Shock Absorber Help

[Loctite]

We have a '98 36' Alpine with 110K on it. We are still running on the original Bilstein shocks. There are no signs of leaks on any of them. I've been told that if they are not leaking they are okay. I've also been told that with that many miles they should be changed.

When we hit a dip in the highway the coach will bounce, which I would expect, but the thing is it doesn't stop after one or two bounces. It will bounce four or five times before smoothing out.

I've tried to find the shock numbers stamped on the shocks but the numbers I'm finding are not the typical BE##### number.

So, two questions. One, what's the school of thought on the situation, and two has anyone replaced their shocks and can they provide me with some Bilstein shock numbers.

Thanks,
Dan

[JWT]

Dan I have 4 that I took off my '05 and are in my shop. I'll get you the numbers off them, or you can call me after 9:00A.M. Ca. time (714) 746-0752

[JWT]

Dan, here's the #'s for the Bilstein shock I took off my '05 36'. Fronts are F4-B46-2093-M1 & rears are F4-B46-2092-HO. Hope this helps, good luck.

[EngineerMike]

You can do a search from the Alpine Owner's Forum page on "koni fsd" and find the front & rear shock numbers for that brand & model of shock. Many Alpiner's report an improved ride w/the FSDs. Labor rate oughta be equal. Koni's likely $150 per corner plus tax ish.

[Loctite]

Thanks guys. I made a call to Bilstein yesterday and they gave me the shock numbers so I'm all set.

I'm a DIYer. Has anyone tried to replace them themselves? I can handle the fronts okay but it's the rear ones that look like they would be a problem without removing the tires. I've got the tools, big compressor and all but don't know the torque specks for the lugnuts.

[Dale777]

Loctite,

I notice that you have a 1998 Alpine Coach. The 1998 Alpine Coach owners manual does not seem to state the actual lug nut torque specs in the Service Interval table near the end of the manual. However, this manual does state on page 65 under Tire Service that "The lug nuts are tightened to over 450 ft-lbs of torque..."

Beginning at some point in later year owners manuals, the lug nut torque specs are stated as 450-500 ft-lbs under Suspension and Axles in the Service Interval table near the end of the manual.

If you are not comfortable with this spec for your 1998 year coach, then you can call or email Mark Harrah for technical information, if you are a member of ACA:

Mark Harrah
racer_s10ss@yahoo.com
509-901-2015

[EngineerMike]

Same spec for lug nuts. I go in three rounds, 1st to all snug tight w/a 3/4 ratchet, second to 250-300 all around (which a muscular guy can do w/the ratchet, but engineers cheat w/the torque multiplier), then torque multiplier to 475. Also, in each round I alternate starting up/down, one over each top/bottom, one more over... like doing a head gasket change. Probably not needed, but why not have some fun.

[SteveS]

Dan,
I replaced all four of mine myself with the Koni FSDs. Not too hard. Took about an hour and a half for all of them.

[swansnest]

Locktite - We have a set of Bilsteins we took off to replace with RoadKings on our Apex that only have about 4,000 miles at the most on them that you can buy for super cheap if you are interested.

Send us a private message. We plan to take them to Quartszite to sell!!!

[NorCal C&H]

We also have four used Bilsteins in great condition. Two 2092 and two 2093.. That are available for a fraction of the new price.

Harold

[Algoma]

Being a '98 your shock mounting bolts will probably be rusted together and they will have be cut out. My local tire shop charged me 2 hours labor to mount my Koni FSD shocks which I bought elsewhere. All 4 rear wheels had to be removed to cut out the bolts.

[takepride]

Bilstiens? Why set yourself up for another bumpy ride and failing shock? The Koni's are the best mod I've done to my coach. The ride difference was great. The install can be done with wheels on.