Shocks

[mydogmax]

Has anyone installed new shocks on their motorhome? Just wonder if its really hard as it looks like.

[Mr_D]

Yes, I have. It's not hard, just need bigger tools is all.

[William Willard]

Depends on what coach you have -- Bill Willard

[tizzyfit]

Originally Posted by mydogmax

Has anyone installed new shocks on their motorhome? Just wonder if its really hard as it looks like.

I had Freightliner in Gaffney, SC replace the 4 shocks while they were replacing the VDC. After replacing all 8 springs on the HWH leveling system by myself, I realized I no longer had the necessary upper body strength to do some of these things. By the way, Freightliner's labor charge was $85 an hr after spending $20 to join their service club. They completed everything in under 4 hours.
I was very pleased with their service and thought their parts pricing was competitive with what I could have bought the same shocks for online.

[vito.a]

I just installed four new Bilstein shocks on the rear drive axle of our coach. I started with a broken stud on the left rear that was a pain. Installing the shocks is pretty straight forward once you figure out what tools you need under the coach. I aired up the suspension as high as it would go and then placed jackstands under the rear engine crossmember on each side. The shocks are gas pressurized, so it's easier to install them with the air suspension extended.

You have an RR8R chassis with 8 air bags and 8 shocks, four front and four rear. You can do some research on this forum for shock brands. Koni are the most expensive and Monroe are the least expensive with Bilstein in the middle. There are some good writeups on which is best. Remember, the shocks just stop the coach from bouncing up and down, they do not support the weight of the coach. You will also see some disagreement on whether they affect handling or not. One of our well respected forum members removed his shocks and reported a smooth ride with no shocks. He then installed new Monroe shocks (cheapest). Others will swear by the expensive Konis. I've also heard great reports from Source Engineering revalved Bilstein shocks.

I assume you do not have any broken mounts so skip down to post #23.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f24/broke...-373734-2.html

[windsorbill]

you have the RR8S chassis with 8 shocks. I went with the Source engineered shocks. If you're trying to eliminate issues with trucks passing and cross winds, save your money. if your coach bounds up and down after you drive over a freeway overpass, then the shocks will help. I did notice a big improvement and it seems like it's quieter inside the coach. After I removed the original Monroes, I could compress them very easily with 1 hand. They were definitely need of replacement.

[Outbound]

I paid to have my (10) shocks replaced, per tizzyfit at 73 yrs old I no longer have the upper body strength in tight places, I just installed new Safety T Steer on my coach and thought I would never get axle bolts loose, it took a 6' breaker bar to finally get job done, was happy all was easy to get at.

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by mydogmax

Has anyone installed new shocks on their motorhome? Just wonder if its really hard as it looks like.

If you are'nt huge, and are reasonably flexible, the fronts aren't bad. You crank the steering to one side, and climb in the wheel wells, and replace two. Then you crank the wheels the other way, and have good access to the other two.
The back axles are tough.

[BigLar368]

We have a 2004 Camelot and after looking at the rear I was unsure how anyone could reach to top of the shock with the tires on. Taking the tires off was worth the hassle to make reaching the shocks easier. After fighting the first one loose I decided to use a sawzall and just cut the top bolts off. Cutting the rest of them off made things much easier. We went with Bilsteins and it made a noticeable difference in ride.

[William Willard]

The reason I asked what coach you have, is because the fender & side panels will swing up for easier access to the shocks on some models -- Endeavors & coaches made in Indiana usually have this -- I've replaced shocks on three Monaco built coaches & two of them I could swing the panels up -- Our coach, a 07 Camelot , I could not, & the install was a bit more challenging -- I found that if you remove the rear docking light, the top of the shock is within reach -- Bill Willard

[vito.a]

For the top bolts on the rear shocks, I raised the coach all the way up on the air bags and used a long extension and ratchet to remove the bolts standing outside.
Much easier!

[mydogmax]

how was the outcome of the safety steer install? Did it help the driving?

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by vito.a

For the top bolts on the rear shocks, I raised the coach all the way up on the air bags and used a long extension and ratchet to remove the bolts standing outside.
Much easier!

Are you talking the tag axle shocks?

Those nut's are easily accesible on mine by air'ing up the rear bags, but the OP doesn't have a tag axle coach.

[vito.a]

I understand. No. Both the tag and the main drive axle rear shock top bolts are accessed from outside with the chassis raised up as high as it will go.

The top shock bolts on the front of the rear drive axle are accessed from underneath. Still with the coach all the way up.

You will find that when replacing gas pressurized shocks it's much easier with the coach all the way up because now you only have to depress the shock about 2". I bolt the top in first, then compress the shock 2" so its just above the lower mount. Then release the shock while holding a tapered punch on the backside. As the gas pressure extends the shock down to the hole, press the punch through the hole. Wiggle the punch around to center the shock on the hole and start the bolt through from the other side pushing the punch out as you go.

Hope this helps.