Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Renovations => Topic started by: tothetrail on May 08, 2017, 11:45:05 am
Title: Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's
Post by: tothetrail on May 08, 2017, 11:45:05 am
Replacing what were probably the original Bilstein's was definitely a tough job, but two of us took about one full day. Definitely need more muscle than brainpower for this job. I mean it's only 16 bolts, right?
An impact and a deep 1-1/8" socket will make life much easier. A couple of the bottom bolts took about five feet of leverage to break free before the impact would work. And the two rear shocks in the rear each required removing an airline bracket to be able to fit the impact in place. Fronts were easier than rears, so suggest to start with those first.
Also, after researching about the best penetrating oil to spray on the bolts a few days prior to starting this project, found that a 50/50 mix of acetone and ATF fluid was the best mixture. Just put it in a dropper and drop onto all the bolts, you don't want that stuff sprayed on anything else. It did work well. While a couple of bolts were stuck pretty good, it was surprisingly easy to unthread these bolts that have probably been on for 15 years, especially the uppers.
And on the test drive to Costco for fuel and groceries, there was a noticeable improvement. You can especially appreciate the difference when turning out of a driveway or when going over a speed bump on just one side. The side to side sway was considerably lessened. While before, it would sway side to side about three and a half times, it was reduced to about one and a half. So much better. And even with the freeway bumps, about one and a half up and downs instead of the usual three or so.
Got them for $160 each, including tax and shipping from Utra RV Products. Since it looks like the going rate to get them installed is about $2000, I suppose you would have to decide whether the $720 is worth it to pay someone else for the labor. And I have no idea how someone could do this job by themselves. If you are very small, very agile, and very strong, I can see it. But if you are lacking even one of those qualities, it would be tough. In my case, it would have taken practically the same amount of time to just drive the coach and back forth and pay someone else to do it. So just opted to do it at home. Plus, definitely got a workout, no doubt about that.
Title: Re: Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's
Post by: toyman on May 08, 2017, 11:56:03 am
My FT has FSD's, very pleased with them. Had them put on the Class C, haven't got to test them yet but I expect a big improvement.
Title: Re: Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's
Post by: dke1955 on May 08, 2017, 12:01:09 pm
Replacing what were probably the original Bilstein's was definitely a tough job, but two of us took about one full day. Definitely need more muscle than brainpower for this job. I mean it's only 16 bolts, right?
An impact and a deep 1-1/8" socket will make life much easier. A couple of the bottom bolts took about five feet of leverage to break free before the impact would work. And the two rear shocks in the rear each required removing an airline bracket to be able to fit the impact in place. Fronts were easier than rears, so suggest to start with those first.
Also, after researching about the best penetrating oil to spray on the bolts a few days prior to starting this project, found that a 50/50 mix of acetone and ATF fluid was the best mixture. Just put it in a dropper and drop onto all the bolts, you don't want that stuff sprayed on anything else. It did work well. While a couple of bolts were stuck pretty good, it was surprisingly easy to unthread these bolts that have probably been on for 15 years, especially the uppers.
And on the test drive to Costco for fuel and groceries, there was a noticeable improvement. You can especially appreciate the difference when turning out of a driveway or when going over a speed bump on just one side. The side to side sway was considerably lessened. While before, it would sway side to side about three and a half times, it was reduced to about one and a half. So much better. And even with the freeway bumps, about one and a half up and downs instead of the usual three or so.
Got them for $160 each, including tax and shipping from Utra RV Products. Since it looks like the going rate to get them installed is about $2000, I suppose you would have to decide whether the $720 is worth it to pay someone else for the labor. And I have no idea how someone could do this job by themselves. If you are very small, very agile, and very strong, I can see it. But if you are lacking even one of those qualities, it would be tough. In my case, it would have taken practically the same amount of time to just drive the coach and back forth and pay someone else to do it. So just opted to do it at home. Plus, definitely got a workout, no doubt about that.
Would you be able to post part #'s/link...thank you...this project is on the near horizon!
Title: Re: Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's
Post by: John44 on May 08, 2017, 12:02:23 pm
Try a can of Kroil,comes in a orange can,I know some swear by the acetone,but why use something that takes the paint off.
Title: Re: Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's
Post by: John S on May 08, 2017, 12:56:27 pm
I noticed a similar improvement when I did mine ten years ago and I had to change them out again a coup,e years ago now. Scott has newish shocks in his coach now.
Title: Re: Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's
Post by: tothetrail on May 08, 2017, 01:20:48 pm
Title: Re: Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's
Post by: Jimmyjnr on May 08, 2017, 05:05:44 pm
Is it possible to use heat on the bolts or are they too close to fiberglass, rubber etc
Title: Re: Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's
Post by: Jimmyjnr on May 08, 2017, 07:21:04 pm
Apart from long 1" drive breaker bar and deep 1 1/8" socket , is there any other tools , sockets you recommend?
Title: Re: Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's
Post by: tothetrail on May 08, 2017, 07:53:54 pm
Fortunately, didn't have to resort to heat. It was a little close to some air lines for a few of the bolts, so wouldn't have been able to use heat in a few spots.
A few other tools that were helpful: An aluminum jack handle extension worked great to slip the breaker bar or big ratchet into.
A few different length ratchet extensions were also needed in a few spots.
Be sure you have access to a big air compressor. The impact gun just laughed at the little 6-gallon compressor. Had to drag down the 30 gallon compressor, and even that one needed about two cycles to completely remove some of the bolts.
And of course need a 1-1/8" wrench for the backup.
Also used a short ratchet on one of the upper rear bolts, with the long cheater (jack handle) in place, just to give enough room for the throw. It was a matter of one click at a time, removing the socket, turning one click by hand, replacing it back on the nut and loosening the nut about a 1/16" at a time. Painstaking, but eventually all were able to be removed without removing any tires, side panels, or airbags.
Did need to remove the sewer hose holder. Used a sawzall for that. This was going to be a future project anyway, because the sewer hose doesn't fit in there, so it's never been used. In the process of sourcing the parts for that project. Need a wider angle for the turn, and possibly some larger PVC. It will be nice to gain back another cabinet that the bucket and sewer hose have been in.
Title: Re: Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's
Post by: krush on May 08, 2017, 08:38:24 pm
I don't know if newer models are difficult, but it's pretty fast and easy on my 1998. They zip right off with IR cordless 1/2 impact gun. I did shocks and airbags...easier if tires are removed. But I am small, and grew up turning wrenches.