1999 F53 shock question

[pffco2010]

I have a 1999 National Tropical on a Ford F53 chassis. I am looking to upgrade my existing shocks to Koni FSD shocks for the front and rear. Today while climbing underneath to check out a few things, i found that there is another set of shocks behind the tax axle that I have.

So my question now, is what shocks should I purchase for that location? I see where Koni makes the front and rear sets but I dont know what should replace or do i need to replace those last set of shocks. so i have a total of 6 shocks on the vehicle.

Thanks.

Lewis

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pffco2010 So my question now, is what shocks should I purchase for that location? I see where Koni makes the front and rear sets but I dont know what should replace or do i need to replace those last set of shocks. so i have a total of 6 shocks on the vehicle.

Lewis, call them:

KONI North America - RV Divison
1961 International Way • Hebron • KY • 41048
Telephone: (866) 566-4175 • Fax:(859) 334-3340
• Contact Koni RV

[LVJ58]

Lewis, I don't think you'll find the the tag axle shocks all that critical to ride comfort. The Henschen tag axle on our coach doesn't use any shocks at all.

Unless there's signs of leaking, i.e., oily substance on the shock, I would leave them alone. If they have a brand name with a part # on them you can cross match them to other shocks.

I would seriously doubt if Koni would have an FSD replacement for that particular shock, but you could call them with the information at 859 586-4100 and they could tell you.

You should be pleasantly surprised with your ride after installing the FSD's, we sure did.

Best of luck, Jim

[pffco2010]

I did call Koni today and you are correct, they do not know what shock would be back there. I'd have to take one off and replace it to see. They dont look back but if i use the 30k mile rule of thumb on shocks, i should replace them. I might take one off this weekend and see if i can get a part number.

Thanks,

Lewis

[LVJ58]

You're welcome, let us know how you make out with the replacement.

Best Regards, Jim

[sucker]

I replaced new blistens shocks on my 99 F53 chassis with Koni FSD. The made it ride much quieter. I read the long soft leaf spring is not compatible with the harsh blisten shock. It would be interesting to hear you feedback after you replacement. I did the work myself

[pffco2010]

I'm heading to a place tomorrow to get the shocks put on and some poly sway bar bushings as well.

i purchased my shocks from shox.com. They were able to have them dropped shipped from KY instead of CA. they didnt have them in stock at the time.

I'll post back how things are after i get them replaced.

[LVJ58]

pffco2010, were you able to find replacement shocks for the tag axle?

Jim

[pffco2010]

I haven't had any luck in identifying the shocks at the rear tag axle. When i take it in tomorrow, i am going to have them look at the shocks and see if they can get me some numbers off the shock or if need be, replace them. I'll let everyone know what i find. I'm looking forward to the ride home after i get everything put on. I'll probably pick it up mid week.

Thanks.

lewis

[sucker]

do you ever put the shock on your rig? I bought them wholesale and put them on myself. They made huge different in ride and much more quiet.

[pffco2010]

I did finally put the Koni Shocks on my RV. What a major difference in driving it. I drove 1000 miles down to Orlando and it was such a pleasure. I also added polyurethane sway bar bushings too that I got off of Ebay. They also made a difference. I did get the make and model number of the tag axle shocks but i dont have the info with me. I'll post it later when i get home next week. All in all, i am very happy with the results of the ?Koni Shocks. I think i paid less then $100 to have them put on when i got the rig serviced before i left. you can't go wrong with them. Anything that used to shake while i was driving, no longer makes noise!

[sucker]

I still have a shimmy, What do the ploy bushing do for you. Should I try that? What are they replacing? Thanks in advance

[pffco2010]

the poly bushings give me better turning control and keep the coach from leaning in turns. i dont think they would help the shimmy. is it the front wheels only or the whole coach?