New Shocks DIY

[Richard and Rhonda]

I thought the front end of the coach was "not right" when driving on really uneven surface. Casual inspection of the shocks showed them to be the originals since they were sprayed with the black undercoating, and the insulating foam covered the top shock bolt. Well, 12 yr old shocks might explain the side to side excessive movement. I had the good folks at Koni RV (talk to Justin) send me some Model #90-1868 Adjustables. It's the same shock that Koni uses on Prevosts.

After jacking up the front axle with a couple of bottle jacks, putting jack stands under the suspension, and UNLOCKING the steering wheel lock I was ready to go. Access was easy with the front wheels turned out of the way. Total time to change both shocks about one hour. As soon as I started removing the right front I knew it was bad. Shocks shouldn't have free play. The shocks were Gabriels

Costs Shocks 165.00 each
Set of 1/2 sockets at the Northern Hydraulic 89.00

I set the shocks on the middle of the road firmness. I'll drive them awhile and go from there. There was an immediate difference in the handling of the coach on a uneven surface.

Interestingly enough, the drive axle was already equipped with the Koni Adjustables. I did break them loose and check to see that they were OK. They were.

[fulltiming]

Richard, I appreciate you sharing your experiences. Most coaches will need new shocks eventually. It is probably time for me to check mine out.

Thanks for your helpful hints to replacement of the shocks and checking the rear shocks.

[fulltiming]

In looking through the Newell Manual, I found that on my '92, the original shocks were:

Front: Koni 90C-1867
Rear: Koni 90C-1868

Interesting that they recommended the 1868 on the front also. I wonder if the Gabriels were original or if they had been changed from Koni's at some time.

[Richard and Rhonda]

Two things. Koni no longer makes the 1867, so you use the 1868 and adjust it to your liking.

I just got a copy of a 1994 manual. It states that Gabriels were the OE shock for the front and Koni's for the rear.

[encantotom]

i have checked mine as well and they are koni front and rear. hard to tell if they are orginal or not. i have not noticed an ride issues.

the sockets you are talking about are large ones, is that what you meant?

fortunately i have a big set already.

tom

[Richard and Rhonda]

Yes, the sockets are fairly large. Mine were 1 1/8 but I suspect you might find different size nuts on different rigs. I used a combination of box end wrenches and 3/4 drive sockets to do the job. In most places I had room for the socket/ratchet and since the nuts were the Nylock variety with the Nylon locking insert, you have to put some effort into them to get them off the stud. They don't spin freely until the nylon insert clears the stud. PITA for takeing them off, but then again it keeps them from vibrating loose.

[Richard and Rhonda]

Here's a quick update on the Koni adjustables. I originally set them halfway between the softest and firmest settings. This weekend, I adjusted them to their sofest setting just for grins. I like that much better, and it didn't impact swaying, porpoising, or handling in any negative way. If anything, it doesn't bounce around as much on a truly uneven road.

So, my recommendation is that you start at the softest setting and work up.