Koni adjustable vse FSD

[neilnbe]

Any thoughts on the difference between the Koni FSD shocks and the adjustable style? The adjustable are the only ones listed for the front but the FSD are available for the rears. Should I wait for the FSD's for the front before swapping them out? Are the FSD's even that much better on the front than the adjustable? Currently, Bilsteins are all the way around.
There seems to be alot who have changed to the koni shock and are real pleased with the ride improvment. But the new FSD shocks aren't available only the adjustable style for the front. Wait for the FSD's or not that much difference over the adjustable?

[bcbounders]

Neil & Deb,

Can't tell you which is better, but we upgraded the Bilsteins on our '05 MADP 4304 to the Koni's... ONLY the front shocks, so we've got the adjustable version NOT the FSDs... and the improvement in ride quality was dramatic! Well worth the investment. Set to "medium" they have made a huge difference on bridge abutments, potholes, and other typical road "obstacles" that used to rattle our teeth!

Not sure if Koni will ever have the FSD's for the larger front suspensions... so if you're thinking of making the switch, we'd recommend it based on our experience. Don't wait... you won't regret the switch!

[Mr_D]

We have the adjustables on the front and FSD's on the rear. Not really sure the FSD's made much difference. I just adjusted the fronts' to the lowest setting last week and haven't been out with it yet, they were on the middle (of five settings). Thought I'd try the lowest setting and see what it's like.

I worked with Reyco-Granning testing shocks so I have five sets of Bilsteins with various valving sitting on the back deck. The last one set was 30% less compression than standard and was actually pretty good and would have been acceptable if they hadn't sent the Koni's to try.

Don't know if the new design Bilsteins (Comfitrac®) would be any better as I haven't had a chance to try them.

[SVTotem]

Our Sachs shocks are pretty stiff and the road seems and bumps are knocking the screw cover bungs out of the cabinets, so I am following this thread closely.

It has been thirty years since I have changed shocks. Is this a DIY job with normal tools on an RV? Must the RV be on a left?

[wardy]

My 2007 MM came with Bilsteins and the ride was very harsh (old Bil's not the newer comfort shock). Anyway I replaced the front with Koni Red, what a difference. I then replaced the rears with the FSD's and I'm thrilled at the improvement. It's hard to believe a change this simple could make such a dramatic change in the ride and handling. Maybe the new Comfort Bil's are as good as the Koni's, I don't know. But I absolutely recommend the Koni's for my MM chassis.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVTotem It has been thirty years since I have changed shocks. Is this a DIY job with normal tools on an RV? Must the RV be on a left?

If you have the right tools it's pretty easy. I bought a ¾" torque wrench at a pawn shop as I need 150 ft lbs on the upper and lower mounts and 35 ft lbs on the lower mount plates. If you've changed shocks on an older car (before the coil over shocks new cars have now) then it's no problem. I used the onboard leveling jacks and strayed out of the way of any "pinch points" in case the rig moved. If you drive up onto some blocks you'll have plenty of room also. It's not hard, just be sure you have big enough wrenches. I also got a air wrench form Harbor Freight (rated for 650 ft lbs). Even with a small compressor it'll get at least 200 ft lbs easily. Glad I had that to break the nuts lose last week when I changed the adjustment. I couldn't budge the nuts with my wrenches by hand. I didn't use the air wrench to tighten them this time!!

[dutchie01]

where is the best place to buy shocks?

[SVTotem]

Thanks Mr. D.

[RovinOn]

I put the FSD's all around on my 05 Southwind,,,What an improvment!
Well worth the money spent. The ride is 100% better!
As for buying, my installing dealer purchased direct and I got the same price from them as if I would have purchased myself. Total bill for shocks and install came to about $1000.
I don't think you'll go wrong with either.

Regards,
RovinOn.......

[Billieg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dutchie01 where is the best place to buy shocks?

Here:
Bilstein - KYB - Rancho - Monroe - Edelbrock Automotive Truck Shocks and Struts - Shockwarehouse.com

or
Koni Shocks | Koni Suspension Products | Low Prices on Koni Shocks

Got the FSD's and love them.

[LindyT]

I picked mine up from precisionframe.com -- Dick was really helpful. I only replaced the front. I talked to Spartan and they said the difference in the rear would be negligible -- the front is where the magic is. What a difference!! Those Bilstiens were absolute garbage.

I put them on myself - I set them to the medium adjustment. Haven't needed to adjust them since. I think you'll be quite pleased.

You may need new brackets for them. Precisionframe sells them. You should ask them or Spartan if they're required for your application. They were for mine.

[wardy]

I talked to Spartan and they said the difference in the rear would be negligible --

Advise from the same company that spec the Bilsteins'? If you can afford all around do it, the difference is stunning. I did it in two steps so I've had it both ways.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVTotem Thanks Mr. D.

As someone else mentioned, you may need a special bottom plate/mount. Reyco Granning sent mine with the shocks so I don't know where to get them. I might even have a set in the MH as I kept all the parts for the different shocks.

[neilnbe]

Seems like hands down they are a big improvement over the stock Blisteins...so I put some on order. Should have them the end of next week. Depending on when they get here I may not get them installed until the following week...hopefully I'll have a chance to get them installed before our next trip out.