WHAT KIND OF SHOCKS?

steve5B · February 22, 2009, 05:22:40 PM

Hello Guys,

After reading some previous post about front end work, thought I would take mine in and have the shocks replaced.

Question?

What's the best to put on and are they the same as the ones on over the road trucks?

Open for suggestions!

Steve 5B......

Brian Diehl · February 22, 2009, 05:26:01 PM

I bought Gabrielle replacement shocks from Mohawk. They cost $54 each and come with a 1 year warranty. There are better shocks out there, but I've had the same ones on the back for 4 years now and they still work great.

Lin · February 22, 2009, 05:55:14 PM

I have just gone through this same question. The Gabriel are cheap and, I am sure, adequate. However, I wanted something that would be a nice improvement in ride and handling. Since I have had that experience before with Bilstien shocks and they were not available for the bus, I bought Koni, also from Mohawk, for about $150. each. I only bought the two for the front though. So far I am quite happy, but that's because I have not installed them yet. I intend to do that in the next couple of days and will post my evaluation then.

steve5B · February 22, 2009, 05:59:40 PM

Brian,

Thanks for the info! I have always enjoyed reading your post on your bus. Wish I had the time to do mine, maybe one day!

Steve 5B....

steve5B · February 22, 2009, 06:04:24 PM

Lin,

Looking forward to you evaluation.

Steve 5B....

Lin · February 24, 2009, 02:31:34 PM

I had the Koni shocks installed on the front today. I do not know the brand of the shocks we took off. They do not have a name on them. They just say they are made in Canada and have some numbers. They appeared to be in working condition. I believe the difference in the bus ride was immediately noticeable. It is crisper and at least as smooth. As far as handling goes, the steering seemed to be less effected by the road. If one is going to replace bad shocks, I think these are worth the price. Buying them to replace a pair of serviceable shocks as I did, would be a priority judgment. Although it may be my imagination, it seemed to me that when running down a bumpy road, I could feel the difference between the way the front and rear of the bus was acting. Therefore, I would like to have these better shocks on the rear, but the cost will make that just another list item.

When I bought the Koni's, there were two different shocks that fit the application. The 90-2575 was recommended and was also the one the Mohawk listed for the MC5a. However, it seems that something to also consider was that the other one, 90-1898, which although being an older design, it does have split bushings. The 2575 has a pressed in bushing and steel sleeve. That made installation a bit more of a nuisance since the studs on one side had been changed and were slightly thicker. The split rubber bushings would have tolerated the difference easily. It took more work to fit the sleeve though. If I ever did got them for the back, I would go with the split bushing.

It seems to me that the price difference between the Koni and Gabriel for the front is $200, which is not a fortune in the bus parts world--especially for something that gives a noticeable improvement. Just to give people a point of reference, I am usually very ~~cheap~~ economy minded.

WEC4104 · February 24, 2009, 03:03:55 PM

Lin:

Is that model of Koni adjustable? If so, at what part of the range are your's set?

luvrbus · February 24, 2009, 03:24:48 PM

If you have a Eagle don't waste your 1300 bucks for a set of the Koni shocks been there done that
good luck

Lin · February 24, 2009, 05:50:31 PM

Wec,

They are adjustable. I spoke to Koni tech support and was told that the shocks are shipped in the softest position. He recommended that we use that. He said that would probably be fine and that I would have the option of tightening them up as they wear.

Clifford,

That's one of the problems with this sort of stuff. You sometimes have to be there and do that just to find out. Maybe the Eagle suspension is less influenced by shocks than the ones with air bags. Maybe I am experiencing the placebo affect. By the way, I tried to catch you at Quartszite but was told you had just pulled out.

luvrbus · February 24, 2009, 06:20:45 PM

Sorry I missed you at Quartzsite but I was parked in the middle and some of the guys needed out so I left early.About the Koni on a Eagle the bus has independent front suspension on the front and Koni uses the same shock for the rear,boogie and the front ,the setting for the front is max and the other 6 are set on 1.5 and my Eagle will put you through the roof with Koni . good luck hope we can meet some day if you ever get close to Needles or Bullhead give me a shout