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Topic: New Torsilastic Trip Report and Question (Read 583 times) previous topic - next topic

New Torsilastic Trip Report and Question

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.
Dave and Kelli
1997 U295 40' Build #5188 CSGI
1995 U240 36' Build #4621 SBID-SOLD
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Re: New Torsilastic Trip Report and Question

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Dave Larsen –
Any help or thoughts would be appreciated. 

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
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
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                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: New Torsilastic Trip Report and Question

Reply #2 –
Mike,

I left my Koni shocks on since they didn't have many miles on them. 

 
Dave and Kelli
1997 U295 40' Build #5188 CSGI
1995 U240 36' Build #4621 SBID-SOLD
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Re: New Torsilastic Trip Report and Question

Reply #3 –
Dave,
 Can you share with us how many CB$?
GeoffH
Geoff & Pat Haygarth
1994 U240 SBI GV 36ft Cat 3116, Allison 6 speed
 Build #4448
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sport

Re: New Torsilastic Trip Report and Question

Reply #4 –
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
Dave and Kelli
1997 U295 40' Build #5188 CSGI
1995 U240 36' Build #4621 SBID-SOLD
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Re: New Torsilastic Trip Report and Question

Reply #5 –
You really LUCKED out on this. Maybe a lottery ticket
would be in order ? ? ?

Enjoy the great new ride for several years,

Carter-

Re: New Torsilastic Trip Report and Question

Reply #6 –
Dave,
 That is fantastic, well done, enjoy your ride.
GeoffH
Geoff & Pat Haygarth
1994 U240 SBI GV 36ft Cat 3116, Allison 6 speed
 Build #4448
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sport

Re: New Torsilastic Trip Report and Question

Reply #7 –
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.
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: New Torsilastic Trip Report and Question

Reply #8 –
& 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.
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)
 

Re: New Torsilastic Trip Report and Question

Reply #9 –
Loved the i225 and the u240.  Rode and drove like a 02 Oshkosh ORED six bolt wheel chassis.  Same feel witn air bags.

"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4