Just took my first ride on the new FSD shocks and new LEZ Michelins. Wow! I didn't think there was any room for improvement. There was.
Handling is still superb, best in class. Still don't notice passing trucks, one finger steering on the worst CalTrans has to offer.
And the ride is actually improved. Drove from Los Angeles to Hemet on notoriously bad pavement, and it feels more tolerable.
Tom, Congrats on the smooth ride for the new year! I now have new LEZ Michelins and will look into the FSD shocks.
What's an LEZ Michelin?
Tom, where did you get the shocks and how much did they cost? Did you install them?
X Line Energy Z
Their latest RV tire in my size. Replaced the XA3+. Supposed to be more energy efficient.
Shockwarehouse
$165.40 each
My RV mechanic did the install. Mitch's Automotive in Baldwin Park CA. Mitch does all my RV work. He has correctly serviced the brakes, the air dryer, fixed a radiator leak, replaced the air bags, and all the regular service. He just did the shocks and had cracks in the head fixed. That last one was an invudible coolant leak I've been chasing for a year.
And the tire shop managed to strip two studs. Mitch did a temporary fix and will do the proper fix when my new studs arrive from FT next week.
He is very good.
You found cracks in the engine head? How were they repaired? Pictures?
https://www.ultrarvproducts.com/Koni-8805-1010-Foretravel-Front-Rear-Safari-Magnum-Leaf-Spring-Front-Bluebird-Wanderlodge-Tag-Axle-(Non-Steerable)
Was free shipping a couple of months ago.
Tire shops that torque with air guns are responsible for the stripped studs. I use a small amount of anti-seize compound (on the threads only) and hand torque about 15-20% less than the dry value. Easy to remove the nuts without any problem. Guns can easily torque from 700 to 1200 lbs and damage studs.
Small battery impacts will remove and replace any lug nut today. Just expensive.
Pierce
Yes, cracks around the injectors. Mitch says it's somewhat common on my engine. He sent the head out to be welded, no pictures.
I noticed Mitch used anti seize on the threads when remounting the wheel.
The studs are pressed in, actually hammered, then secured with a nut on the threaded back part. That back part was stripped. Mitch used a die to fix the threads and two nuts as a temporary fix.
Very unusual as those nuts do not come into play when mounting wheels
When we mounted fresh Michelins, they found every one of the studs were shot and replaced the valve stems, as well. The replacement valve stems were aluminum.