Changing front shocks

[pappaono]

Have been considering putting new Koni shocks on the front of my Sea Breeze. Is this something I might do with my limited mechanical experience, or am I better off letting someone else handle the job.

Thanks in advance for any and all input.

[jackrobinryan]

I had the same thoughts. Stopped by a truck garage on Rt 301 in MD. (I steered clear of the RV dealers service dept.)

Told them I had the shocks and what would they want to put them on, front and rear of a 2007 WH 24 chassis.

With the proper tools and a mechanic used to working on large vehicles, it took less than 1 hr and cost me $85 bucks total. A bargain to me.

fwiw

[kennersonf]

If you don't have a air impact wrench then don't try it. I put Konis on the front and rear of my motorhome but would not have been able to do it without my impact wrench.

[04sterling]

Dont try it, you need a torque multiplier and and a large impact wrench to remove and install. I went with Monroe RV shocks on the front of my 04 Dolphin LX and it rides like a dream, and no crazy porposing after a big dip. Had them installed at my chassis service center in Cerritos CA. They charged 65$ to install, not worth the headache scratched knuckles and frustration.

[hdossett]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 04sterling Dont try it, you need a torque multiplier and and a large impact wrench to remove and install. .

Thinking about changing mine, would a 1/2", 250 ft/lb electric impact do the job?

Inquiring minds!

Harold

[Jeepster47]

pappaono,

Why would you change only the front shocks? It's like only doing half a job. To get the full Koni ride all four shocks must match. Old shocks are not easy to remove. Have done at a shop with a air impact wrench.

Ed

[Clay L]

I replaced all four of mine two years ago with Koni's. I have an 18 inch ratchet and it was not a difficult job.
As I recall the installation torque required was 80 foot pounds.

[John Wayne]

Replaced all 4 of mine in the driveway with hand tools it's not rocket science.

[pappaono]

Thank you for all the great replies. Jeepster47 I thought about doing all 4, wasn't sure if it was really necessary, but gues you are right. And it's probably worth the $$$$ to get it done.

The days are getting longer, can only mean that Spring is just around the corner and it will be camping time !!

[tropicaljpgp]

Where did you buy the shocks? I have a '04 Tropical and I don't know which ones to buy.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[pappaono]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tropicaljpgp Where did you buy the shocks? I have a '04 Tropical and I don't know which ones to buy. Any advice would be appreciated.

I haven't purchased mine yet, was getting input on if I should even consider doing it my self. However, this place seems to be the most reasonable....ltbmotorsports

Now I will have to post to see if anyone has done business with them and their opinon about the company.

Rich

[rogueii]

I did all 4 with Koni. You can do it, you will need a long Breaker bar to help loosen and tighten the nuts. I put a large Crescent wrench on and let it wedge against the frame and used a Breaker bar. Take your time .

[pappaono]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennersonf If you don't have a air impact wrench then don't try it. I put Konis on the front and rear of my motorhome but would not have been able to do it without my impact wrench.

Actually I do have an air impact wrench and a big Sears air compressor, so should be able to do it. The question I have is does a person need to jack the MH up or do you just take the old shock off and install the new one and how do you determine the correct tightness?

[Clay L]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pappaono Actually I do have an air impact wrench and a big Sears air compressor, so should be able to do it. The question I have is does a person need to jack the MH up or do you just take the old shock off and install the new one and how do you determine the correct tightness?

As I recall my Konis came with a torque requirements list. See Koni shocks installed for the torque requirements. I think they were included in the instructions that came with the shocks.
You do not have to jack up the motor home. the shocks can easily be extended or collapsed if you push or pull slowly.