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Topic: Koni shocks for 1990 Grand Villa? (Read 480 times) previous topic - next topic

Koni shocks for 1990 Grand Villa?

OK it's time. Guess 32 years is long enough. Going to replace the shocks with Koni FSD,s. Called the Mecca in Nacogdoches to make sure I get the right ones. Apparently even my build book does not specify exactly what shocks used on the initial build, however since 1994 they have ( and still do ) use Koni 8805-1010. The guys in parts are pretty certain these will work, and as the physical measurements are REAL close I believe they will as well. Just wanted to see if anybody else has used these and get a review or two.
Going to replace the airbags also so welcome your input on this.

If anybody has seen a hotrod price on these please let me know. Might be ice cream in it for you! (and who couldn't use ice cream in this weather! )

Thanks in advance, Steve
The Starship- 1990 Grandvilla Unihome U300 40ft
6V92 Detroit Diesel w/ 4 spd Allison w/ retarder. Build# 3575 , Foretravel# 17895
The Shuttlecraft- 2015 Ford Explorer
Steve ( N6EKV ) & Lori ( N6JTD ) Faries  w/ Marlee our precious pup.
Patterson CA.

Re: Koni shocks for 1990 Grand Villa?

Reply #1 –
Quote from: steve31 –
Apparently even my build book does not specify exactly what shocks used on the initial build, however since 1994 they have ( and still do ) use Koni 8805-1010.
Koni 8805-1010 is what MOT used on our coach.  We had the full set of 8 installed in 2016.  I think they work great.  They feel softer on the small sharp impacts, and firmer/better controlled on the big dips in the road.  Highly recommended.


1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Koni shocks for 1990 Grand Villa?

Reply #2 –
Chuck: Did you change out your airbags at the same time? If so any recommendations? Figured as long as I am in this deep with the wheels off for shocks, going to do them. Figure if I do it now can save future labor costs. Especially if I have to change one out in Eagles Crotch, Nowhere.
The Starship- 1990 Grandvilla Unihome U300 40ft
6V92 Detroit Diesel w/ 4 spd Allison w/ retarder. Build# 3575 , Foretravel# 17895
The Shuttlecraft- 2015 Ford Explorer
Steve ( N6EKV ) & Lori ( N6JTD ) Faries  w/ Marlee our precious pup.
Patterson CA.

Re: Koni shocks for 1990 Grand Villa?

Reply #3 –
Quote from: steve31 –
Chuck: Did you change out your airbags at the same time?
No, because our airbags were fresh when we bought our coach (2013) thanx to previous owners John & Genni Kerbs.

We did, however, get our brakes done at the same time as the shocks.  All new pads and slide pins plus one rotor (right rear) that was badly worn due to caliper not retracting properly.  Also installed the "helper springs" on slide pins during reassembly.

Like you say, anything to save EXPENSIVE labor time is a good move.  As long as the wheels are off, thats the time to look at brakes, wheel bearings and yes air bags if appropriate.



1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Koni shocks for 1990 Grand Villa?

Reply #4 –
Quote from: steve31 –
Chuck: Did you change out your airbags at the same time? If so any recommendations? Figured as long as I am in this deep with the wheels off for shocks, going to do them. Figure if I do it now can save future labor costs. Especially if I have to change one out in Eagles Crotch, Nowhere.
DO IT! I recommend removing the fenders. It made mine a simple job. Except the muscle part.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Koni shocks for 1990 Grand Villa?

Reply #5 –
Steve..we upgraded our shocks to Koni FSD and also replaced the Airbags at the same time. SUPER results......coach is a different animal. I did the upgrade over a period of 3 days THX (DSD) for the tool use.

Do it....!

Hans


Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: Koni shocks for 1990 Grand Villa?

Reply #6 –
Well Gents & ladies I did it. New bags and Koni Golds all around on the coach Pics below and pricing. Special thanks to twig about removing fenders for easier access. What a difference and huge labor savings. Aired it up this morning and found a couple of air leaks easily fixed with fenders off. Will take it out tomorrow and will let you know.
Now don't be a hater on the labor pricing. I have unique situation. The shop next door is a farm operation that has HUNDREDS of sets of doubles and  single axle tractors so are familiar with air bags. With the fenders off 1 guy did it in 4 hours. Would not believe it but I was there. In any case.

8 Koni Gold Shocks Amazon 8805-1010 speced out by Foretravel parts. $1610
8 Firestone air bags from Foretravel parts, $1408 ( they paid freight ! )
$360 total , included help removing trim without bending it.

All in all very pleased.

PS Bought the shocks using Foretravel link. Every penny counts.

Thanks to all for your input.
The Starship- 1990 Grandvilla Unihome U300 40ft
6V92 Detroit Diesel w/ 4 spd Allison w/ retarder. Build# 3575 , Foretravel# 17895
The Shuttlecraft- 2015 Ford Explorer
Steve ( N6EKV ) & Lori ( N6JTD ) Faries  w/ Marlee our precious pup.
Patterson CA.
 

Re: Koni shocks for 1990 Grand Villa?

Reply #7 –
Well done Steve  ^.^d  now I can bring more ice cream to the Q  8)
Andy & Eileen
MONTROSE COLORADO
1992 U300  40' 6V92 TA
2016 4 Runner
1998 Jeep Grand cherokee

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee) Build # 4135 Skp# 122921