Review: Thuren 3in system w/King 2.5 Shocks

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Rick Ram-jet

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Big Bear Lake Ca
Ram Year
2016 2500 4x4 CC / LB
Engine
6.4 L
It`s been a few months since the install so I thought that I would share my thoughts...
2016 Ram, Hemi, Crew Cab, Long bed, 4x4, Kanati Trail hogs 35x12.5 on factory 20`s
First, it was a little frustrating communicating with Thuren as they don`t answer phone calls, I did my communication via email, however it would have taken a lot less time to cover everything (questions,pricing, lead time, etc with a short phone call!) Not a deal breaker but as a small business owner myself I felt the need to point this out!
I ordered the 3in system (f/r springs, f/r track bars, assorted brackets along with 2.5 King shocks stage 2 valving)
HEIGHT: As expected, 3in in the front and with the new rear springs the truck sits level...
RIDE: Is considerably improved on road (tire pressures are a critical part of the formula for the best ride possible, especially if you run 20`s 48f 40r in my case.)
This system does not completely eliminate the feel from sharp bumps,potholes, etc, but it does take "a lot of the edge off" sharp impacts, I`m sure the taller sidewalls of an 17 or 18 in tire/rims would help a great deal as well. Ride over freeway expansion joints is also greatly improved, unfortunately there is a section of freeway at the bottom of our mountain the is sooo bad even this system doesn`t eliminate the rear hopping.
These springs are considerably softer than the oem`s, by my observation, any weight approaching 450+ pounds will cause a slight "nose-up" stance, weight or not, you will need to re-adjust your headlights or suffer the endless flashing from other cars, this should be expected with any lift/level.
Thuren recommends Firestone air bags w/Daystar cradles in the rear if you plan to run heavy weight or tow heavy with their system, off-road function is affected slightly but not that much according to Thuren !
I will probably add them eventually as I occasionally haul my Harley bagger and look to get a travel trailer in the future.
OFF ROAD: Here is where this system really showed the improvements, gravel/forrest roads traveled at 15mph with oem springs would jolt the crap out of you (yes while aired down to 28psi) now with the Thuren system/King shocks on these same roads can be traveled at 35+mph with "a huge improvement in ride" in fact you probably would not even attempt these speeds with a stock system due to the harsh ride...
Seems like this system really smooths out the off-road terrain, I expect the ride to be even better when I change out the 20`s for 17 or 18in rims...
CONCLUSION: I felt this system was money well spent (a much better value compared to a comparable Carli system.) It is a well engineered system that greatly improves pretty much all areas of the truck.
COSTS: I`ll let you contact Thuren for system pricing since there are several variables, installation in my area at a local jeep/4x4 shop was around $1,100.00 incld tax.
 
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Rick Ram-jet

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 8, 2018
Posts
215
Reaction score
194
Location
Big Bear Lake Ca
Ram Year
2016 2500 4x4 CC / LB
Engine
6.4 L
It`s been a few months since the install so I thought that I would share my thoughts...
2016 Ram, Hemi, Crew Cab, Long bed, 4x4, Kanati Trail hogs 35x12.5 on factory 20`s
First, it was a little frustrating communicating with Thuren as they don`t answer phone calls, I did my communication via email, however it would have taken a lot less time to cover everything (questions,pricing, lead time, etc with a short phone call!) Not a deal breaker but as a small business owner myself I felt the need to point this out!
I ordered the 3in system (f/r springs, f/r track bars, assorted brackets along with 2.5 King shocks stage 2 valving)
HEIGHT: As expected, 3in in the front and with the new rear springs the truck sits level...
RIDE: Is considerably improved on road (tire pressures are a critical part of the formula for the best ride possible, especially if you run 20`s 48f 40r in my case.)
This system does not completely eliminate the feel from sharp bumps,potholes, etc, but it does take "a lot of the edge off" sharp impacts, I`m sure the taller sidewalls of an 17 or 18 in tire/rims would help a great deal as well. Ride over freeway expansion joints is also greatly improved, unfortunately there is a section of freeway at the bottom of our mountain the is sooo bad even this system doesn`t eliminate the rear hopping.
These springs are considerably softer than the oem`s, by my observation, any weight approaching 450+ pounds will cause a slight "nose-up" stance, weight or not, you will need to re-adjust your headlights or suffer the endless flashing from other cars, this should be expected with any lift/level.
Thuren recommends Firestone air bags w/Daystar cradles in the rear if you plan to run heavy weight or tow heavy with their system, off-road function is affected slightly but not that much according to Thuren !
I will probably add them eventually as I occasionally haul my Harley bagger and look to get a travel trailer in the future.
OFF ROAD: Here is where this system really showed the improvements, gravel/forrest roads traveled at 15mph with oem springs would jolt the crap out of you (yes while aired down to 28psi) now with the Thuren system/King shocks on these same roads can be traveled at 35+mph with "a huge improvement in ride" in fact you probably would not even attempt these speeds with a stock system due to the harsh ride...
Seems like this system really smooths out the off-road terrain, I expect the ride to be even better when I change out the 20`s for 17 or 18in rims...
CONCLUSION: I felt this system was money well spent (a much better value compared to a comparable Carli system.) It is a well engineered system that greatly improves pretty much all areas of the truck.
COSTS: I`ll let you contact Thuren for system pricing since there are several variables, installation in my area at a local jeep/4x4 shop was around $1,100.00 incld tax.
EDIT: I almost forgot to mention the greatly increased articulation this suspension system provides off road, much more flexible and yet with both front and read Thuren track bars the truck corners just as flat as stock on road, no sway or tippiness usually associated with flexible straight axel suspensions....
 

G. Mcpherson

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Vancouver, Wa.
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2023 Ram 2500 CC SB Tradesman
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6.7 Cummins
Good review! I have the complete Thuren system and am going to install the 2.5 Kings on the front this week. Already have the 2.5 on the rear. Stage 2+ on both.
 

Dawizman

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Alberta
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5.7L Hemi
Glad to hear you're happy with the system. I'm also considering a similar package for my 2016 3500 cummins. I've spoken to Thuren (I emailed first, but Chris insisted on giving me a call), and he really recommended the King 2.5s and sticking with factory leafs for my application, as I have a permanent ~1200lb load on the truck, and often jack that up to ~2500 with either a couple sleds, or a heavy bumper pull trailer.

Have you towed anything with the new system yet?

How long did you have to wait?
 

G. Mcpherson

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2023 Ram 2500 CC SB Tradesman
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6.7 Cummins
Got my Front Kings on yesterday. Now that they are on all 4 corners it is really nice. Stage 2+20180901_124613.jpg
 
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Rick Ram-jet

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 8, 2018
Posts
215
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194
Location
Big Bear Lake Ca
Ram Year
2016 2500 4x4 CC / LB
Engine
6.4 L
Glad to hear you're happy with the system. I'm also considering a similar package for my 2016 3500 cummins. I've spoken to Thuren (I emailed first, but Chris insisted on giving me a call), and he really recommended the King 2.5s and sticking with factory leafs for my application, as I have a permanent ~1200lb load on the truck, and often jack that up to ~2500 with either a couple sleds, or a heavy bumper pull trailer.

Have you towed anything with the new system yet?

How long did you have to wait?

Wait time on King shocks is around 5 weeks if I remember correctly!
I`ve only towed my pontoon boat (aprox 3700lbs w/trailer) about a mile to the launch ramp, had a little squat with the Thuren set-up, I would add air bags if I towed/hauled heavy, the bags shouldn`t affect off-road performance much according to Thuren....
 

G. Mcpherson

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2023 Ram 2500 CC SB Tradesman
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6.7 Cummins
As of now Thuren is stocking some Kings. Best to call and see. The Set I was able to get for the rear he said were 2+ and extra rebound for towing.
 

Dawizman

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As of now Thuren is stocking some Kings. Best to call and see. The Set I was able to get for the rear he said were 2+ and extra rebound for towing.
Those are the 2.5s you have? Springs front & rear?
 

G. Mcpherson

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2023 Ram 2500 CC SB Tradesman
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6.7 Cummins
Yes 2.5 stage 2. 2" front coils and 1" rear coils
 

pwjouster

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South Florida
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2018
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6.4 Hemi
There is no wait for Thuren...because any wait, is always worth it.

I never once had an issue with communication, other then being patient for a return call or email. as you said, small business owner, who may have received extremely heavy demand, but needs not change the 1 on 1 dealings with each patient. i thoroughly enjoyed the process, and believe Thuren will always be there for you.



and please match this system up with 17 or 18s for true potential and road imperfection soaking ability.
the trailwhale will out drive anyone on 20s with my system. no benefit to those except towing and mileage of course....not PW related
 
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