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Topic: Shocks for 1990 U280 (Read 635 times) previous topic - next topic

Shocks for 1990 U280

Thinking about changing my shocks on my 1990 U280. Original calls for Koni 88-1490. Installed are Monroes Magnum 65.
What shocks do you guys recommend ? Adjustable or not adjustable?
Thanks for the help.
Pedal to the metal

Sold 1990 U280 36' Build 3630

Re: Shocks for 1990 U280

Reply #1 –
If they make one for your application, I'd recommend Koni FSD.  Search this forum for term "FSD" to get lots of opinions.

If you decide to go with the FSD, part number 8805-1010 seems to be most commonly used on Foretravel coaches.
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: Shocks for 1990 U280

Reply #2 –
Anybody else?
Pedal to the metal

Sold 1990 U280 36' Build 3630

Re: Shocks for 1990 U280

Reply #3 –
I looked at some shock specs The koni 88-1490
Koni Adjustable Shocks for '91-'95 Foretravel U225 and U240 , '92-'01 Safari...
Crosses to a Gabriel 88207
Shock Absorber 1 3/8" Es36/Es36, 83207, Gabriel Shocks
The Gabriel dos not appear to be adjustable like the Koni But the cost is nowhere near either
The Gabriel 89407 is the 1 5/8 bore version and has 3 adjustment levels.
If someone was looking for a good shock as a standard replacement the Gabriel might be a good cost effective alternative.
The Koni site shows a video on how to adjust their shocks. If you are having ride issues you might try an adjustment before spending the money on new shocks.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Shocks for 1990 U280

Reply #4 –
How about the Bilstein 24-018685 B6 Heavy Duty 4600 ?
Pedal to the metal

Sold 1990 U280 36' Build 3630

Re: Shocks for 1990 U280

Reply #5 –
Quote from: cuure –
How about the Bilstein 24-018685 B6 Heavy Duty 4600 ?
When I get time i'll try and do a comparison.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Shocks for 1990 U280

Reply #6 –
OK thank you  ^.^d
Pedal to the metal

Sold 1990 U280 36' Build 3630

Re: Shocks for 1990 U280

Reply #7 –
No substitute for the Koni FSD's imo.  Separate high/low speed internal circuits were what was needed to work in the big rollers and lessen the sharp,impacts feedback. 

Adjusted my older Koni red tops twice. 
"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

Re: Shocks for 1990 U280

Reply #8 –
Does anybody else use the Koni FSD 8805 1010 on a 90-94 U280?

Just talked to Koni and they suggested I go with the 88-1490 SP2 because the FSD is a different valving.  Now I'm confused.  Can anyone provide any insight?

Thanks!
Pedal to the metal

Sold 1990 U280 36' Build 3630

Re: Shocks for 1990 U280

Reply #9 –
The original Koni red tops set a three out of five rebound dampening worked marvelous on the original unihomes.

Were set by Foretravel at full soft.  Worked well.  One half turn per 25k miles compensated for wear.

2 1/2 turns total in the shock.  Five adjustments.

My readjusted redtops got stiff enough to alleviate most body roll but then were too stiff on cross edges.

FSD's helped both.

At 32,000 pounds we may be lighter than what the FSD's shocks were valved for.

No idea if that's good or bad in context.

Based on your weight and my previous experience driving countless new unihomes and being really sensitive to these things the red tops on your 90 model is what I would use.

The airbags and shocks were farther apart on yours versus our 97.  Different forces applied.

I sold yours new.  Marvelous setup stock
"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

Re: Shocks for 1990 U280

Reply #10 –
So the 88-1490 sp2 would be better then 8805 1010 fsd?
Well thanks anyway.
Just learned something new.  ^.^d

Pedal to the metal

Sold 1990 U280 36' Build 3630

Re: Shocks for 1990 U280

Reply #11 –
Yes based on my experience driving these new.

Someone did not know the Koni's were adjustable I assume when they replaced them..

Try one full turn from soft.  2nd out of five settings.

Foretravel set them at full soft new. Empty coach
"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