2018 PW DIY Upgrades and Fixes

[PowaaaWagoon]

Recently purchased a 2018 Power Wagon in Flame Red with 99,8XX KM, now at 108,3XX KM. Thanks to this forum, I've managed to do lots of the recommended fixes or upgrades but wanted to document my progress so far and see what else I can add to my to-do list and maintenance routine.

Engine oil changes every 8,000 KM with Redline synthetic 5W30 engine oil with WIX 57060XP filter. Also, grease the driveshaft and add fuel system treatment/cleaner to the tank.
Redline 75W90NS gear oil for the front and rear diffs. Cleaned off the locker magnets. I posted a comment on another thread here that the rear fluid change actually fixed a shudder I was experiencing when reversing slowly with wheels turned full lock either way.
Redline C+ ATF for the transmission with WIX 57055XP spin-on filter (wire wheel paint off) + hex internal metal filter adapter, and Mopar sump filter 0501347AE. Also got the Ultra Power (Rock Auto house brand) pan with drain plug # 265870, the same as Dorman.
Redline C+ ATF for the transfer case.
K&N engine air filter and cabin air filter.

Gates serpentine belt #K060795, Dayco idler # DY89133, Gates tensioner # ZO3823
Bosch Ceramic brake pads, front and rear.
New cab exhausters # 68323649AB... happy I did those. One flap on the old ones was going and I like the revised surround design to keep water out.

I had an issue with the winch not working - found a rotted-out pin on the remote connector. Got a connector from Lordco and made a fix then packed both ends with dielectric grease to avoid a repeat...

Tightened the cable nut on the starter - the truck randomly wouldn't start one day... love these forums though!

Third brake light gasket fix... Home Depot had the EPDM weather stripping.

Now for my current issues, and what else people can suggest adding...

I'm working on determining the tick... I think it's exhaust headers. Will post a video later if I haven't confirmed it or need help...
I have a vibration between 94-104 KM/HR that I can feel in the steering wheel. Tires are cheaper Nexen brand from the previous owner so maybe that's it?

After I changed the diff fluid in the rear, I did about 1000 KM and checked the plug... lots of fresh fine shavings. Will keep an eye one this.. seemed more than I'd like to see.

There's a reman tranny installed by the dealer at 60,*** KMS, and then a new shift solenoid done at 82,*** KMS. I know these 66RFE transmissions have issues... I ordered a Next Gen Drivetrains DIY 4.0 kit to install but returned it because it would certainly void my 3-year warranty if tranny went. Has anyone heard of these guys or have any thoughts? I am aiming to install this once the warranty is up... NEXT GEN DIY KIT 4.0


Recalls are all caught up, although I'll be reaching out to Ram Cares about the track bar "fix" with the welds. Does anyone know if they service customers in Canada?

Aiming to do the spark plugs and boots next...

So... thoughts? What's next!? These forums helped me catch a lot of little quirks with these trucks and I'm looking to fix anything I've missed.

Thanks!



A few "fun" things I did, painted the RAM badge black on the front. Got a new WARN pull strap for the winch cable clasp. Bison hard tri-fold tonneau cover and a ratcheting cargo bar.

 

[buckeyexx]

Nice truck. I was having the same shutter in my rear end until I changed my fluid with Amsoil severe gear. What is odd is that it only had about 9k since last fluid change. I had metal shavings on my plug as well after I changed it but I think it was from where I cleaned my locker magnet. I checked it twice after oil change and now it is clean.

 

[Travelin Ram]

That’s a lot of excellent work.

Redline notwithstanding, I’d change oil at 50% or so on the oil life monitor. Contaminants exist and circulate in increasing amounts between oil changes, no matter what oil they’re circulating in.

K&N I wouldn’t do, especially if you drive in dirt or dust.

 

[PowaaaWagoon]

Nice truck. I was having the same shutter in my rear end until I changed my fluid with Amsoil severe gear. What is odd is that it only had about 9k since last fluid change. I had metal shavings on my plug as well after I changed it but I think it was from where I cleaned my locker magnet. I checked it twice after oil change and now it is clean.

Thanks!

9K miles or kms? Either way that’s not much… I’ll know what it is next time it happens / if it does before my next fluid change. That’s another debate of interval for that haha.

Good point on the diff magnet, I’ll poke in there again tomorrow and see how it looks.

 

[PowaaaWagoon]

That’s a lot of excellent work.

Redline notwithstanding, I’d change oil at 50% or so on the oil life monitor. Contaminants exist and circulate in increasing amounts between oil changes, no matter what oil they’re circulating in.

K&N I wouldn’t do, especially if you drive in dirt or dust.

That’s a fair point, I’ll keep an eye on where that oil life monitor is next oil change at 116,000km. (Another 5000mi / 8000km), I’d rather do more frequent changes and save the engine.

I’ve heard so many mixed reviews on the K&N… I just just be used to the old sales pitch on them but I dive deeper in threads with guys swearing on cheap paper more often than oiled k&n. Not good for the newer engines / sensors? Maybe I’ll rip that outta there…

 

[4xdad]

Rear shocks on my 2015 pw. To say its apita is a bit of an understatement. The nuts on the top of the shaft was rusted solid. And you have to remove the inner fender liner to get at the top of the shock. Sawzall and a metal cutting blade to the rescue. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Up graded to 5100s no more rocking down the road nice and smooth now

 

[Flammable_Solid]

I just replaced the upper cowl that covers the windshield wiper movement assembly, as mine was falling apart on the soft pieces on the edges. Not difficult, but definitely get or make a puller for the windshield wipers, as anything else is just going to mess them up.

 

[thkbaron]

Recently purchased a 2018 Power Wagon in Flame Red with 99,8XX KM, now at 108,3XX KM. Thanks to this forum, I've managed to do lots of the recommended fixes or upgrades but wanted to document my progress so far and see what else I can add to my to-do list and maintenance routine.

Engine oil changes every 8,000 KM with Redline synthetic 5W30 engine oil with WIX 57060XP filter. Also, grease the driveshaft and add fuel system treatment/cleaner to the tank.
Redline 75W90NS gear oil for the front and rear diffs. Cleaned off the locker magnets. I posted a comment on another thread here that the rear fluid change actually fixed a shudder I was experiencing when reversing slowly with wheels turned full lock either way.
Redline C+ ATF for the transmission with WIX 57055XP spin-on filter (wire wheel paint off) + hex internal metal filter adapter, and Mopar sump filter 0501347AE. Also got the Ultra Power (Rock Auto house brand) pan with drain plug # 265870, the same as Dorman.
Redline C+ ATF for the transfer case.
K&N engine air filter and cabin air filter.

Gates serpentine belt #K060795, Dayco idler # DY89133, Gates tensioner # ZO3823
Bosch Ceramic brake pads, front and rear.
New cab exhausters # 68323649AB... happy I did those. One flap on the old ones was going and I like the revised surround design to keep water out.

I had an issue with the winch not working - found a rotted-out pin on the remote connector. Got a connector from Lordco and made a fix then packed both ends with dielectric grease to avoid a repeat...

Tightened the cable nut on the starter - the truck randomly wouldn't start one day... love these forums though!

Third brake light gasket fix... Home Depot had the EPDM weather stripping.

Now for my current issues, and what else people can suggest adding...

I'm working on determining the tick... I think it's exhaust headers. Will post a video later if I haven't confirmed it or need help...
I have a vibration between 94-104 KM/HR that I can feel in the steering wheel. Tires are cheaper Nexen brand from the previous owner so maybe that's it?

After I changed the diff fluid in the rear, I did about 1000 KM and checked the plug... lots of fresh fine shavings. Will keep an eye one this.. seemed more than I'd like to see.

There's a reman tranny installed by the dealer at 60,*** KMS, and then a new shift solenoid done at 82,*** KMS. I know these 66RFE transmissions have issues... I ordered a Next Gen Drivetrains DIY 4.0 kit to install but returned it because it would certainly void my 3-year warranty if tranny went. Has anyone heard of these guys or have any thoughts? I am aiming to install this once the warranty is up... NEXT GEN DIY KIT 4.0


Recalls are all caught up, although I'll be reaching out to Ram Cares about the track bar "fix" with the welds. Does anyone know if they service customers in Canada?

Aiming to do the spark plugs and boots next...

So... thoughts? What's next!? These forums helped me catch a lot of little quirks with these trucks and I'm looking to fix anything I've missed.

Thanks!



A few "fun" things I did, painted the RAM badge black on the front. Got a new WARN pull strap for the winch cable clasp. Bison hard tri-fold tonneau cover and a ratcheting cargo bar.

Just pull the trigger and buy the replacement track bar on eBay. The new design cost me 130 bucks. It’s not worth fighting to get it for free.

 

[PowaaaWagoon]

Just pull the trigger and buy the replacement track bar on eBay. The new design cost me 130 bucks. It’s not worth fighting to get it for free.

I was aware of the drag link recall and was about to go down the path of getting a new one from the dealer to replace the weld job they had already done to call it done…

Is there something similar with the track bar?

 

[PowaaaWagoon]

Update on my K&N… it’s gone. Went ahead with putting a WIX filter in.