Koni shock replacement

[Birddog Pilot]

I’ve been noticing what I think is an increase in the rebounding of the front shock absorbers. These are the Koni’s that many of us put on not too long ago; mine have about 18,000 miles. Initially there was a noticeable ride improvement with the Koni’s over WRV’s OEM Bilsteins, but lately the rebounding seems to be increasing. I’m giving serious thought to going the Road King route. Does anyone have the specific Road King part numbers that would apply to the 2006 36’ series? Also, any ideas of current pricing and recommended suppliers?

I’ve done several four-corner weight checks through the years and all is good; along with being 3,000 pounds-plus below the max gross weight limit under normal trip load conditions. Therefore, with the coach not being overloaded I’d have to say the Koni’s are not achieving the service life that I expected.

[EngineerMike]

I keep looking at it thinking about double shocking the front. The upper connection would be easy, just replace the frame-mounted bracket w/a double-wide unit. Lower is the problem; I haven't come up w/some simple geometry for that.

I wore out the Bilsteins in about 18k. Went to Koni's. expect to wear those out as well but sorry to hear they are getting the same mileage. The Koni's (IIRC which IRD) have a lifetime guarantee? Or am I still nuts?

[garym114]

Get in touch with Koni. For as long as you own the vehicle there is a warranty.

[OldForester]

Interesting. We have 28,000 miles on our '06 since we replaced the Bilsteins with Konis and I have not noticed an increase in rebounding. The shocks seem to be the same as before, or perhaps it's the Bridgestone tires compensating for them since we're running with 20+ psi less than the ran with the Toyos and Bilsteins. If your shocks are worn out at 18,000 miles I would definitely pursue the warranty route.

[John Neff]

I had to replace my four Koni shocks at 25000 miles. Go to konirv.com warranty tab which has a PDF form explaining warranty return process. I used the pay in advance option which worked as advertised. They refunded the money after evaluation. Out of pocket cost is freight on the return.

[Rich and Cork]

I remember when I ordered/installed my Koni's some years ago, they said after 3-4 years to turn the adjuster. I have not done that yet, but it is on my list of things to do.......sometime

[LVJ58]

If you're referring to the FSD Koni's, we have 27,166 miles on ours and they still work just fine. Have you checked for any oil leaks from the shocks.

As others mentioned I would contact Koni to see if some warranty provisions would apply.

Good luck,

[Birddog Pilot]

Thanks to all for your suggestions regarding the possible warranty on the Koni FSD’s. Right now I’m negotiating with Road King for a new set. This is their recommendation an Alpine Coach: “The front axle shocks are # 5-A 3/4" X 1 3/4" spacers. The rear axle shocks are # 4-A 3/4" X 1 3/4" spacers.”
For those of you that made the switch to Road Kings, do the # 5-A’s and #4-A’s with the ¾” x 1 ¾” spacers ring a bell as to what you are using?

[Dave Fernandez]

When I switched to Road King the Fronts were #5 and the Rear was #4. The spacers were shipped with the shocks and they fit just fine.

[Birddog Pilot]

Thanks Dave,
I received outstanding service from the folks at Road King; ordered and delivered within three days. East County Alignment, Santee, CA will do the install tomorrow morning, Aug. 23. I had done the front Bilstein replacement with the Koni's and commissioned East County do the rears; but this time around they will be doing all four. Having a pit and hoist is definitely the way to go when r & r'ing shocks. By the way, for those of you in the San Diego area, I can highly recommend East County for your alignment needs. I've been going to them for over 25 years and they do excellent work.