2018 Ram 3500 G56 Expedition Family Adventure Vehicle

[Kingsize24]

Where is acutune located. I already have those shocks and need them rebuilt and tuned.

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AccuTune Offroad
9448 Bond Ave,
El Cajon, CA 92021

I spoke to John Arriola. The guy was ABSOLUTELY professional in his approach. And the more information you can give him on weights, both steer and drive axle, as well as total shock length at ride height, drive type, etc; the more confidence he has on getting them tuned exactly as you want them.

 

[UglyViking]

I figured your truck was pretty heavy, but didn't realize it was at axel capacity heavy. That's pretty crazy. I don't know if I missed it but did you ever do a before and after measurement with the new bed? I'm imagining it added some weight but curious if you know roughly how much.

 

[Kingsize24]

I figured your truck was pretty heavy, but didn't realize it was at axel capacity heavy. That's pretty crazy. I don't know if I missed it but did you ever do a before and after measurement with the new bed? I'm imagining it added some weight but curious if you know roughly how much.

Yes I did. I had the camper with all my same tools, just no usable bed space anymore, hence the move to this setup. The weight increased about 1200lbs. So not ridiculously more, it was always heavy, just more so now. And yes, fully loaded with everyone in and full of water, fuel, DEF topped off, everything. It's close to at axle capacity, but luckily still under. I've moved and shifted weight and how I carry things to distribute it evenly as possible. She rolls on good still however. No issues.

I think alot of half ton and mid size are actually overweight, and was one of the reasons I picked this platform, and a 3500. Future proofing the combinations. This with the kids will be the heaviest it will ever be. But hauling 4 people and everything they want to bring adds up quickly.

 

[UglyViking]

Yes I did. I had the camper with all my same tools, just no usable bed space anymore, hence the move to this setup. The weight increased about 1200lbs. So not ridiculously more, it was always heavy, just more so now. And yes, fully loaded with everyone in and full of water, fuel, DEF topped off, everything. It's close to at axle capacity, but luckily still under. I've moved and shifted weight and how I carry things to distribute it evenly as possible. She rolls on good still however. No issues.

I think alot of half ton and mid size are actually overweight, and was one of the reasons I picked this platform, and a 3500. Future proofing the combinations. This with the kids will be the heaviest it will ever be. But hauling 4 people and everything they want to bring adds up quickly.

I think basically every single "instagram worthy" midsize is at least 150% of axle capacity. I went with a 2500 for similar reasons, except wanting to create something that leaned a bit more crawler over hauler. I do often wonder if I should have gone with a 3500, lightened the leafs, and added bags for additional weight carrying, but overall I'm pretty happy with my choice since I plan to build a flatbed but never something quite as heavy as the camper you have. I'll prob be over payload all said and done, but under axle cap, and I'm more than happy with that.

 

[Kingsize24]

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!

 

[Todd780]

Happy Hunting! Enjoy!

 

[Kingsize24]

I hope everyone here had a wonderful Christmas with their loved ones and friends. Was an absolutely wonderful time for the JAWS crew. Lots of family get togethers over 3 days.

Santa was also good to me for Christmas. Can't wait to get them on, just waiting on some mounts for the front cans since I didn't think of that. Any suggestions?

 

[Tex68w]

I am glad to see you went the route I suggested, now I just hope that it works out for you so you don't yell at me lol.

 

[ITTOG]

I am not familiar with your truck so what do you mean when you say "looking for mounts"? Are these not direct fit/replacements? Or are these add ons for improved handling?

 

[tacollie]

I have 30k miles on our Accutune Fox DSC shocks. They have been solid. I spin the knobs periodically to make sure they don't freeze up. Don't let you buddies know about them. Mine twist the knobs when I'm not looking

I don't know the shock orientation on the RAMs but on Ford one rear shock sits in front of the axle. I rigged up a guard to protect the shaft from the rocks from the front wheels. I'm pretty sure Fox makes some now.

 

[Kingsize24]

I am not familiar with your truck so what do you mean when you say "looking for mounts"? Are these not direct fit/replacements? Or are these add ons for improved handling?

The reservoir can themselves need a mount. But yes otherwise they are direct fit. There are multiple options where to mount them. I just need to pick one and go with it. Similar to the way I mounted the reservoir cans on my power wagon on the front frame. I may do similar here, or possibly up higher on the inner fender.

 

[Kingsize24]

I have 30k miles on our Accutune Fox DSC shocks. They have been solid. I spin the knobs periodically to make sure they don't freeze up. Don't let you buddies know about them. Mine twist the knobs when I'm not looking

I don't know the shock orientation on the RAMs but on Ford one rear shock sits in front of the axle. I rigged up a guard to protect the shaft from the rocks from the front wheels. I'm pretty sure Fox makes some now.

Good to hear! Ram also has an offset shock orientation. I'll look into shaft guards, that's a great suggestion. I definitely don't need impact pits ruining seals.

 

[Kingsize24]

I'm looking forward to hearing updates on difference on and off road that you notice with your new shocks. I noticed the AccuTune Off-Road stickers - can you tell us more about the process of how the tuning was selected for your rig? Is the valving linear or digressive?

In regards to mounting the reservoirs for your front shocks - AEV includes brackets in their kit. I'm not sure if they are available separately or even are the correct inner diameter, but you can check, or fabricate your own.

View attachment 864542

Well both Fox and King are generally equipped with linear valving, so that is kind of a known going into it with selecting your shock brand. Although Accutune did put in their own custom valve, it is still linear however. A few others use digressive. But it's somewhat moot with the Dual Speed Control. I can independently adjust slow and high speed compression, which will be fine with the specs sent to them. I sent them my weight at its lowest and highest. Both full compression and extension shock lengths, and they selected the bodies that fit that requirement. It's 10.5" front travel, and 12.5" rear travel. Then we spoke over the phone about driving style, etc. This truck isn't racing baja, so basically I just need good slow speed crawl stability, and the ability to tune out heavy gravel washboard, and have good overall on road stability. Once done they do their magic. I'll give my feedback, and they offer me a free revalve to dial it in. Then maybe once every 2 or 3 yrs I'll send them back in for a refresh and new oil. It's not 100% needed, but I'll just add it to the maintenance list and keep them in good order.

As for that AEV bracket, I'll definitely look into it. It seems to be in a good spot as well. Thank you!

 

[renottse]

I used these:

Fox Shox 803-02-042-Universal Reservoir Mounting Bracket​

Used center hole so self aligning, drilled into top of the spring bracket, bolted on rather than welded. Yes red loctite on nut.

30,000 miles, so far so good.

modified caps from spray can lids to keep the worst of mud from getting into the adjusters on the front shocks. Yes drain holes on the bottom.

30,000 miles, still there.



Rock guards where made by splitting some of this:



Once split and relaxed they are a mild snap fit around the body. Shape to suit and attach with band clamps (I have two so the spare is where I can find it).



Unsolicited idea…

Get some 4” wide ICS racers tape ( 4” wraps perfectly around the body diameter) and cover the body of shock. It an’t cheap but it’s cheap protection relative to the shock cost. Bonus is mud / crud doesn’t stain the body and cleaning with power washer is a breeze.

 

[Kingsize24]

I used these:

Fox Shox 803-02-042-Universal Reservoir Mounting Bracket​

View attachment 864686
Used center hole so self aligning, drilled into top of the spring bracket, bolted on rather than welded. Yes red loctite on nut.

30,000 miles, so far so good.

modified caps from spray can lids to keep the worst of mud from getting into the adjusters on the front shocks. Yes drain holes on the bottom.

30,000 miles, still there.

View attachment 864687

Rock guards where made by splitting some of this:

View attachment 864688

Once split and relaxed they are a mild snap fit around the body. Shape to suit and attach with band clamps (I have two so the spare is where I can find it).

View attachment 864689

Unsolicited idea…

Get some 4” wide ICS racers tape ( 4” wraps perfectly around the body diameter) and cover the body of shock. It an’t cheap but it’s cheap protection relative to the shock cost. Bonus is mud / crud doesn’t stain the body and cleaning with power washer is a breeze.

Love the guard idea!



I've also gotten 2 of the 3 ideas I've looked at in today. Was next day shipping from last night. I have one more coming, and I can try all 3, then decide. Funny enough, one of them was your exact mount. The third is a billet aluminum reservoir to body clamp. It should be in Wednesday.