96 F53 shock replacement.

Out2Sea · 03-30-2011, 05:46 AM

Would like to limit this to only owners that have had experience with F53’s that sat on 16 inch tires and did new shock replacement. Thanks!

Currently running OEM’s on my rig right now and noticed some hobby horse motion in the front. Shocks aren’t leaking but surely must be due for replacement by now. So the question is what is the biggest bang for the buck that I can give a 15 year old coach. We put on about 5-6K miles per year driving cross country.

Monroe Magnums are the cheapest, and from what I’ve seen in researching the topic got rave reviews in their day (prior to Koni FSD’s coming out.) Blistens also got good control remarks, but also gave a harsh ride (which I don’t need any more of.) Koni also does not make a FSD for the back of my rig, so why would I pay extra for Koni’s if they do not have any new technology going for them?

So my first take is either to put Monroe Magnums all the way around, or maybe just on the back with Koni FSD’s on the fronts. I’ll make my final choice based on the feed back I get (if any.) Thanks for your input.

Topflite51 · 03-30-2011, 09:17 AM

I originally put Monroes on my 97 F53(it has 16"tires), then 10 months later and 4k in miles, I fell for the 'herd' mentality and put FSD's on the front. In my opinion it was a waste of money. I noticed no difference at all. Most that have installed FSD's have done so with considerably higher mileage and age on them and of course have experienced considerable improvement, which is understandable. Just like I experienced with the Monroes when I replaced the OEM's that were on there when I first bought the MH. You can replace all 4 of your shocks with Monroe's incl shipping for less than what you can buy the FSD's for just the front.

Unless you are into the 'herd' thing go with Monroe's.

Gary B · 03-30-2011, 09:26 AM

I have a 97 that had original shocks. Replaced the front only with Koni FSDs. It made a world of difference. One rough road I traveled with the old shocks, I could only drive about 30 mph. With the Koni's I could drive 55 without being afraid the overhead TV would shake out and fall on my head.

Lt46 · 03-30-2011, 12:41 PM

Four Monroes for me last year, no regrets with a very comfortable ride.

Out2Sea · 03-31-2011, 04:26 AM

Thanks for all of the input. The choice is now as clear as mud

...

Think what I'll do is put four Monroes on if the budget is tight (due to other repairs the rig needs.) Otherwise I'll add some extra cash to the shock budget for the FSD's up front only. If I'm going to invest the extra money on the dual valve hype/marketing, now I guess is the best time to do it when the old shocks need replacing regardless.

Thanks again.

1skatingrin · 04-01-2011, 12:51 PM

I installed four Bilsteins thirteen years ago on my 94 Bounder. Been very happy with them.No problems with them. Much inproved ride on back country roads cut way back on swaying with crowned roads.I installed them myself with much needed breaker bar and pipe extention.