Re: Shock Time Reply #25 – August 28, 2018, 08:13:41 pm Has anyone heard about and/or used KYB shocks?My service guy runs a very popular RV shop in OC. They usually have around 10-20 rigs at any time (mostly class A), but always at least 1-2 LDs. (I always call in advance to see if they have sufficient room to fit me in.) He's a big fan of KYB and I guess recommends installing them on many of the motorhomes he services. His point is they provide mostly dampening effects, which in his opinion is the critical aspect of RV handling (ie prevent/manage porpoising from front/back weight induced shifts from dips, bumps, etc.)So, while I had my RV in to replace the alternator (one of those deals where I could do it myself, but figured it was worth it to outsource, especially since his crew had just installed a new water pump/clutch fan last week, so they are very familiar with my particular shroud removal, etc to gain access. You know, labor time & motion studies, repetitive efficiencies ...) I decided to swap out some aftermarket HD Monroe.Of note, and may have application here, is my '93 G30 is rated at 10,500 lbs. However, I tend to run it very light between 9 & 9.5k (top end with passengers, gas, some water). Since it's short - 22', light, and has the big block, it drives more like a (over sized) car than an RV. So, perhaps I can get away with a less robust shock that is made for heavier applications.Regardless, after many conversations/work with this shop, I have a lot of confidence in his insight & opinion. It doesn't hurt that we're both car guys and he gets a kick out of my LBC stuffed into the short G30. 1 Likes
Re: Shock Time Reply #26 – September 01, 2018, 05:34:26 pm I have Koni shocks in my 95TK.It turned it into a "new" vehicle.Stunning difference in handling and ride. 1 Likes
Re: Shock Time Reply #27 – September 01, 2018, 06:11:01 pm So, I got my rig back yesterday with the new KYB shocks installed. It was too late to take it for a test run (Fri afternoon LA traffic - aye carumba!), so I waited until this morning.I run Ride-rite air springs in the rear, and Coil-rite air bags in the front (inside the coil springs). The max rated PSI for the rears is 100psi and 70psi for the front. I used to run them at 60 & 30 with the old HD Monroe, but I pumped them up to near max (90/60) this morning. My thinking was I would start out strong, then let out air as required until I got the ride quality I wanted.Well, I could immediately tell the rig was running very tight - sort of like an oversized MB. I liked the feel and got it on the freeway. Wasn't paying too much attention as I hit the 55/405 transition @ 55 that was signed for 45mph. The rig stuck and rode perfectly. It also took the usual dips, bumps and other rough features of the fine SoCal interstate system without any hiccups, so I decided to just keep the air pressure where it's at. I figure I can also release some more air if the mood strikes, but for now the RV seems really balanced. The KYB shocks really provide a nice dampening - it catches the first dip and flattens it out, immediately recovering to level.Here's a pic from the street - you can see it rides sort of aggressively. The optics are probably influenced since it's 22'. BTW, it is bone stock original, including the factory paint. It's a little bit dirty, but usually buffs out pretty nice.A few months ago we had to make a decision to either sell it, or put some money into it so it would run the way we liked. A few $ thousand later, and it runs like a charm. Now, I'm thinking we're in for at least another 4 years, which would put us in for 10. At a certain point, this RV might even make it to the 'sought after vintage' status currently enjoyed by 60s VW vans. 3 Likes
Re: Shock Time Reply #28 – September 01, 2018, 10:32:11 pm Quote from: snerf - September 01, 2018, 06:11:01 pmSo, I got my rig back yesterday with the new KYB shocks installed. It was too late to take it for a test run (Fri afternoon LA traffic - aye carumba!), so I waited until this morning.I run Ride-rite air springs in the rear, and Coil-rite air bags in the front (inside the coil springs). The max rated PSI for the rears is 100psi and 70psi for the front. I used to run them at 60 & 30 with the old HD Monroe, but I pumped them up to near max (90/60) this morning. My thinking was I would start out strong, then let out air as required until I got the ride quality I wanted.Well, I could immediately tell the rig was running very tight - sort of like an oversized MB. I liked the feel and got it on the freeway. Wasn't paying too much attention as I hit the 55/405 transition @ 55 that was signed for 45mph. The rig stuck and rode perfectly. It also took the usual dips, bumps and other rough features of the fine SoCal interstate system without any hiccups, so I decided to just keep the air pressure where it's at. I figure I can also release some more air if the mood strikes, but for now the RV seems really balanced. The KYB shocks really provide a nice dampening - it catches the first dip and flattens it out, immediately recovering to level.Here's a pic from the street - you can see it rides sort of aggressively. The optics are probably influenced since it's 22'. BTW, it is bone stock original, including the factory paint. It's a little bit dirty, but usually buffs out pretty nice.A few months ago we had to make a decision to either sell it, or put some money into it so it would run the way we liked. A few $ thousand later, and it runs like a charm. Now, I'm thinking we're in for at least another 4 years, which would put us in for 10. At a certain point, this RV might even make it to the 'sought after vintage' status currently enjoyed by 60s VW vans.Very nice looking Lazy Daze for its age. What is the interior color scheme?Chris
Re: Shock Time Reply #29 – March 12, 2022, 12:34:16 pm Quote from: John DaCrema - August 02, 2018, 06:38:50 pm They are the original Bilstein set from LD (not Ford). Even when I got the RV I thought the ride was a little harsh but well controlled. At 4k miles and 4-5 years old, the ride was likely very much what I can expect from new Bilstein shocks. Looking for thoughts from the group here. If anyone has installed the Koni's I would very much like to hear your thoughts. I have not added any suspension goodies.I am hijacking this thread, it is similar to my situation. We have owned our 1999 mb for a bit over two years. I think my Bilstein are from 1999. The "control" part of our ride seems to be superior. I love it. Small bumps on the road are harsh, I think this is due to the age of the shock more so than the type. Thinking of the Bilstein 4600 Heavy Duty (B6), the Koni FSD or maybe even the Monroe Gas Grand RV. Also thinking of doing the installation myself. I will try to decide soon. Trucks go by me and I don't notice. I want to keep the control while maybe gaining some comfort.
Re: Shock Time Reply #30 – March 13, 2022, 11:54:03 am Hello, I went with the Koni FSD. They were expensive. At the same time I replaced worn front suspension parts. I no longer have the RV, it belongs to my daughter. So I can not say which parts were replaced. There were bushings, I’m think tie-rod ends and maybe the front brakes. It made a real difference. The ride was like the soft worn shocks when hitting bumps, but unlike the worn shocks the rv didn’t continue to bounce. In turns the shocks firm up to work against sway. The same when getting hit by the bow wave of air as a truck passed. Really an amazing technology. It does not completely cure all those things. After a bit the laws of physics reassert and wind pushes and bumps are felt. I was very happy with the purchase. 1 Likes
Re: Shock Time Reply #31 – March 13, 2022, 03:23:52 pm "Also thinking of doing the installation myself."Been there, done that! BUT I'd rather have someone else to the work.And while you're at it, do not neglect the upper and lower bushings. They loosen or wear out too! 2 Likes
Re: Shock Time Reply #32 – March 14, 2022, 09:26:44 am Thank you John and Lazy Bones. I am undecided still. Probably okay for me to take some time. 2 Likes
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