Kelli and I recently returned from a 3,400 mile trip--our first with the replacement 19,000# rear suspension. I'm happy to report that the ride and handling have really improved. Much less swaying and rolling which is surprising since I didn't change the sway bar. The ride is a little more firm but not any more harsh if that makes sense. I'm surprised that the old Torsilastic suspension still had enough strength to hold the rear up to a 32" ride height.
I initially set the rear ride height at almost 33" when I replaced the tubes knowing it would settle. After this trip it is now 31 1/2". My plan is to remove 5 shims to raise it up to 32 3/4'" ride height. Do any of you remember how long (time/miles) it took to "break in" the new tubes and how much the initial drop was? Any help or thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks.
We have the same suspension, modified by my hero, Brett Wolfe. Possibly we have that in our files. and maybe Brett will chime in. Did you change the shocks at the time of the work? The only coach I've ever driven that was smoother than ours was a Marathon/Prevost, which is saying something! ^.^d
Mike,
I left my Koni shocks on since they didn't have many miles on them.
Dave,
Can you share with us how many CB$?
GeoffH
Thankfully, the PO purchased them when the supply was thought to be drying up maybe 10 yrs ago? I have the receipt in a box somewhere, but IIRC, it was over $3K for complete rear plus shackles and hardware for the front. This stuff came with the coach and I installed it myself, so zero CBs for me! ^.^d
You really LUCKED out on this. Maybe a lottery ticket
would be in order ? ? ?
Enjoy the great new ride for several years,
Carter-
Dave,
That is fantastic, well done, enjoy your ride.
GeoffH
I agree-- with new torsilastic springs, set ride height to max spec (33") and remove shims to keep it in the 32-33" range which is factory spec.
If you have the red/brown Koni shocks, they are adjustable, so you can add more dampening on extension if you wish.
And, yes I worked with the engineers at B.F. Goodrich Aerospace Division to spec the 19,000 pound springs instead of the OE 15,000 pound springs for the U240. The 15's work fine for the U225, but the heavier Caterpillar engine and 6 speed Allison brought dry weight to near spring capacity. Following this, Foretravel ordered the 19's for replacement springs for the U240's.
& add Sumo shocks like we had done to our previous FT U225 and you will have even better ride, I'd say almost equal to the ride of an air bag system.
Loved the i225 and the u240. Rode and drove like a 02 Oshkosh ORED six bolt wheel chassis. Same feel witn air bags.