tcedgar8
Member
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2020
- Messages
- 51
- Reaction score
- 67
Hey guys Just recently installed a pile of parts for my 19 3500 w factory air. Full list of installed parts is as follows
- Thuren 2.25 coils
- Thuren track bar
- King Steering stabilizer
- ready lift 1" rear lift block
- TAXDA 1" airbag spacer
- Thuren Swaybar
- Bilstein 5160 bypass in front
- Bilstein 5100 Rear( couldn't find 5160 rears)
I wasn't sold on Fox's 2.0 for the price so I went with Bilstein honesty really like the shocks for the money!! Active rate swaybar again great investment cant go wrong with it I've have this product on two trucks now and its a good product. The Front coils and track bar great qualify product and ride quality. I was not blown away at the performance of the King steering stabilizer, didn't notice a massive improvement over stock but still a nice product if you're needing to upgrade. A Carli low mount might be better since it gives you the adjustability. That said a 15 min install for the king is hard to beat, no tweaking or having to get a charge kit if you don't already have one. Air bag spacer was another relatively easy install with a product the is well designed and eastly installed. Note* I did run my truck for a couple weeks with out the bag spacer its wonky and the guys that have dealt with the Factory air and suspension adjustments will know unless your geometry is correct its messed up. Once installing it was prob two adjustments to get it good enough. Thuren shackles again great product, I love anything that is greaseable and serviceable. I didn't notice the flex or ride change some folks did with new shackles but factor air is a big factor.
The rear end is meh at the end of the day. Kinda tough to have the increased payload with air bags and a soft ride. I say this because air bags should be slightly inflated to avoid damage during normal suspension travel. I've adjusted my ride height sensors and had it reasonably deflated. its funny because I can slam over almost anything and the front will soak up bumps ruts you name it. but depending on how sharp the bump is the back hits hard. Might play with the sensors again I got it good enough and returned to life of the family man/ business owner.
I seem to remember a video or blog post where Don Thuren talks about "don't be nice to our products" basically put it to the test and I took that to heart. I picked a off 4x4 trail in an area I'd been when i had my Canam side by sides. It was a 60 km round trip 80% really easy last 20% was river crossings, boulders ice walks banks etc.. Other than smashing my home made intercooler guard it was a good time. I got to test my truck out in a Varity of terrains and speeds. the truck was great and I was not gentle( but also not abusive its my favorite truck) I previously had a 2013 2500 Megacab diesel with a mix of Carli and Thuren parts. so I can say I prefer my newer truck but also had airbags in the 13' and add a leaf. the rear end was choppy in that sucker. I also had entry level Carli shocks which are not meant to be anything more than you pay for.
My list of to do's is evolving as many of ours are, Id like to tune in the rear end. I had the thought to do the Daystar air bag cradle and see if that makes the differences. I'm sure it will get a lot more axle flex but not necessarily improve rear ride quality. The next major upgrade will be either 37x12.5R18s so I can really feel cool or Chassis unlimited Octane winch bumper since my factory bumper is showing some wear ( rock chips smashed it off a rock) you know. Additionally planning on upgrading to King 2.5s once Bilstein's leak or i happen to have 4k burning a hole in my pocket
. Front end it tight so steering upgrades aren't currently a priority. The Radius arms from factory leave something to be desired since "as cheap as possible" is the name of the game for auto manufactures on many components. Seems to bee a few options Carli, Thuren, FFS, Firch Fab, Metalcloak. That said its prob more or less truck bling. I wont destroy a factory radius arm most likely. I have to say for those of us that spend extra money on high end products probably say its better than it is to satisfy our own doubts or heightened expectations. either way its fun and I enjoy my truck with new parts and available parts to come.
- Thuren 2.25 coils
- Thuren track bar
- King Steering stabilizer
- ready lift 1" rear lift block
- TAXDA 1" airbag spacer
- Thuren Swaybar
- Bilstein 5160 bypass in front
- Bilstein 5100 Rear( couldn't find 5160 rears)
I wasn't sold on Fox's 2.0 for the price so I went with Bilstein honesty really like the shocks for the money!! Active rate swaybar again great investment cant go wrong with it I've have this product on two trucks now and its a good product. The Front coils and track bar great qualify product and ride quality. I was not blown away at the performance of the King steering stabilizer, didn't notice a massive improvement over stock but still a nice product if you're needing to upgrade. A Carli low mount might be better since it gives you the adjustability. That said a 15 min install for the king is hard to beat, no tweaking or having to get a charge kit if you don't already have one. Air bag spacer was another relatively easy install with a product the is well designed and eastly installed. Note* I did run my truck for a couple weeks with out the bag spacer its wonky and the guys that have dealt with the Factory air and suspension adjustments will know unless your geometry is correct its messed up. Once installing it was prob two adjustments to get it good enough. Thuren shackles again great product, I love anything that is greaseable and serviceable. I didn't notice the flex or ride change some folks did with new shackles but factor air is a big factor.
The rear end is meh at the end of the day. Kinda tough to have the increased payload with air bags and a soft ride. I say this because air bags should be slightly inflated to avoid damage during normal suspension travel. I've adjusted my ride height sensors and had it reasonably deflated. its funny because I can slam over almost anything and the front will soak up bumps ruts you name it. but depending on how sharp the bump is the back hits hard. Might play with the sensors again I got it good enough and returned to life of the family man/ business owner.
I seem to remember a video or blog post where Don Thuren talks about "don't be nice to our products" basically put it to the test and I took that to heart. I picked a off 4x4 trail in an area I'd been when i had my Canam side by sides. It was a 60 km round trip 80% really easy last 20% was river crossings, boulders ice walks banks etc.. Other than smashing my home made intercooler guard it was a good time. I got to test my truck out in a Varity of terrains and speeds. the truck was great and I was not gentle( but also not abusive its my favorite truck) I previously had a 2013 2500 Megacab diesel with a mix of Carli and Thuren parts. so I can say I prefer my newer truck but also had airbags in the 13' and add a leaf. the rear end was choppy in that sucker. I also had entry level Carli shocks which are not meant to be anything more than you pay for.
My list of to do's is evolving as many of ours are, Id like to tune in the rear end. I had the thought to do the Daystar air bag cradle and see if that makes the differences. I'm sure it will get a lot more axle flex but not necessarily improve rear ride quality. The next major upgrade will be either 37x12.5R18s so I can really feel cool or Chassis unlimited Octane winch bumper since my factory bumper is showing some wear ( rock chips smashed it off a rock) you know. Additionally planning on upgrading to King 2.5s once Bilstein's leak or i happen to have 4k burning a hole in my pocket
. Front end it tight so steering upgrades aren't currently a priority. The Radius arms from factory leave something to be desired since "as cheap as possible" is the name of the game for auto manufactures on many components. Seems to bee a few options Carli, Thuren, FFS, Firch Fab, Metalcloak. That said its prob more or less truck bling. I wont destroy a factory radius arm most likely. I have to say for those of us that spend extra money on high end products probably say its better than it is to satisfy our own doubts or heightened expectations. either way its fun and I enjoy my truck with new parts and available parts to come.
