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Topic: New shocks + new tires = better than new coach (Read 1141 times) previous topic - next topic

New shocks + new tires = better than new coach

Just took my first ride on the new FSD shocks and new LEZ Michelins. Wow!  I didn't think there was any room for improvement. There was.

Handling is still superb, best in class. Still don't notice passing trucks, one finger steering on the worst CalTrans has to offer.

And the ride is actually improved. Drove from Los Angeles to Hemet on notoriously bad pavement, and it feels more tolerable.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: New shocks + new tires = better than new coach

Reply #1 –
Tom,  Congrats on the smooth ride for the new year! I now have new LEZ Michelins and will look into the FSD shocks.
2000, U320 36' with Cummins 450, Toad - 2016 Ford CMax Energi
Previous MHs; 1970 Winnebago, 1973 FMC 2900R, much later a heavily modified 1975 FMC 2900R.

Re: New shocks + new tires = better than new coach

Reply #2 –
What's an LEZ Michelin?
"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: New shocks + new tires = better than new coach

Reply #3 –
Tom, where did you get the shocks and how much did they cost?  Did you install them?
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: New shocks + new tires = better than new coach

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Caflashbob –
What's an LEZ Michelin?

X Line Energy Z

Their latest RV tire in my size. Replaced the XA3+. Supposed to be more energy efficient.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: New shocks + new tires = better than new coach

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Sven and Kristi –
Tom, where did you get the shocks and how much did they cost?  Did you install them?


Shockwarehouse

$165.40 each

My RV mechanic did the install. Mitch's Automotive in Baldwin Park CA. Mitch does all my RV work.  He has correctly serviced the brakes, the air dryer, fixed a radiator leak, replaced the air bags, and all the regular service. He just did the shocks and had cracks in the head fixed. That last one was an invudible coolant leak I've been chasing for a year.

And the tire shop managed to strip two studs. Mitch did a temporary fix and will do the proper fix when my new studs arrive from FT next week.

He is very good.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: New shocks + new tires = better than new coach

Reply #6 –
You found cracks in the engine head?  How were they repaired?  Pictures?
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: New shocks + new tires = better than new coach

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Tom Lang link=msg=299280 date=1514616656
And the tire shop managed to strip two studs. Mitch did a temporary fix and will do the proper fix when my new studs arrive from FT next week.
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Tire shops that torque with air guns are responsible for the stripped studs. I use a small amount of anti-seize compound (on the threads only) and hand torque about 15-20% less than the dry value. Easy to remove the nuts without any problem. Guns can easily torque from 700 to 1200 lbs and damage studs.

Small battery impacts will remove and replace any lug nut today. Just expensive.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: New shocks + new tires = better than new coach

Reply #9 –
Quote from: amos.harrison –
You found cracks in the engine head?  How were they repaired?  Pictures?

Yes, cracks around the injectors. Mitch says it's somewhat common on my engine. He sent the head out to be welded,  no pictures.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: New shocks + new tires = better than new coach

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
[quote author=Tom Lang link=msg=299280 date=1514616656
And the tire shop managed to strip two studs. Mitch did a temporary fix and will do the proper fix when my new studs arrive from FT next week.

Tire shops that torque with air guns are responsible for the stripped studs. I use a small amount of anti-seize compound (on the threads only) and hand torque about 15-20% less than the dry value. Easy to remove the nuts without any problem. Guns can easily torque from 700 to 1200 lbs and damage studs.

Small battery impacts will remove and replace any lug nut today. Just expensive.

Pierce


I noticed Mitch used anti seize on the threads when remounting the wheel.

The studs are pressed in, actually hammered, then secured with a nut on the threaded back part. That back part was stripped. Mitch used a die to fix the threads and two nuts as a temporary fix.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: New shocks + new tires = better than new coach

Reply #11 –
Very unusual as those nuts do not come into play when mounting wheels
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: New shocks + new tires = better than new coach

Reply #12 –
When we mounted fresh Michelins, they found every one of the studs were shot and replaced the valve stems, as well. The replacement valve stems were aluminum.
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
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