Shock replacement

Topic: Shock replacement (Read 974 times) previous topic - next topic

Shock replacement

September 20, 2019, 12:46:20 am

I've started down this rabbit hole looking at a 3rd project before completing the first. I still had a few more days putting up OSB and installing windows on my new RV garage (stucco crew comes on Monday), when I got involved with the rr tire that was flat. As reported earlier, I will have to replace brake pads, which I have on order. While the wheels were off, I realized that I would never have better access to the shock in front of the rear wheel.
I bought a 20v Earthquake impact gun for this purpose and was surprised at how easy it was to remove the bottom nut from the shock. Anyone have any tips about the top one? I may have to remove the bag to get my new toy in there.

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #1 – September 20, 2019, 01:11:15 am

I've read about the FSD Koni shocks in previous posts, but when I checked the application for my U320, the listed shock was a series 88. Any opinions on these or is there no FSD for my coach?

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #2 – September 20, 2019, 01:13:45 am

Quote from: Sven and Kristi – September 20, 2019, 01:11:15 am

I've read about the FSD Koni shocks in previous posts, but when I checked the application for my U320, the listed shock was a series 88. Any opinions on these or is there no FSD for my coach?

https://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/foretravel-koni-rv-shocks.cfm
Best price I have seen, bought mine 3 years ago at 160 each shipped. but have to account for inflation.

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #3 – September 20, 2019, 06:59:44 am

Koni shocks are back ordered, no one has them in stock. If you want them by the middle of next month you would need to order them now. Ordered mine five weeks ago, they were shipped yesterday.
It's a first come first served situation with unknown wait time.
Good luck!

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #4 – September 21, 2019, 11:01:27 am

The FSD seems to be on back order at a number of suppliers. Two are available at one which I will order today. I'm thinking about replacing only the ones in front of the rear tires, since they will be accessible while doing the brakes. The others can be done next month, as they become available. Are there any concerns about this plan?

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #5 – September 21, 2019, 11:08:11 am

This is one thread that may have an opinion that everyone agrees on. My vote is for the FSD's they made a great improvement on the ride of our coach.

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #6 – September 21, 2019, 11:09:12 am

I'm running the red and like them well enough though working up enthusiasm for crawling under the coach, unbolting the lower end of shock, and fine tuning is being kind of hard to do. It is a nice option in theory though. Can also compensate for wear on the shock which is nice compared to throwaways.

Most folks rave about the FSD shocks, no adjustment capabilities. Frequency sensitive dampening so they say.

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #7 – September 21, 2019, 11:10:11 am

I did the fsd and I love them.. awesome upgrade.

Don't know about the 88 series

My original adjustable shocks lasted 200k miles before I replaced.. don't think you can go wrong with either but I love my koni shocks

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #8 – September 21, 2019, 11:16:01 am

I adjusted the factory 88's a couple of times trying to get the hoops on Cal. highways to smooth out. Seems rebound is all I was adjusting. no compression. The FSD's did slow the compression.

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #9 – September 21, 2019, 11:20:50 am

Quote from: craneman – September 21, 2019, 11:16:01 am

I adjusted the factory 88's a couple of times trying to get the hoops on Cal. highways to smooth out. Seems compression is all I was adjusting. no rebound. The FSD's did slow the rebound.

That is interesting. My experience with reds is exactly opposite, almost zero compression dampening, rebound from slight to massive per adjustment. Which is right....or are both sets of shocks defective? In thinking about it I decided the airbags could take care of compression, shocks for rebound....

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #10 – September 21, 2019, 11:26:06 am

Quote from: Chuck Pearson – September 21, 2019, 11:20:50 am

That is interesting. My experience with reds is exactly opposite, almost zero compression dampening, rebound from slight to massive per adjustment. Which is right....or are both sets of shocks defective? In thinking about it I decided the airbags could take care of compression, shocks for rebound....

Chuck, I mixed up on my post mine were hard to pull down and easy to push up. I will correct my post

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #11 – September 21, 2019, 11:27:49 am

Quote from: craneman – September 21, 2019, 11:26:06 am

Chuck, I mixed up on my post mine were hard to pull down and easy to push up. I will correct my post

Same here with my old ones.. wore out.. several bounces after a big bump.. should hit the bump and 1bounce and level.. works great now

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #12 – September 21, 2019, 11:31:53 am

88 denotes the size/diameter. They can be either adjustable or FSD's.
BTW, they also make 90 and 99 series. But with 2 shocks/wheel the 88 series are just fine.

Sven,
I see no issue with replacing the front of the rears now and behind the rears at a later time.

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #13 – September 21, 2019, 11:38:01 am

Sven, I just replaced my shocks, well actually my RV guy did it while I watched and helped a little. If you take off the fenders the top bolts are easily reached with a long extension. It took a few hours I pulled the fenders and he did the shocks then I replaced the fenders.

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #14 – September 21, 2019, 11:57:50 am

Quote from: stevec22 – September 21, 2019, 11:38:01 am

Sven, I just replaced my shocks, well actually my RV guy did it while I watched and helped a little. If you take off the fenders the top bolts are easily reached with a long extension. It took a few hours I pulled the fenders and he did the shocks then I replaced the fenders.

I had to take off the right fender to replace my radiator some time back and I'd prefer not to do that again. On a 2000, the screws are visible and they become more so when the paint is taken off during the process. It looks doable with the wheels off.

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #15 – September 21, 2019, 11:59:38 am

Brett, how are you doing with the flooding over there? I recall that you got through the Harvey floods without damage.

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #16 – September 21, 2019, 12:56:03 pm

Quote from: Sven and Kristi – September 21, 2019, 11:59:38 am

Brett, how are you doing with the flooding over there? I recall that you got through the Harvey floods without damage.

No problems here, other than the grass is growing so fast I am thinking of just getting a GOAT.

We are close enough to Galveston bay which has access to the Gulf of Mexico that unless the Gulf backs up, we are fine.

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #17 – September 21, 2019, 01:00:48 pm

Quote from: Sven and Kristi – September 21, 2019, 11:57:50 am

I had to take off the right fender to replace my radiator some time back and I'd prefer not to do that again. On a 2000, the screws are visible and they become more so when the paint is taken off during the process. It looks doable with the wheels off.

Use a 1/2 impact gun and it makes the top bolt much easier. I did the fronts with the wheels on and the left rear with the wheels on. On the right rear I removed the wheels and it made it easier and faster than the left rear.

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #18 – September 21, 2019, 01:20:37 pm

I broke mine loose and used the cordless ratchet from harbor freight .. back ones had to use a palm impact.

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #19 – September 21, 2019, 03:45:44 pm

Quote from: DavidS – September 21, 2019, 01:20:37 pm

I broke mine loose and used the cordless ratchet from harbor freight .. back ones had to use a palm impact.

I got the DW (Dark Wizard?) to go along with getting the Earthquake XT. Hard to believe it works as well as it does. It pulled the lower shock nut off without much of a grunt. My air impact would have chugged along all day.

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #20 – September 21, 2019, 05:31:45 pm

Think I am going to change out the fronts first. We had a bit of porpoising down the road that I found uncomfortable at times. Will change out the rears later on. They are still on backorder till October. I am in no hurry though.

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #21 – September 21, 2019, 05:39:38 pm

Bob,

If your current shocks are the red-brown adjustable Konis, you can sure try adjusting them. The adjustment affects dampening on REBOUND ONLY. So it does not stiffen the ride, but reduces porpoising.

Adjustment takes no tools and is described on Koni-NA's website.

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #22 – September 21, 2019, 06:19:37 pm

Don't remember which ones Bob had.

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #23 – September 21, 2019, 06:37:24 pm

As I recall, OE was the adjustable Konis. The PN will be stamped on them. Red-brown color suggests adjustable.

Re: Shock replacement

Reply #24 – September 21, 2019, 10:07:14 pm

Quote from: Bob and Julie – September 21, 2019, 05:31:45 pm

Think I am going to change out the fronts first. We had a bit of porpoising down the road that I found uncomfortable at times. Will change out the rears later on. They are still on backorder till October. I am in no hurry though.

porpoising can be a loading or weight distribution issue.

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