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Topic: KONI replacements (Read 794 times) previous topic - next topic

KONI replacements

I was going to replace our shocks last January. We were noticing a lot of porpoising on the coach. I read, on the forum, that you all like the Koni FSD's, and had the wife all aboard for the " plunge ". Just for grins, I reread the PO's service records, and lo and behold, HE had installed Konis 9/28/12 at 47560 miles. They were gold....FSD's.!!!!  Soooooo........we were in the BIg Tent at Quartzite, and I came upon the Koni display. I asked the rep if I should be having this type of issue with shocks at this time ( we were probably at 130,000) miles. We are currently at 136,000. He told me that the Konis were guaranteed for life. YEAH !!!! So today, I googled the warranty, and......it's only good to the ORIGINAL PURCHASER !!!!!?????!!!!! BUMMER.  Sooooo......we JUST spent LOTS of CB's in Nac between things the coach needed at MOT and some new TOYO's. Should I be having these issues with the shocks? Is there a way to test a front shock to see if it is " shot"?? I know that they aren't fun to remove, but, hey......What say you??
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: KONI replacements

Reply #1 –
Start by checking them visually-- any leaking (not just damp, but leaking)?

Bushings OK?

Before doing anything else, if still in Nacogdoches I would ask  Keith or one of the other techs to go on a short test drive with you.  Yes, you could pull one or more off and send them to Koni to be tested (last resort IMO).
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: KONI replacements

Reply #2 –
Glenn, where did you get your Toyos in Nac?
George & Donna Ament
2002 U295 40' - 2 slide
2016 F150 - 4wd

Re: KONI replacements

Reply #3 –
Glenn,do you have the reciept for the Konis?,if you do you have just become the original purchaser,get the drift.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: KONI replacements

Reply #4 –
Agree with John with receipt I don't think they will ask for your id.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: KONI replacements

Reply #5 –
Before you replace them,Go to the Koni Website and look up how to adjust them firmer. You should be able to remove the lower,easy to get to bolt,compress the shock and turn it to a firmer setting. I found this out after I replaced mine with Gabriel I was not going to spend 700.00 or whatever on shocks. So Before You Buy Try....Adjusting. By the way I love my new Gabriels I put on the front of my coach!! It Rides way way better and the price was 1/3..jmo
Here see if this applies to You..

Koni Shock Part Numbers and Adjustments
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: KONI replacements

Reply #6 –
Quote from: stump –
Before you replace them, go to the Koni website and look up how to adjust them firmer.
Unlike the old red/orange Konis that came on the OP's coach, Koni (gold) FSD shocks are not adjustable.
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 replacements

Reply #7 –
I got the Toyos at Herman Power. There was a FT in front of me, older, no slide. He put 177 G rated on it. Put 177 H rated on mine. 14 ply vs 16 ply, according to Greg. So far, driving from Nac to McKinney, I like them.
Unfortunately, the PO paid someone to install " owner provided" Koni's. I don't have the purchase receipt in his paperwork, or I WOULD be the purchaser. Unfortunately, also. I had Keith check LOTS of things, but overlooked the shocks. Oh well.
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: KONI replacements

Reply #8 –
Glen have you had your axles weighed, the porpuising might be a weight distribution issue. Or overhead compartments filled with heavy stuff like canned goods or books. Incorrect tag axle pressure if you have one may be suspect. Or front air bag pressure too low or too high. Suspension system has to stroke to work.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: KONI replacements

Reply #9 –
This is easy to do but make sure you actually have the Konis on the coach,should be painted gold and say FSD and is the bill for
8 shocks.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: KONI replacements

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Old phart phred –
Glen have you had your axles weighed, the porpuising might be a weight distribution issue. Or overhead compartments filled with heavy stuff like canned goods or books. Incorrect tag axle pressure if you have one may be suspect. Or front air bag pressure too low or too high. Suspension system has to stroke to work.
It's the WINE you haul around.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: KONI replacements

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Twig –
It's the WINE you haul around.

And, sounds like you, being a really good friend are offering to help him solve that problem.  Awesome.
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