dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Start your thread and show everyone your build out.
User avatar
dnb5853
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2013 12:51 pm
Model Year: 2012
Location: GJT CO

dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by dnb5853 » Fri Jan 03, 2014 4:48 pm

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.
INTRO.JPG
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.
lockouts 001.jpg
The caliper and axle nut removed from the unit bearing.
lockouts 002.jpg
The ABS sensor removed.
lockouts 003.jpg
lockouts 004.jpg
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.
lockouts 005.jpg
lockouts 006.jpg
Pulling the original axle shaft from the tube.
lockouts 007.jpg
Assembling the RCV shafts, CV joint & boot. The boot required a significant push (strike) to get it to pass over the joint.
lockouts 008.jpg
lockouts 009.jpg
Mud slinger, outer seal & thrust washer installed on RCV shaft.
lockouts 010.jpg
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.
lockouts 011.jpg

User avatar
dnb5853
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2013 12:51 pm
Model Year: 2012
Location: GJT CO

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by dnb5853 » Fri Jan 03, 2014 4:56 pm

Only 12 attachments allowed (I'll have to keep this in mind for future posts) :roll:
Grease seal installed at the inner bearing.
lockouts 012.jpg
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.
lockouts 013.jpg
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.
lockouts 014.jpg
lockouts 015.jpg
A comparison of the original and RCV axle shafts (drivers side).
lockouts 016.jpg
The RCV axle shaft has been inserted in the axle tube and the new spindle is in place.
lockouts 017.jpg
The spindle is now bolted to the knuckle and the ABS sensor is installed.
lockouts 018.jpg
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.
lockouts 019.jpg
The hub is slid over the spindle.
lockouts 020.jpg
The outer bearing is packed and installed. The spindle nuts & locking washer are installed & adjusted per instruction. The disk & caliper are also installed.
lockouts 021.jpg
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.
lockouts 022.jpg
The instructions recommend the use of Loctite on the outer hub bolts. The amount shown in the photo was spread between two bolts.
lockouts 023.jpg

User avatar
dnb5853
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2013 12:51 pm
Model Year: 2012
Location: GJT CO

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by dnb5853 » Fri Jan 03, 2014 5:00 pm

Locking hub installed.
lockouts 024.jpg
Wheel and tire installed.
lockouts 025.jpg
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.
lockouts 026.jpg
The RCV axle joint after installation (passenger side).
lockouts 027.jpg
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.

User avatar
blindsquirrel33
50_Posts
50_Posts
Posts: 110
Joined: Mon Jul 02, 2012 5:06 pm
Model Year: 2011
Location: 50 miles NE of Pittsburgh

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by blindsquirrel33 » Fri Jan 03, 2014 5:12 pm

Looks good! I like the front hub modification, and thanks for all of the pictures!

User avatar
coder
1000_Posts
1000_Posts
Posts: 1347
Joined: Wed Jun 06, 2012 5:18 pm
Model Year: 2007
Location: Trabuco Canyon, CA

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by coder » Fri Jan 03, 2014 5:23 pm

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

User avatar
nrooney21
50_Posts
50_Posts
Posts: 73
Joined: Wed Oct 31, 2012 2:06 pm

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by nrooney21 » Fri Jan 03, 2014 5:25 pm

Awesome write up. I think I've seen your truck in slc. Or one just like it anyway. Love it

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

User avatar
w2dodge
500_Posts
500_Posts
Posts: 964
Joined: Mon May 21, 2012 4:57 pm
Location: nj..ny

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by w2dodge » Fri Jan 03, 2014 7:39 pm

Excellent job...I enjoyed reading this...love the color..

User avatar
04Ram2500Hemi
2000_Posts
2000_Posts
Posts: 2212
Joined: Thu May 31, 2012 12:19 pm
Model Year: 2012
Location: Missoula, MT

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by 04Ram2500Hemi » Fri Jan 03, 2014 9:03 pm

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

User avatar
fbenross
500_Posts
500_Posts
Posts: 601
Joined: Thu May 24, 2012 8:35 pm
Location: Moss Beach CA

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by fbenross » Sat Jan 04, 2014 10:42 am

w2dodge wrote:Excellent job...I enjoyed reading this...love the color..
X2 ... Can you install those kind of axels w/o using the locking hubs ????
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

User avatar
myoung84
Vendor
Vendor
Posts: 1475
Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2012 11:47 am

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by myoung84 » Sat Jan 04, 2014 10:59 am

Great writeup! Was this the short kit or the regular kit?

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Image
2014 Ram 1500 4x4 Outdoorsman
Retro Shop Custom FXR Projectors | Diablo inTune | Moe's 87mm TB | BT Oil Catch Can
Toyo A/T II Tires | Bilstein 5100 Front and Rear Shocks | Movotech UCA's
AirLift 100 Air Bags | Bestop PowerBoards | RollBak Bed Cover | BedRug

wingerak92
250_Posts
250_Posts
Posts: 330
Joined: Wed Sep 19, 2012 8:20 am
Location: Estevan Saskatchewan Canada

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by wingerak92 » Sat Jan 04, 2014 11:40 am

The spindles aren't stainless, do they need protection to prevent rust?
On that note, do the Dynatrac ones require rust protection too?
2012 SAGEBRUSH POWER WAGON SLT
Aluminess Front Bumper, Air Raid Intake, Auxiliary Switches, Hooker Aerochamber Muffler, Stock size Duratracs on Stock Wheels for winters.... For now....
Image

User avatar
05PWrockcrawler
1000_Posts
1000_Posts
Posts: 1898
Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2013 10:56 pm

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by 05PWrockcrawler » Sat Jan 04, 2014 6:57 pm

Loving the color of your truck. I have Yukon free spin hub kit and RCV's and love them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

User avatar
RAM4ROKS
500_Posts
500_Posts
Posts: 975
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 5:48 pm

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by RAM4ROKS » Sun Jan 05, 2014 2:55 pm

Great looking truck! Love that color!!! I am VERY jealous of your front end setup!!! RCVs and manual hubs= AWESOME!!!!

User avatar
dnb5853
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2013 12:51 pm
Model Year: 2012
Location: GJT CO

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by dnb5853 » Mon Jan 06, 2014 9:23 am

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.

User avatar
Mr.Smith
1000_Posts
1000_Posts
Posts: 1131
Joined: Wed Sep 04, 2013 6:36 pm
Model Year: 2009
Location: Fort Collins, CO.

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by Mr.Smith » Mon Jan 06, 2014 2:50 pm

The front center caps...did you use a hole saw?

User avatar
dnb5853
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2013 12:51 pm
Model Year: 2012
Location: GJT CO

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by dnb5853 » Mon Jan 06, 2014 3:14 pm

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. 8-)

gun45boat
500_Posts
500_Posts
Posts: 748
Joined: Wed Apr 17, 2013 8:02 pm

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by gun45boat » Wed Jan 08, 2014 12:00 pm

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!!!!

ACRucrazy
50_Posts
50_Posts
Posts: 209
Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2013 1:22 pm

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by ACRucrazy » Wed Jan 08, 2014 6:45 pm

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

twistedpw
50_Posts
50_Posts
Posts: 70
Joined: Wed May 30, 2012 8:16 pm
Location: clinton, ont, Canada

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by twistedpw » Sat Jan 18, 2014 12:23 am

omg best looking truck ever just wondering if you got this custom painted or factory colour, I want his truck
06 White POWER WAGON!

Pure Performance control arms
Flexalite e-fan
Rock-rails (by me)
Diablo sport tuner
Bushwacker pocket style flares
Rock Monster beadlocks
BFG KM2's
Airflow snorkel
Bed rug
Bilstein 5100's
Thuren coils & shackels

User avatar
TrueCowboy426
250_Posts
250_Posts
Posts: 322
Joined: Mon May 21, 2012 9:00 pm
Location: Woodstock, ON Canada

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by TrueCowboy426 » Sat Jan 18, 2014 10:02 pm

twistedpw wrote:omg best looking truck ever just wondering if you got this custom painted or factory colour, I want his truck
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!!
Attachments
Orange PW.JPG
Dakota 1.jpg
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.

User avatar
dnb5853
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2013 12:51 pm
Model Year: 2012
Location: GJT CO

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by dnb5853 » Fri Jan 24, 2014 10:12 am

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.

User avatar
Mr.Smith
1000_Posts
1000_Posts
Posts: 1131
Joined: Wed Sep 04, 2013 6:36 pm
Model Year: 2009
Location: Fort Collins, CO.

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by Mr.Smith » Mon May 19, 2014 11:18 pm

I love this...RCVs & freespins right out of the gate...BADASS!

User avatar
05PWrockcrawler
1000_Posts
1000_Posts
Posts: 1898
Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2013 10:56 pm

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by 05PWrockcrawler » Tue May 20, 2014 4:03 am

Loving this truck. Very cool keep it up!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

User avatar
05PWrockcrawler
1000_Posts
1000_Posts
Posts: 1898
Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2013 10:56 pm

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by 05PWrockcrawler » Tue May 20, 2014 4:04 am

Plus I wonder what scratches look like on an orange truck hmmmmm


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

User avatar
Mr.Smith
1000_Posts
1000_Posts
Posts: 1131
Joined: Wed Sep 04, 2013 6:36 pm
Model Year: 2009
Location: Fort Collins, CO.

Re: dnb5853's 2012 PW ST Omaha Orange Original

Post by Mr.Smith » Tue May 20, 2014 10:29 am

Hahahaha! Striped cream-sickle! Hahahahahaha!

Post Reply