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Topic: Sumo springs good for my U225? (Read 591 times) previous topic - next topic

Sumo springs good for my U225?

After having to replace my front axle after a failed bearing accident....I cringe every time I hit a pot hole or bridge seam. I want to smooth out my front end ride on my velvet ride; torselistic suspension.
I have 1 shim on the rear, and 9 shims on the front and the coach is level and not sagging in the back.
Is there too many shims on the front?
I am considering Sumo spring helpers on the front. Any experience or advice will be greatly appreciated.
1994 u300

Re: Sumo springs good for my U225?

Reply #1 –
Measure ride height-- that is the ONLY way to tell if you have the correct shim count at each wheel position (each wheel position can have a different number of shims, but at each wheel the shim count must the the same in front of and behind that wheel position).

From the area behind each wheel position (forms the top of the wheel well) to the ground should be 32-33"

What are your measurements? Then we can explore options.

Also what tires and what tire pressure-- the torsilastic suspension is sensitive to tire pressure.

You will find that driving with full potable water (weight over front axle) helps the ride.
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: Sumo springs good for my U225?

Reply #2 –
After my accident I checked the starboard front wheel and it was 125 lbs air pressure and port was 110.  Before vacation I lowered both fronts to 90lbs air pressure.
I try to travel with a full fresh water tank to help the ride.
I will check ride height numbers next week.
Last fall I removed equal 5 shims from both front and back of both sides of rear wheels to raise sagging rear end. The coach still appeared to be low in the back, so I took the 20 shims from the back and stacked them in the front; 5 under each (front and back) of front wheels.
Now rear axle has 1 shim under front and back of torselastic on both sides.
and front axle has 9 shims under front and back of torselastic on both sides.

The only thing that I can figure is that my front is bottoming out after lowering it with the additional shims.


But I will check ride height numbers next week. Top of inner wheel well to the ground?
1994 u300

Re: Sumo springs good for my U225?

Reply #3 –
Quote from: poolenglish –
Top of inner wheel well to the ground?

Yes, top of wheel well behind the wheels.  When loaded as you travel, flat ground, jacks stowed.
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: Sumo springs good for my U225?

Reply #4 –
I just measured front; 30" to flat portion aft of wheel.
1994 u300

Re: Sumo springs good for my U225?

Reply #5 –
If you would, please give me ride height and number of shims at each location.
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: Sumo springs good for my U225?

Reply #6 –
31" rear height, 1 shim front and back on both sides
30" front height, 12 shims front and back on both sides
1994 u300

Re: Sumo springs good for my U225?

Reply #7 –
well I guess I will remove shims from the front to get the ride height up and increase front end travel. I can only remove the last shim on the back and that will be the best I can do to increase ride height on the rear.
I might get sumo springs on the back to increase ride height?
1994 u300

Re: Sumo springs good for my U225?

Reply #8 –
Sorry, thought I had already weighed in on this-- but can't find it.

First, very unusual that left and right sides are exactly the same.

But:

Rear:  no question remove the last shim. That will get you to 31 1/4".  And consider adding air bags.  I know Pioneer Metals in WA has a kit for Safari coaches with the Torsilastic suspension.  The lower air bag mount is on the torsilastic beam (two for rear).  The upper mount is an L bracket off the frame rail.  I do not know if this would work on yours.

But, very recently Mike Leary with a 1993 U240 posted that he had air over torsilastic on his coach.  Might want to visit with Mike.

Front:  Go for 31 1/2" to 32".  Yes, if you get the rear to 32 1/2" (mid spec), then get the front to the same 32 1/2". To get to 31 1/2", you will be removing 6 shims.  To get to 32" you would remove 8 shims.

Brett
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: Sumo springs good for my U225?

Reply #9 –
where can I buy the Koni 88-1547-SP1 shocks that you had brett? and thanks for the help
1994 u300

Re: Sumo springs good for my U225?

Reply #10 –
I would call the head of that division of Koni, North America: Koni Shocks  (866) 566-4175. Ask for Justin McCoy.  Be sure he knows it is for the U225/U240 with Torsilastic suspension.

Brett
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: Sumo springs good for my U225?

Reply #11 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
I would call the head of that division of Koni, North America: Koni Shocks  (866) 566-417. Ask for Justin McCoy.  Be sure he knows it is for the U225/U240 with Torsilastic suspension.

Brett
brett; you are missing 1 number in that phone number. thanx again
1994 u300

Re: Sumo springs good for my U225?

Reply #12 –
I'm not Brett but the number I have for Justin is (866) 566-4175. If this isn't right then you may have a nice conversation with someone in Russia.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Sumo springs good for my U225?

Reply #13 –
Yes, sorry, copy and paste ALMOST worked.  I'll go back and fill in the missing "5" in the original post.
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: Sumo springs good for my U225?

Reply #14 –
the new FRONT adjustable koni shocks for the U225 are >
  88-1490-SP2  and the stats on them are  21.8 extended ;  14 collapsed ;  3/4id bushing on both ends and they cost  $160 each

just fyi forum members
1994 u300