Shocks/steering stabilizer

[M Glanton]

I know I’m going to get a lot of different recommendations but I’d like to know what brand the group would advise on replacing the front shocks and steering stabilizer would be

1996 F-53 Tiffin.

[MrMark52]

Your right - every one has an opinion on what’s best and will seem to argue to the death on which is better.

Me, I buy what my wallet allows me to - on both coaches that we have had - Bilstein shocks because RockAuto generally has had the best pricing with shipping included. Others will say Koni’s are best.

I would also recommend you look at your jounce bumpers (rubber bumper between the frame and axles) as well. 1996 jounces are getting pretty old and may not be complete, or have the elasticity they once had. For replacements there, go with Sumo’s.

Good for you that your looking at replacing shocks! Most people never give them a 2nd thought. Both of our coaches, at least 2 of the shocks were shot.

[scbwr]

On the F-53 chassis, I couldn't find any information that convinced me to replace our shocks with Koni shocks. On diesel rigs, there seems to be some good reasons for using Koni shocks. So, I went with Bilstein shocks because they were less costly. You could consider putting Koni shocks on the front and Bilstein shocks on the rear if you think the Koni shocks could be a little better for the front.

I added the Roadmaster return center steering stabilizer to our rig and it was well worth it.

But tire pressure can be the bigger influence on ride quality and steering control. Using axle weights (can't find a place for 4 corner weight measurement) and the Toyo tire inflation chart for my tires improved the ride and stability of our rig.