Harsh Ride - Bilsteins + Konis = NIRVANA?

[bcbounders]

Hi All,

I was reading the Dutch Aire/Mountain Aire thread and Dirk put up a link to his post about his harsh-riding Dutch Star (see it here).

I have a 2005 Mountain Aire 43' (Mountain Master chassis with 14,600# IFS front axle). It has always had a bit of a harsh ride when it came to pot holes or sharp bumps (like if the concrete of a bridge is raised above the asphalt road level), but it is definitely getting worse with age (either that, or the roads are seriously getting bad). It's got the original, stock Bilstein shocks... so the conversation about switching to Konis has me intrigued.

Since we're long out of Newmar's 3 year warranty, I would guess that Spartan is not going to participate in any solution (nor would I expect them to, since we've never raised this as an issue with them... I just always assumed this was just the way this coach rode)... so I'm curious to know if anyone paid to replace their shocks with the Konis (particularly the #902890 for the heavier IFS front suspension). And, if so:

(1) How's the ride now? Do you think this is "THE fix"?

(2) How much did you pay?

(3) Do you recommend replacing ALL of the shocks with Konis? Or are only the fronts necessary to get the improved ride?

Thanks for all your thoughts, info, and input.

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

I replaced all my shocks with KONI's...had it done at Henderson Lineup in Grants Pass Oregon(no sales tax). The ride is 100 % better on freeway/bridge transitions. I most likely could have achieved the same results by changing only the front shocks. I think I paid around $1200 for 6 shocks including installation. I would do it again.

[bcbounders]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' I replaced all my shocks with KONI's...had it done at Henderson Lineup in Grants Pass Oregon(no sales tax). The ride is 100 % better on freeway/bridge transitions. I most likely could have achieved the same results by changing only the front shocks. I think I paid around $1200 for 6 shocks including installation. I would do it again.

Ronnie,

Thanks for the response! I've lived with the harsh ride of the current setup for so long that I've been leery of spending anything to change it if it isn't going to provide a demonstrable improvement. Sounds like you're happy, though.

Anyone else with any input?

[Steve Larkin]

For what its worth, Koni 90-2890 shocks at www.precisionframe.com are $185 each. Looks like these are front shocks. Rear are $159.

[Doc Mark]

After I complained to Sartan (in Charlotte for other things - still under warranty) they replaced the front shocks (only) with Koni's. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! No more kidney-jarring expansion strips etc etc etc.

Thanks Spartan.

[high voltage]

replace front & back with koni. love the ride weight the front frist I went down to lighter size had to change a braket on the front about $650 I did the work
2005 madp 4030

[bcbounders]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc Mark After I complained to Sartan (in Charlotte for other things - still under warranty) they replaced the front shocks (only) with Koni's. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! No more kidney-jarring expansion strips etc etc etc. Thanks Spartan.

Mark & Sheila,

Thanks! That sounds like good news. I'm not averse to replacing all 6 shocks... but it seems to me like the worst of the jarring occurs when the front wheels hit the expansion joints, etc. So knowing that you had a dramatic improvement by only changing out the fronts means this could cost 66% less. That's not chump change!

Appreciate the input.

[bcbounders]

Quote:

Originally Posted by high voltage replace front & back with koni. love the ride weight the front frist I went down to lighter size had to change a braket on the front about $650 I did the work 2005 madp 4030

Thanks for the info. Out of curiosity, did you need any special tools/skills to be able to change the shocks yourself? I've got enough experience tinkering around on cars that I figure I could do it myself if I don't need any heavy-duty equipment.

You also mention that you "went down to lighter size" and that you needed to "change a bracket". Were these two things related? If you hadn't gone down to a lighter size shock, would you have had to change the mounting bracket? Or do you know if the Koni 90-2890 shocks mount using the same brackets/holes?

Thanks for any additional help!

[bcbounders]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Larkin For what its worth, Koni 90-2890 shocks at www.precisionframe.com are $185 each. Looks like these are front shocks. Rear are $159.

Steve,

Thanks for the research... and the link. That's not a bad price... especially if I end up being able to change them out myself. I'm all for saving money where I can, if it only means putting in a little bit of "sweat equity".

Thanks!

[Doc Mark]

Good luck with your project John. Let us know how it comes out!

Mark

[high voltage]

you do have to change the bracket .It was order from spartan. koni gave me the part # for the bracket

[Steve Larkin]

The website actually is a shop, and they install shocks every day. I was there for an alignment and chatted with them. They recommended Koni's to me but I was not in the market. I was sitting in the waiting area listening and they appeared to be very helpful to the do-it-yourselfers who called in asking questions on the stuff they had ordered over the net. So if you have questions on brackets etc, give them a call before you order.

[bcbounders]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Larkin The website actually is a shop, and they install shocks every day. I was there for an alignment and chatted with them. They recommended Koni's to me but I was not in the market. I was sitting in the waiting area listening and they appeared to be very helpful to the do-it-yourselfers who called in asking questions on the stuff they had ordered over the net. So if you have questions on brackets etc, give them a call before you order.

Good to know, Steve. Thanks for the info!

[bcbounders]

Well, after much delay, here's the update.

I chickened out of doing the install myself and, instead, had the Koni shocks installed on the front while at Henderson's Lineup in Grants Pass, OR.

And all I can say is: HOORAY!!

I couldn't be more thrilled with the improvement in the ride. The harsh pounding the Bilsteins caused when crossing bridge abutments, etc, is totally gone. I've got the Konis set at "Medium" firmness and the coach now rides great. I absolutely recommend the switch to Konis for anyone who feels their ride is a bit too harsh.

Happy trails.