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Topic: Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's (Read 1177 times) previous topic - next topic

Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's

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. 
Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Re: Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's

Reply #1 –
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.
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr Seuss

Re: Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's

Reply #2 –
Quote from: tothetrail –
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!
Dave
2002 295 36'
Build 6006
Motorcade Member 17931
Toad 2003 Jeep Wrangler
2008 BMW R1200 GSA

Re: Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's

Reply #3 –
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.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's

Reply #4 –
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.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's

Reply #5 –
Quote from: dke1955 –
Would you be able to post part #'s/link...thank you...this project is on the near horizon!
Sure, here's the link.

https://www.ultrarvproducts.com/Koni-8805-1010-Foretravel-Front-Rear-Safari-Magnum-Leaf-Spring-Front-Bluebird-Wanderlodge-Tag-Axle-(Non-Steerable)?search=8805-1010
Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Re: Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's

Reply #6 –
Is it possible to use heat on the bolts or are they too close to fiberglass, rubber etc
Jimmy
2003 U295 3620

Re: Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's

Reply #7 –
Apart from long 1" drive breaker bar and deep 1 1/8" socket , is there any other tools , sockets you recommend?
Jimmy
2003 U295 3620

Re: Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's

Reply #8 –
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.

Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA
 

Re: Replaced Shocks with Koni FSD's

Reply #9 –
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.
1998 U270 34'