UPDATE: Fox Suspension on the way

[rgrbobbyedwards]

Did you so the agliment per Thuren specs?

I did.

 

[rgrbobbyedwards]

This was a pretty straight forward project with a lot of high hopes going into it and a ton of lessons learned. Long story short, blew a OEM Bilstein exactly a week before our week long annual family camping trip. I went from just replacing the single shock, to then only doing all 4 shocks, to going with what took place: Shocks, Spring’s and King stabilizer. Thuren pushed me their stuff very quickly along with Poly Performace. And now that this phase is done, I have a feeling I’m only getting started @ 79,000 miles.

 

[rgrbobbyedwards]

Utilized paver blocks to get the jack stands enough lift in order to provide enough droop for the front axle.

 

[Dinky]

now that this phase is done, I have a feeling I’m only getting started @ 79,000 miles.

You opened the bottle might as well throw the cap away now... lmao. How is the ride difference?

 

[rgrbobbyedwards]

Disconnected the sway bar, dropped the axle and began ripping out the stock shocks and coils. Pretty straight forward. Just have to play around with the axle height in order for the bottom bolts of the shocks to come out and go back in smoothly. Also, made sure we didn’t allow the axle to go too far as we didn’t remove any brake lines.

 

[rgrbobbyedwards]

Heavy duty pry bar from harbor Frieght helped to pop out the stock coils. Thurens went right in.

 

[rgrbobbyedwards]

Everything went right in. One thing that helped with the top stem nuts for the shocks was completely removing the liners.

 

[rgrbobbyedwards]

Thuren states Passenger side coils will have a natural bow.

 

[rgrbobbyedwards]

Talked to a few different folks about issues with the reservoirs being mounted with the provided clamp from fox. Was told guys put them up out the way as a preference but not necessary. As you can see, it is necessary. Was ultimately able to position them to make me comfortable driving it until the reservoir mounts from Thuren arrive. However at full lock, they hit. This question was asked and got a vague answer or I’d otherwise would have had them come in with the coils and be done with it right now.

 

[rgrbobbyedwards]

Pretty clean look I think.

 

[rgrbobbyedwards]

Removed the rear liners. Disconnected sway bar links, track bar, traction shock and went to work.

Biggest pain in this whole project was honestly the liners!

For the rear coils, it was recommended that the bottom coil pad’s stopper be faced to the rear and that the coils are placed in matching positions.

 

[rgrbobbyedwards]

Rear done

 

[rgrbobbyedwards]

Well, almost! Finally got the spare 35” back in place. It’s been cruising around in the bed since discount tire couldn’t get it in there! Check out the 1/4” gap from the traction bar. Any concerns there? Tire is deflated to 25 psi.

 

[rgrbobbyedwards]

Finished up with the stabilizer that arrived today.

 

[rgrbobbyedwards]

My thoughts…if I could do it all over again, I would have just replaced the one OEM Bilstein that blew out or maybe both up front and did more research before trying this “mix match” system with 2 days to spare until our camping trip.

I have no issues with the power wagon stock suspension but always an advocate for finding “better” or the “best”.

With that said, the front 2.0 adjustable remote resi’s with Thuren 1/2” front coils and the stabilizer feel buttery smooth. I have the shocks dialed on setting 5 for now and will continue to experiment within the 10 settings/clicks.

I’m undecided about the rear. My initial thought is I’m going to have to change something back there. Whether that’s selling these rear 2.0’s (2-3.5” lift model) and trying Thurens tuned rears or going to something different all together. There’s been times where I feel like it’s smooth but more often than not, I feel like it’s too stiff or harsh.

With all that being said, there is definitely a difference from stock in a good way. Overall it’s tighter, rides smoother and feels better.

I’ll post more updates during/after the camping trip and as time goes on.

Thuren remote reservoir mounting brackets are next. I’d like to put their front and rear track bars as well if it’ll make a noticeable difference. From here, Baja designs fog light kit, rear S2 kit, Borla S type exhaust, and either AFE or SB intake.

 

[Dinky]

@rgrbobbyedwards

Drive it off a curb and see if you can tell a difference. Some bumps on the road are Just sharp and rude. Going with thuren tuned shocks will probably make a difference but you should see substantial differences over stock now.

 

[olyelr]

All them pics and not one of the whole truck all done ?!


Looking good though….aside from that dent in the rear bumper LOL

 

[rgrbobbyedwards]

All them pics and not one of the whole truck all done ?!


Looking good though….aside from that dent in the rear bumper LOL

I’ll square you away tomorrow Rooster!

 

[rgrbobbyedwards]

@rgrbobbyedwards

Drive it off a curb and see if you can tell a difference. Some bumps on the road are Just sharp and rude. Going with thuren tuned shocks will probably make a difference but you should see substantial differences over stock now.

Just around the corner is a significant low lying bridge at the bottom of a steep hill. Usually would go over it around 35-40. Hit it last night at 60 and she ate it up clean! Then 2 miles later a steep embankment rolling up and over into a field. Yanked it off the road and went up and over and back down around 50. Felt great. Wife wasn’t happy. Blamed it on Top Gun that we were coming back from!!!

 

[olyelr]

Bahahahhahahahah LOL