyntec spindle & hub kit. The instructions were OK, but could have used more diagrams especially with the grease seal installations.
To qualify my opinions and thoughts, I plan to keep stock tires & suspension on this PW for many years.
Locking hubs:
I originally thought adding the locking hubs would allow a 2 MPG increase and pay off in approx 50,000 miles. However, I no longer see this modification paying for itself in any distance or timeframe (at least in fuel savings). I think published data has been exaggerated. My fuel mileage indicates a 1/2 MPG increase (that’s one half mile per gallon) with several checks at mostly highway speeds. I obtained these numbers from dividing distance traveled by amount of fuel used over a 2,000 mile trip. The numbers are reasonably close to the dash display, also.
With the front axle unlocked at 65 MPH, I recorded ~14 MPG. At 70 MPH, I recorded ~13 MPG. At 75 MPH, I recorded ~12 MPG. Prior to installing the locking hubs, these numbers were not even 1 MPG less. The only gain I could see was in the tenths column (first digit right of the decimal).
The original unit bearings should still be regarded as excellent hardware. I would not recommend installing these hubs if fuel savings was your only concern.
With the front axle unlocked, I do like the reduced noise or lack of hum. Steering is also smoother, especially going through sharp corners. However, these differences are not significant.
CV joints:
I was initially surprised at how rough or jerky, the steering felt with the original U-joint shafts while cornering. I've driven many 4WD vehicles and never noticed significant U-joint shudder during corners. Most of my previous 4WD vehicles were lighter SUVs or Jeeps with less power than the PW.
The CV axle shafts are incredibly smooth compared the U-joint shafts. As soon as I leave pavement, I usually shift into 4WD so I can disconnect the sway bar. Powering through corners is much nicer with the CV shafts than the U-joint shafts.
Wheel and tire installed.
Factory hubcap modified to fit over locking hubs. I cut a 4.25” diameter hole in the hubcap. I still need to paint the spindle to avoid rust. The RCV axle joint after installation (passenger side). I’ll give high marks to the quality and ease of assembly with the Spyntec spindle & hub kit. The instructions were OK, but could have used more diagrams especially with the grease seal installations.
To qualify my opinions and thoughts, I plan to keep stock tires & suspension on this PW for many years.
Locking hubs:
I originally thought adding the locking hubs would allow a 2 MPG increase and pay off in approx 50,000 miles. However, I no longer see this modification paying for itself in any distance or timeframe (at least in fuel savings). I think published data has been exaggerated. My fuel mileage indicates a 1/2 MPG increase (that’s one half mile per gallon) with several checks at mostly highway speeds. I obtained these numbers from dividing distance traveled by amount of fuel used over a 2,000 mile trip. The numbers are reasonably close to the dash display, also.
With the front axle unlocked at 65 MPH, I recorded ~14 MPG. At 70 MPH, I recorded ~13 MPG. At 75 MPH, I recorded ~12 MPG. Prior to installing the locking hubs, these numbers were not even 1 MPG less. The only gain I could see was in the tenths column (first digit right of the decimal).
The original unit bearings should still be regarded as excellent hardware. I would not recommend installing these hubs if fuel savings was your only concern.
With the front axle unlocked, I do like the reduced noise or lack of hum. Steering is also smoother, especially going through sharp corners. However, these differences are not significant.
CV joints:
I was initially surprised at how rough or jerky, the steering felt with the original U-joint shafts while cornering. I've driven many 4WD vehicles and never noticed significant U-joint shudder during corners. Most of my previous 4WD vehicles were lighter SUVs or Jeeps with less power than the PW.
The CV axle shafts are incredibly smooth compared the U-joint shafts. As soon as I leave pavement, I usually shift into 4WD so I can disconnect the sway bar. Powering through corners is much nicer with the CV shafts than the U-joint shafts.
- blindsquirrel33
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Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
Looks good! I like the front hub modification, and thanks for all of the pictures!
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Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
Excellent writeup and product evaluation, nice looking PW too...
Vehicle: 2007 Power Wagon Quad Cab - Factory Options (Inferno Red, Premium Cloth Bench Seat, Light Group, Automatic Transmission, Leather Steering Wheel)
Suspension: Carli 3" Hemi Coils, Carli Control Arms, Carli King 2.5 Pin-Tops, Carli Stainless Steering Stabilizer, Carli Trackbar | Synergy 1" Rear Shackle
Performance: Magnaflow Muffler | Magnaflow Y-Pipe
Wheels/Tires: Yokohama X-A/T 35x12.5x17
Steering/Drivetrain/Axles: Carli Front Diff Guard | Dynatrac Ball Joints | Mopar HD Steering Gear
Miscellaneous: Line-X Bedliner | Locker Bypass Switch | Mopar Rock Rails | Odyssey Extreme 65-PC1750T | Performance Friction Brake Pads | Weathertech Digital Fit Mats | Winch Thermal Protection Bypass
Suspension: Carli 3" Hemi Coils, Carli Control Arms, Carli King 2.5 Pin-Tops, Carli Stainless Steering Stabilizer, Carli Trackbar | Synergy 1" Rear Shackle
Performance: Magnaflow Muffler | Magnaflow Y-Pipe
Wheels/Tires: Yokohama X-A/T 35x12.5x17
Steering/Drivetrain/Axles: Carli Front Diff Guard | Dynatrac Ball Joints | Mopar HD Steering Gear
Miscellaneous: Line-X Bedliner | Locker Bypass Switch | Mopar Rock Rails | Odyssey Extreme 65-PC1750T | Performance Friction Brake Pads | Weathertech Digital Fit Mats | Winch Thermal Protection Bypass
Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
Awesome write up. I think I've seen your truck in slc. Or one just like it anyway. Love it
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Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
Excellent job...I enjoyed reading this...love the color..
- 04Ram2500Hemi
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Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
This was a great piece of education. Thanks for the pictures!
Gone but Never Forgotten
2012 Ram Power Wagon: viewtopic.php?f=13&t=107
Truxedo Deuce Bed Cover with Bed Lights, Black Line-X Rocker Panel, Custom Built Rock Rails Sprayed with Line-X, Front & Rear Bumper and Grill sprayed with Line-X, Husky Mud Flaps, Husky Floor Mats, Four VisionX Xmitter Low Pro Prime XP LED Light Bars Behind the Grill, LED Lights Mounted in the Rear Bumper, Heated Seats, Interior LED Lighting, NAV-TV, Camera Mounted in Front Grill, Custom Headache Rack, AEV Raised Air Intake, AEV Salta HD Wheels in Onyx, 285/75/17 Cooper Discoverer AT3
2012 Ram Power Wagon: viewtopic.php?f=13&t=107
Truxedo Deuce Bed Cover with Bed Lights, Black Line-X Rocker Panel, Custom Built Rock Rails Sprayed with Line-X, Front & Rear Bumper and Grill sprayed with Line-X, Husky Mud Flaps, Husky Floor Mats, Four VisionX Xmitter Low Pro Prime XP LED Light Bars Behind the Grill, LED Lights Mounted in the Rear Bumper, Heated Seats, Interior LED Lighting, NAV-TV, Camera Mounted in Front Grill, Custom Headache Rack, AEV Raised Air Intake, AEV Salta HD Wheels in Onyx, 285/75/17 Cooper Discoverer AT3
Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
X2 ... Can you install those kind of axels w/o using the locking hubs ????w2dodge wrote:Excellent job...I enjoyed reading this...love the color..
Ben CW3 2/10th AIR CAV FT ORD CA. (retired)
2006 Power Wagon-6spd, rear air bags, Diff Guards:Carli F. RockCrusher R., matching rim for spare tire, removed back seat for storage----I own the following: 2005 Hallmark pop-top Camper---1970 Scout 800 4x4 w/232ci 6cyl 4spd---2006 Yamaha XT225 Dual Sport---Pictures @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/powerwagon/collections
2006 Power Wagon-6spd, rear air bags, Diff Guards:Carli F. RockCrusher R., matching rim for spare tire, removed back seat for storage----I own the following: 2005 Hallmark pop-top Camper---1970 Scout 800 4x4 w/232ci 6cyl 4spd---2006 Yamaha XT225 Dual Sport---Pictures @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/powerwagon/collections
Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
Great writeup! Was this the short kit or the regular kit?
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Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
The spindles aren't stainless, do they need protection to prevent rust?
On that note, do the Dynatrac ones require rust protection too?
On that note, do the Dynatrac ones require rust protection too?
- 05PWrockcrawler
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Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
Loving the color of your truck. I have Yukon free spin hub kit and RCV's and love them.
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Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
Great looking truck! Love that color!!! I am VERY jealous of your front end setup!!! RCVs and manual hubs= AWESOME!!!!
Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
Thanks for all the compliments.
The hubs are the shorty kit as featured here:
http://spyntec.com/category/dodge-short ... rsion-kit/
I'm not sure about the rust prevention; just want to make sure.
The RCVs can be installed without the hub conversion. You can custom specify whichever type of outer axle shafts you need.
The hubs are the shorty kit as featured here:
http://spyntec.com/category/dodge-short ... rsion-kit/
I'm not sure about the rust prevention; just want to make sure.
The RCVs can be installed without the hub conversion. You can custom specify whichever type of outer axle shafts you need.
- Mr.Smith
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Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
The front center caps...did you use a hole saw?
Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
The Spyntec email representative suggested a 4.25" hole saw, as he heard that had worked for others.
I was fortunate enough to have a co-worker (with access to a 3-axis NC milling machine) help me cut the center cap holes.
I was fortunate enough to have a co-worker (with access to a 3-axis NC milling machine) help me cut the center cap holes.
Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
I knew I smelled RCV's before I even opened up this thread:):):):) Your going to love the RCV's indestructable nature. that is a chunk of money to spend in ALL the right places:) Good work.. I was surprised to see that you needed a puller to remove the bearing assemblies on such a new rig!!!!
Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
This is so awesome. Is this really about $4k in parts?! :O Toss in some Carli ball joints and its a real quick way to spend $5 grand! Man... I need to find a money tree!
'06 RCLB Laramie
Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
omg best looking truck ever just wondering if you got this custom painted or factory colour, I want his truck
06 White POWER WAGON!
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- TrueCowboy426
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Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
I'm with you on that. That is a very nice looking truck. I didn't think a PW would look good in that colour but it sure does. Maybe when I get the itch (and do enough damage to the current paint) I will do mine in orange. Then I could have a match for my orange big block powered Dakota. Well done sir!!twistedpw wrote:omg best looking truck ever just wondering if you got this custom painted or factory colour, I want his truck
2007 Dodge Power Wagon - Inferno Red Quad Cab, G56, KRC 210X cam, SRT8 JGC seats, 35x12.50 Toyo MT's, Offroad lights behind the grill, Warn wireless winch remote, Carli front Diff Guard, Carli Long Travel Air Bags, On board air complete w/ train horns, homemade hidden gooseneck hitch, Homemade locker bypass, upgraded Mopar steering box, Centerforce clutch
1998 Dodge 2500 Laramie, QCSB 4x4. 24V cummins, completely rebuilt chassis with '01 1500 body installed, full gauges, Edge drag comp box, +150hp injectors, performance 47re built by me, 35" Toyo MTs on 3rd gen wheels.
2002 Dodge Ram 1500 ST 4x4 Quad Cab 4.7L Bright Silver, HO Cams, 12,000 lbs Winch mounted behind bumper, 4.56's, 2500 factory tow hooks, 35x12.50 Toyo MT's, Air-Lift Ride Control bags, homemade hidden ball gooseneck hitch.
1987 W100 - carburated 5.7 Hemi/727 combo, 35" Toyo MT's. Ramcharger D44 w/ warn hubs, Warlock seats, 2nd gen center console
1987 Dakota - RCSB, 413 big block, LT headers.
And a few jeeps for good measure.
1998 Dodge 2500 Laramie, QCSB 4x4. 24V cummins, completely rebuilt chassis with '01 1500 body installed, full gauges, Edge drag comp box, +150hp injectors, performance 47re built by me, 35" Toyo MTs on 3rd gen wheels.
2002 Dodge Ram 1500 ST 4x4 Quad Cab 4.7L Bright Silver, HO Cams, 12,000 lbs Winch mounted behind bumper, 4.56's, 2500 factory tow hooks, 35x12.50 Toyo MT's, Air-Lift Ride Control bags, homemade hidden ball gooseneck hitch.
1987 W100 - carburated 5.7 Hemi/727 combo, 35" Toyo MT's. Ramcharger D44 w/ warn hubs, Warlock seats, 2nd gen center console
1987 Dakota - RCSB, 413 big block, LT headers.
And a few jeeps for good measure.
Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
Thanks for the comments, guys.
Omaha Orange is a factory color for the ST series trucks.
The color choices for the ST model are far more plentiful than the SLT model. The only PW logo that is standard with the ST model is the tailgate decal. I had the hood decals added.
I believe most Power Wagons are based on the SLT trim package, and that's why there are only a handful of colors available. There are many more PW decals on the SLT model, also.
Omaha Orange is a factory color for the ST series trucks.
The color choices for the ST model are far more plentiful than the SLT model. The only PW logo that is standard with the ST model is the tailgate decal. I had the hood decals added.
I believe most Power Wagons are based on the SLT trim package, and that's why there are only a handful of colors available. There are many more PW decals on the SLT model, also.
- Mr.Smith
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Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
I love this...RCVs & freespins right out of the gate...BADASS!
- 05PWrockcrawler
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Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
Loving this truck. Very cool keep it up!
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- 05PWrockcrawler
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Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
Plus I wonder what scratches look like on an orange truck hmmmmm
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- Mr.Smith
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Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original
Hahahaha! Striped cream-sickle! Hahahahahaha!