New Shocks!!

[captsteve]

Looking at getting new shocks on my XC chassis. ( have some shock rattle on the road)

I have been looking at Koni's and Bilsteins. Is there really that much difference in the ride between the two?

A set of Koni's run $700. and a set of Bilsteins run $330. I know both are good but are the Koni's really worth the difference??

Steve

 

[maverickbbd]

IMO on my XC chassis there is no substitute for KONI Gold fsd's.  I put them all around plus a Safe-T-Plus steering stabilizer for my first great circle around the country.  I am now on my third and can't even imagine how i did it before I did the install.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Your Rev is on a Freightliner chassis with a solid front axle, which means you now have Sachs shocks on a Neway suspension. You might want to consider them as well - you can buy parts direct from Freightliner if you want. Prices are usually pretty decent.

The Koni's have a mystique that matches their price; only you can determine if the performance is any better and commensurate with the lofty price. And if you really want to have bragging rights, check into Road King shocks.

 

[captsteve]

Well Gary, even with shocks that are shot it rides pretty good. I hear a lot of people swear by the Koni's, I just don't want to lay out the extra money for something that is not going to be the Bee's knees. I'm leaning towards the Bilsteins right now. Unless someone can totally convince me otherwise...

 

[SeilerBird]

Steve - It has been my experience that when comparing two items like you are doing that ego comes into play. So shock A costs twice as much as shock B. So some people who spend the extra money on shock B swear it is way better than shock A, even though they have no experience with shock A. They are trying to justify spending (wasting) all the extra money. This happens in the world of cameras excessively. It cost more so therefore it must be better since I bought one...

Personally I would take Gary's advise and get the Sachs shocks. I really don't think either the Koni or the Bilsteins would be much better.

 

[catblaster]

I did the Bilsteins only because I couldn't see the difference in price. Put the koni's on one side and the bilsteins on the other and do a test for us


Took me an afternoon to install along with breaks in between. My old factory shocks were still serviceable but the new ones were gas charged and made a noticeable difference.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Everybody thinks their new shocks are wonderful, and they probably are compared to their old ones. And the more they paid for the shocks, the better they are!  How many people have put on Koni's for 3 months, then removed them and tried Bilsteins to see the difference? Or vice versa?

 

[captsteve]

That what I'm sayin Gary! Anyway, I did some more research and found that both the Koni and Bilstein stiffen the ride drastically. That is not what I am looking for. I like the nice squishy Cadillac ride that it has now! Gonna go with the OEM Sachs (If I can find them) Guess I will have to go through Freightliner.

Steve

 

[SargeW]

I had changed the shocks on my Journey to the Koni's before I went to Alaska last year.  The Sach's had gotten too soft and were transferring every pavement crack to the cockpit.  The Koni's did a great job on the crappy roads in Canada. And the steering stabilizer too. 

 

[driftless shifter]

For $700, the Koni's better be adjustable, and rebuildable!

Bill

 

[captsteve]

they are not adjustable!

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

You can order Sachs products here:
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/replacement_sm/sachs~shocks~replacement.html

But I would inquire direct with FCCC factory first - their prices are often surprisingly good.  Call customer service with you VIN to get the part numbers you would need and they will refer you to a parts person who can give a price and fulfill the order.

 

[captsteve]

Thanks Gary! I knew I could count on you!

Next time I'm in the forest, I owe you a fine bottle!!!

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

It will be a cheap date, Steve. A "fine bottle' to me is an imported beer like Becks or Peroni!

 

[captsteve]

Then so be it! A six pack of your choice!