Koni FSD vs Bilstein

[baysidetas]

I am thinking of replacing my front shocks (Bilsteins) and am somewhat confused by the differing opinions as to whether Koni FSD's make any worthwhile improvement.

I assume that the F53 chassis requires a specific model FSD appropriate to that chassis and am wondering if some of the apparently different results are due to different models of the FSDs having been fitted.

If you have FSDs fitted and have found them to be very good is it possible to tell us what part number yours are, and similarly if you have been disappointed by them can you give us the part number of yours.

One posting I have just read on another forum claimsthat the Bilsteins match the FSDs in performance.

[62Morgan]

I noticed a quieter ride over the concrete roadway expansion joints. Probably attributed to the rhythmic rise and fall, which is, now, somehow dampened by the FSD design. The joints still make the noise; but they are much more subdued.

My true "acid test" is a strip of undulating [dips & peaks] of roadway near Destin, FL. \from Freeport, FL. The wash-board bridge approach had a bone-crunching effect as I met each peak with my front axle using my oem shocks. I hated this section of road for some 3 years before I finally decided to try the Koni brand.

With the new FSD's installed, I get a smooth wave-roll feeling on that piece of roadway. It seems to even-out several "dips" into a much longer-timed recovery wave. Gone is the jarring from each peak in the roadway surface.

FWIW:Assume you have a good reason for the fronts only. If you replace only the front & not the rear...What are you hoping to gain in ride comfort? A softer front end with a rough rear? [If I was to "test drive" a set, I would opt for the rear set first, as it carries the most weight and would benefit the most from the ride dampening.]

Re model #: Comfortably Assuming each operator has the appropriate model installed for his vehicle....the varying reports would most likely be due to the tastes/sensibilities of the individual driver. [One man's caviar is another man's yukky eggs. ]

You will have to test drive (or, better yet.... passenger ride) with a MH of each persuasion to get a feel for which you like better. [ I'm sure you can swing this...as an owner would love to show you his improvement.]

[pkunk1]

Consider the softer but still with control Monroe RV magnum shocks. They really help soften the constant pounding of the control strips.

[Campingman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkunk1 Consider the softer but still with control Monroe RV magnum shocks. They really help soften the constant pounding of the control strips.

I agree. Save your $$$. I put FSD's on a 2007 Sightseer F53 30' Class A. I noticed no difference in the jarring ride. In my opinon they are a waste of $$.

Mark

[Topflite51]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Campingman I agree. Save your $$$. I put FSD's on a 2007 Sightseer F53 30' Class A. I noticed no difference in the jarring ride. In my opinon they are a waste of $$. Mark

The first trip after I installed them my DW asked when I was going to install those shocks, I had to tell her I all ready did. She nor I have noticed any improvement. Recently installed airbags in the front, now that improved the ride.

[hdossett]

Also installed the Monroe RV magnum shocks! Granted, the front originals were worn out completely, the rears were still in decent shape, but, I do have a better ride than ever before. Paid about $50 - $60 (no tax, free shipping) each and installed them my self!


H

[LVJ58]

Quote:

Originally Posted by baysidetas I am thinking of replacing my front shocks (Bilsteins) and am somewhat confused by the differing opinions as to whether Koni FSD's make any worthwhile improvement. I assume that the F53 chassis requires a specific model FSD appropriate to that chassis and am wondering if some of the apparently different results are due to different models of the FSDs having been fitted. If you have FSDs fitted and have found them to be very good is it possible to tell us what part number yours are, and similarly if you have been disappointed by them can you give us the part number of yours. One posting I have just read on another forum claimsthat the Bilsteins match the FSDs in performance.

The Koni FSD shock part numbers for 1998 thru 2010 F53 chassis are:

88051018 (front) and 88051019 (rear) cost from Koni $172 ea.

IMO, they're well worth the cost for ride improvement we have a set on our front suspension. Prior to installing the Koni FSD's we had Monroe Gas Magnum RV shocks which were very good shocks ride-wise, but not nearly as good as the FSD's.

Unless Bilstein has developed a new generation shock with the "Frequency Selective Dampening" (FSD) like the Koni's you may find them a bit too stiff for the F53 chassis, not to take away anything from Bilstein shocks, as they're an excellent shock.

Some folks have tried the FSD's on their F53 chassis with disappointing results, but most who have installed them who post on this and other forums have very favorable comments on the resulting ride improvement.

If price is an issue, then I would recommend the Monroe HD Gas magnum RV shocks as an alternative to the FSD's for the F53 chassis.

Good luck with your choice of shocks.