Seeing that Power Wagon haul ass and catch air in person was incredible. Really makes the case that more folks should consider a full size for offroad if they're carrying a lot of gear and want to stay within GVWR.
As a 99.999% on-road driver, this video was immensely helpful. I was convinced for some reason that I needed to purchase Carli's best (most expensive) king package. The base 2.5" 2.0 leveling package with the optional sway bar is clearly all I need. I'll be avoiding the back country package after everything I've heard and read. I don't want sloppy, soft, or bouncy.
Thank you so much for your comparison on these Carli offerings. Have a 03 RAM 3500 with a mix of Carli and Thuren components all around. You have helped me narrow it down to the Back Country setup for my daily and off road needs as the next upgrade this summer. You all Rock 🤙🤙🤙
Great Review of Shock packages. I have my 08 2500 Cummins at one of the approved Carli Dealers setting my truck up with a pintop kit, rear progressive springs and long travel air bags. They pretty much said exactly what you said. I would have loved to get the dominator shocks but it made no sense that I only drive the vehicle on weekends and it sits most of the time. Thank you for the detailed review..
I have a 2006 Ram 2500 with 2.5 King pin tops with Carly 6-in Lift Progressive rate Springs in the front and Progressive rate leaf springs in the rear with no bump stops for about 3 months and never had a problem with bottoming out the 2.5 pin tops and I went to the sand dunes a couple times like that. But ended up getting Daystar Stinger bump stops for the front and rear before I went to Glamis and the Daystar bump stops collapsed sit an inch and a half further then a stock 3 inch Bump Stop. All I can say is the 2.5 King shock package is the best purchase I've ever made when it comes to shocks!!
@13:18 the shock tower flex 😮 what I got from this is on a Powerwagon without large amounts of weight added to the truck, the Fox 2.0 is where it's at. Currently on Thuren spec 5100's and it's just too firm.
I currently have the backcountry paired with the full deavers on a 3.5 kit. And don’t love the ride. I feel like there is some slop as you described, specifically cornering, accelerating, and it feels like it’s constantly rebounding. However I am afraid the pintop will be too stiff. Have you all played with pairing any off the shelve shocks with the Carli springs? “Custom tuning” is the big selling point, but I don’t know if that tuning is really perfect for me. I’m wondering if you all have played with pairing some off the shelve shocks, like maybe adjustable ones etc., with the Carli springs and found good options.
The performance degrades over time, the more heat cycles they see. For some people with daily driven trucks that rarely see the dirt, let alone dirt at higher speeds, the shocks will remain in pretty good shape for 30-50k miles. And even at that point, they'll still 'work' fine. Others that run their truck hard multiple times a month in the dirt, should rebuild sooner than 50k, and those shocks will be noticeably squishier. They still 'work' but at probably 50% of what they should be.
Thank you for the very informative video. I do have one question I can’t seem to find an answer to anywhere. Should I also upgrade the fifth shock above the rear differential?
Ah, the power hop damper. Many of us removed that once we got a full new suspension including new rear coils and track bar. If you're staying near stock suspension, it'll last 100k+ miles
You didn't mention how the King 3.0 handles the asphalt. You said it would be wasteful if you bought those shocks for comfortable road driving alone, but for some it wouldn't be wasteful. I'd like a comfortable on-road experience, with the ability to off-road on rough back roads. I'm seriously considering this shock with a new front coils (2024 RAM Laramie 2500 diesel). Also, would adding the Carli sway bar and steering stabilizers helps firm up on-road driving with these 3.0 shocks?
@@ShockSurplus I went back and read the transcript and yes, you said the 3.0s are pillowy, plush and luxurious. I may be wrong, but most people watching these videos are not looking to spend many thousands on new suspensions solely for a luxurious street ride. If that were the case, they could just switch out your sway bar and save thousands. Or go for the lowest end Carli leveling system. But most people watching, including me, want the best of both while keeping cost in mind, but not making cost the ultimate arbiter. We want to soften up the super stiff factory suspension and be able to get really good performance both on and off road. While your video helped, I'm not sure if I'm any closer to deciding whether to install a Carli leveling kit or just switching out the traction bar and shocks and calling it a day. Not many, if any, of these UA-cam reviews mention whether new springs are needed. Covering these issues in a future video would be really helpful.
Unless I missed it, I feel it is important to talk about how absolute crap the fox warranty is as well as how the fox shocks fall apart after one winter in Canada. There’s a lot of shops in Alberta that I have talked to that absolutely refused to sell fox products because they are tired of trying to warranty them.
that'll depend on which vehicle application, we've seen big differences in behavior between their foam cell products. Nitrocharger series has typically been firm on many applications we've driven, unless the vehicle has a decent load-out
you still can, we towed a 6k lb trailer no problem, and we were on really soft offroad tires (KM3), with the carli springs that are much softer than a leaf-pack setup or the diesel setups
Great video! Did you have to add the 3.0 dominator shock mounts on the Power wagon due to the wider shock body? Or did you just install with no modification? Thanks!
The review of both FOX shock packages is irrelevant anymore since they have been replace by the ICON/Carli 2.0's. They perform much to differently as well as how long they last vs the FOX 2.0's. As much as I love ICON for other applications, full size trucks is not one of them... Especially for 3/4-1 ton trucks that are heavy in the rear or do moderate to heavy towing. 2.5's will serve you much better in those applications. Look at the new FOX 2.5 HTO smooth body if you don't want to go resi and save some dollars, the 2.5 HTO perfectly fills the gap.
So whether it's the Fox 2.0 body or the Carli 2.0 body, valving is the same - you can ask dan turino at carli to verify. So still relevant, and we mentioned this in the video.
they only recently changed over towards end of last year, this review has been a few years in the making since we had to run 4 different packages, with a real life to tend to =P
Many have a huge misconception that Baja is just flat out high speed flat running the whole time. There’s hill climbs & descents along with river washes and weaving in and out of tall sage brush. The fastest sections are now on the highway
@@ShockSurplus I think (I could be wrong I'm not a professional English as a second language translator) what they were attempting to ask was what kind of setup among the available options would be most akin to or serviceable in a Baja/Dakar race scenario in terms of what is available off the shelf.
Seeing that Power Wagon haul ass and catch air in person was incredible. Really makes the case that more folks should consider a full size for offroad if they're carrying a lot of gear and want to stay within GVWR.
This was the most informative video I've seen and thanks for the info for sure!!
As a 99.999% on-road driver, this video was immensely helpful. I was convinced for some reason that I needed to purchase Carli's best (most expensive) king package. The base 2.5" 2.0 leveling package with the optional sway bar is clearly all I need. I'll be avoiding the back country package after everything I've heard and read. I don't want sloppy, soft, or bouncy.
glad it could help! subscribe and check out some of our other vids on similar topics
I mean some of those speed bumps are getting out of hand 😂
Thank you so much for your comparison on these Carli offerings. Have a 03 RAM 3500 with a mix of Carli and Thuren components all around. You have helped me narrow it down to the Back Country setup for my daily and off road needs as the next upgrade this summer. You all Rock 🤙🤙🤙
glad we could help! you wont be disappointed, tag us when you're on the trail! =)
Great Review of Shock packages. I have my 08 2500 Cummins at one of the approved Carli Dealers setting my truck up with a pintop kit, rear progressive springs and long travel air bags. They pretty much said exactly what you said. I would have loved to get the dominator shocks but it made no sense that I only drive the vehicle on weekends and it sits most of the time. Thank you for the detailed review..
glad it helped! maybe some day the dominator or e-venture will make sense
I have a 2006 Ram 2500 with 2.5 King pin tops with Carly 6-in Lift Progressive rate Springs in the front and Progressive rate leaf springs in the rear with no bump stops for about 3 months and never had a problem with bottoming out the 2.5 pin tops and I went to the sand dunes a couple times like that. But ended up getting Daystar Stinger bump stops for the front and rear before I went to Glamis and the Daystar bump stops collapsed sit an inch and a half further then a stock 3 inch Bump Stop. All I can say is the 2.5 King shock package is the best purchase I've ever made when it comes to shocks!!
love to hear it, thanks for the feedback. Subscribe, we've got more coming for the Rams
@13:18 the shock tower flex 😮 what I got from this is on a Powerwagon without large amounts of weight added to the truck, the Fox 2.0 is where it's at. Currently on Thuren spec 5100's and it's just too firm.
The Fox 2.0 will be a big difference from those, in our experience
I currently have the backcountry paired with the full deavers on a 3.5 kit. And don’t love the ride. I feel like there is some slop as you described, specifically cornering, accelerating, and it feels like it’s constantly rebounding. However I am afraid the pintop will be too stiff. Have you all played with pairing any off the shelve shocks with the Carli springs? “Custom tuning” is the big selling point, but I don’t know if that tuning is really perfect for me. I’m wondering if you all have played with pairing some off the shelve shocks, like maybe adjustable ones etc., with the Carli springs and found good options.
Great video. Could you touch on the maintenance/ rebuild schedule for the Kings? Thank you
The performance degrades over time, the more heat cycles they see. For some people with daily driven trucks that rarely see the dirt, let alone dirt at higher speeds, the shocks will remain in pretty good shape for 30-50k miles. And even at that point, they'll still 'work' fine. Others that run their truck hard multiple times a month in the dirt, should rebuild sooner than 50k, and those shocks will be noticeably squishier. They still 'work' but at probably 50% of what they should be.
King Shocks service timing, not the same for everyone!
RAM 1500 w/ Carli 2.5 Performance. Hits pot holes soooo hard.
2.5s aren't very forgiving unless specifically tuned to be, carli's tunes usually lean into performance more-so than comfort.
Currently have the commuter but am definitely going king 2.5 pintop saving up some coin.
love to hear it, we provide shock service credit with any king shock kit purchase, hit us up when you're ready
and if so what do you thank of them
Thank you for the very informative video. I do have one question I can’t seem to find an answer to anywhere. Should I also upgrade the fifth shock above the rear differential?
Ah, the power hop damper. Many of us removed that once we got a full new suspension including new rear coils and track bar. If you're staying near stock suspension, it'll last 100k+ miles
What about the Eventure system?
not available for the power wagon, we've been in numerous eventure kits, Sean likes them better than the King 2.5s
You didn't mention how the King 3.0 handles the asphalt. You said it would be wasteful if you bought those shocks for comfortable road driving alone, but for some it wouldn't be wasteful. I'd like a comfortable on-road experience, with the ability to off-road on rough back roads. I'm seriously considering this shock with a new front coils (2024 RAM Laramie 2500 diesel).
Also, would adding the Carli sway bar and steering stabilizers helps firm up on-road driving with these 3.0 shocks?
i did say a couple times that the 3.0s are the most comfortable on the highway.
@@ShockSurplus I went back and read the transcript and yes, you said the 3.0s are pillowy, plush and luxurious. I may be wrong, but most people watching these videos are not looking to spend many thousands on new suspensions solely for a luxurious street ride. If that were the case, they could just switch out your sway bar and save thousands. Or go for the lowest end Carli leveling system. But most people watching, including me, want the best of both while keeping cost in mind, but not making cost the ultimate arbiter. We want to soften up the super stiff factory suspension and be able to get really good performance both on and off road.
While your video helped, I'm not sure if I'm any closer to deciding whether to install a Carli leveling kit or just switching out the traction bar and shocks and calling it a day. Not many, if any, of these UA-cam reviews mention whether new springs are needed. Covering these issues in a future video would be really helpful.
Real one for driving like that 🦍
cheers
Bro jumping a truck that weighs a building did it for me🤣😂
Unless I missed it, I feel it is important to talk about how absolute crap the fox warranty is as well as how the fox shocks fall apart after one winter in Canada. There’s a lot of shops in Alberta that I have talked to that absolutely refused to sell fox products because they are tired of trying to warranty them.
yes that's one unfortunate issue with Fox and others, the warranty, and general longevity of the shock. 1 yr isn't enough for most consumers
Has anyone been able to find a link to the 2.5 verse 3.0 video? If you have, can you please reply with a link?
We haven’t gotten it out, kinda forgot about it!
@@ShockSurplus I can't speak for anyone else, but I sure would love to see it.
Does it make a huge difference on the Cummins platform vs the hemi? On shock selection?
No, the valving in the gas engines has been modified specifically for gas engines, to perform the same as the cummins engines.
@@ShockSurplus awesome thank you
@@Sdukes001The only difference is diesel weighs slightly more than the hemi
Sooo, watched the whole video, no mention of E-Venture.
We ran out of room, and didn't feel good talking about it, sorry.
have you tryed this yet 2014-2024 2500/PW Fox 2.5 DSC Shocks F/R Kit
SKU: 14U2500PW-FOX25KIT-THUCLS
Nitrocharger sports plus vs Ironman form cell which one is best ?
that'll depend on which vehicle application, we've seen big differences in behavior between their foam cell products. Nitrocharger series has typically been firm on many applications we've driven, unless the vehicle has a decent load-out
would you still tow with the 3.0 like an rv?
you still can, we towed a 6k lb trailer no problem, and we were on really soft offroad tires (KM3), with the carli springs that are much softer than a leaf-pack setup or the diesel setups
Great video! Did you have to add the 3.0 dominator shock mounts on the Power wagon due to the wider shock body? Or did you just install with no modification? Thanks!
i woluld like to watch on your channel info about tugh dog suspension!
haven't heard of em! where are they located
The review of both FOX shock packages is irrelevant anymore since they have been replace by the ICON/Carli 2.0's. They perform much to differently as well as how long they last vs the FOX 2.0's.
As much as I love ICON for other applications, full size trucks is not one of them... Especially for 3/4-1 ton trucks that are heavy in the rear or do moderate to heavy towing. 2.5's will serve you much better in those applications. Look at the new FOX 2.5 HTO smooth body if you don't want to go resi and save some dollars, the 2.5 HTO perfectly fills the gap.
So whether it's the Fox 2.0 body or the Carli 2.0 body, valving is the same - you can ask dan turino at carli to verify. So still relevant, and we mentioned this in the video.
Pretty out dated video, they no longer use Fox shocks ..... FYI
they only recently changed over towards end of last year, this review has been a few years in the making since we had to run 4 different packages, with a real life to tend to =P
2:24 at the very beginning of the video he literally says one caveat is that Carli has their own shocks now. Where were your eyes and ears???
@@StVick $5 says the comment was rabidly typed before getting two minutes into the video in standard basement troll fashion. 🎉
Most people think like Dakar or Baja RUN
how set up & how much
Many have a huge misconception that Baja is just flat out high speed flat running the whole time. There’s hill climbs & descents along with river washes and weaving in and out of tall sage brush. The fastest sections are now on the highway
not sure your question here
@@ShockSurplus I think (I could be wrong I'm not a professional English as a second language translator) what they were attempting to ask was what kind of setup among the available options would be most akin to or serviceable in a Baja/Dakar race scenario in terms of what is available off the shelf.