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Topic: Shocks for Torsilastic suspension (Read 364 times) previous topic - next topic

Shocks for Torsilastic suspension

Our U240 seemed to ride rougher on the last trip.  I'm going to remove them and check movement first, but just looking for alternatives for now in case I do replace them.
I replaced the very harsh riding Bilsteins that were on it (recommended and installed by/at Henderson's according to PO), with red Koni's soon after we got it.  That was about 9 years and 40K+ miles ago.  Fronts are Koni 88-1490SP2 and rears are 90-2256SP1.  According to info from B Wolfe, both of these will hit full extension before the suspension.  The search results here all seem to say Konis are better than Bilsteins, but they are all also older threads.  I see that Bilstein has different recs now and just curious if anyone knows anything about the newer ones.  B6 4600 series front 24-196635  rear 24-196642.  I'm also not finding any specs on these as far as dimensions and compression/extension force.  I emailed Bilstein but haven't heard anything back.
Thanks for any info.
Dave and Kelli
1997 U295 40' Build #5188 CSGI
1995 U240 36' Build #4621 SBID-SOLD
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Re: Shocks for Torsilastic suspension

Reply #1 –
Dave,

Since the Konis have very little dampening on compression, doubt they are adding to harsh ride. But, if suspected, not that much work to temporarily pull them off and do a test drive.

What tires (brand, size and age) are you running and tire pressures?

What is your RIDE HEIGHT?  If too low, suspension can bottom out and that absolutely is HARSH.

And, yes, as the rubber in the torsilastic springs ages, it gets stiffer.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Shocks for Torsilastic suspension

Reply #2 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –

What is your RIDE HEIGHT?  If too low, suspension can bottom out and that absolutely is HARSH.


Brett I have the front axle limit switches installed and have lights and buzzers on them. Every cross country trip some were on a freeway they will bottom out and set the alarm of for a moment. Its not hitting hard , just at the end of its indicated travel. 
Scott

Re: Shocks for Torsilastic suspension

Reply #3 –
The tires are Toyo M154 265/75R22.5's, appx 5 years old.  Cold pressure 95 front, 90 rear.  Ride height front 33 1/4, 31 3/4 rear, with a 1/4 tank of fuel and propane and nothing else.  I know that the rear is low and that I need to adjust it.  There are 3 spacers left on the back so it will be around 32 1/2 when I remove them.  This U240 included replacement rear springs that PO had purchased.  IIRC, they are the 19000# ones.  I installed them maybe 6 years ago.
Dave and Kelli
1997 U295 40' Build #5188 CSGI
1995 U240 36' Build #4621 SBID-SOLD
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Re: Shocks for Torsilastic suspension

Reply #4 –
Quote from: dsd –
Brett I have the front axle limit switches installed and have lights and buzzers on them. Every cross country trip some were on a freeway they will bottom out and set the alarm of for a moment. Its not hitting hard , just at the end of its indicated travel. 
Scott

Completely different suspension than the OP.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Shocks for Torsilastic suspension

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Dave Larsen –
The tires are Toyo M154 265/75R22.5's, appx 5 years old.  Cold pressure 95 front, 90 rear.  Ride height front 33 1/4, 31 3/4 rear, with a 1/4 tank of fuel and propane and nothing else.  I know that the rear is low and that I need to adjust it.  There are 3 spacers left on the back so it will be around 32 1/2 when I remove them.  This U240 included replacement rear springs that PO had purchased.  IIRC, they are the 19000# ones.  I installed them maybe 6 years ago.

With the 19k rear springs, yes, you should be able to achieve the 32.5" ride height.  Surprised you are down to 3 shims (that is only 3 times 1/4"= 3/4" adjustment). Maybe use some of the rear shims you remove to get front down to 32.5" as well.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Shocks for Torsilastic suspension

Reply #6 –
Right or wrong, I run the front a little high to compensate for when the fuel, propane and fresh water tanks are full.
Dave and Kelli
1997 U295 40' Build #5188 CSGI
1995 U240 36' Build #4621 SBID-SOLD
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
 

Re: Shocks for Torsilastic suspension

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Dave Larsen –
Right or wrong, I run the front a little high to compensate for when the fuel, propane and fresh water tanks are full.

Yes, only reasonable to consider ride height when loaded as you go down the road.  That would include diesel. propane, water, people and gear.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020