Koni shocks

[gmnut55]

I'm replacing the front tires on my 4104 and it's time to do the shocks also. Has anyone replaced with koni shocks, if you have do you have the part number for the shock. Thanks in advance.  Mark

[ol713]

   Check with Luck at US Coach. He might be able to help.
          (856) 794-3104

[luvrbus]

Koni has a crossover chart if you have the parts number of the old shocks

[dtcerrato]

I'm replacing the front tires on my 4104 and it's time to do the shocks also. Has anyone replaced with koni shocks, if you have do you have the part number for the shock. Thanks in advance.  Mark

Mark can't help you with Koni numbers but recently replaced all our 4104 shocks with Gabriel HD Fleetline and are very happy with the feel. If you're fixed on Koni, here are some numbers that may help you crossover. The GM # is 22012114. Both the front and back shocks are the same. There are multiple Gabriel numbers: 680323, 670029, & 85700. We did quite a bit of research and found the 4104 shocks can be mixed with big truck shocks but w/o as comfortable a ride as truck shocks are usually designed for steel springs. We currently run on our 4104 the Gabriel 85700 HD Fleetline series and can be purchased on Amazon or ebay at really fair prices. We run specifically the Gabriel 85735 HD Fleetline. It is the best suited shock for the 4104 design and made our ride, coupled with following the specific tire manufacturer load chart like night & day. FWIW HTH

[chessie4905]

Gabriel.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/gabriel-north-america

[luvrbus]

I have Koni on all 3 axles on my coach, I tried different setting and I am not to impressed with the high priced Koni's

[gmnut55]

Thanks everyone for the info, I'm going to look into the one you use Dan were you have same bus. Thanks again. Mark

[chessie4905]

That model is currently unavailable on Amazon, but Summit, among others carry it.
The specs on it, btw, lists as being galvanized under the paint.👍

[gmnut55]

Thanks for the onfo

[dtcerrato]

I hope it all works out for you Mark, it should. During some of my research using the original GM shock absorber part number then running supersessions on it for the latest GM number was what helped me find out through Gabriel Fleetline their best replacement shock. Air ride double convoluted bellows has a rebound that only a particular shock design satisfies like the original shocks had and it was all wrapped around passenger comfort. Notice in my original reply that I mentioned using the specific tire load chart that you're running otherwise you wont get the suspension performance that the 4104 boasted back in the day. Plus 5 to 10 psi for safety is okay on the tires from whatever the load chart says but to run max psi is a waste of feel you should see with the new Gabriels. BTDT  Keep us posted TIA

[gmnut55]

Thanks Dan for all the good info. There must have been an issue with the ride as the newer 4104s moved to install two shocks on each corner.  Than the 06 had a sway bar.

[dtcerrato]

IMO not as much an "issue" as what I would call an evolution. After all in GM's world the 4104 transitioned from steel to air ride springs not to mention the "Scenic Cruiser" windows.
Our 53 04 129 is a real early one. One "issue" that we knew about prior to it's purchase was the rear bellows bottom support being steel reinforced cast aluminum that had failure years later as ours did. To me that's an issue. But the suspension components in my mind was more of an "evolution". I wonder if the 4106 sway bar was in some way an upgrade to the old Vickers power assist steering wheel play or maybe compensation for the increased HP from the IL671 to the 8V71. I'm enthused at 45 year of ownership there is always something to talk about with these old beasts. Something else comes to mind - when these busses were carrying huge payloads of 45 passengers and their baggage - how does one satisfy a mfg tire load chart from that to empty? Maybe the 2nd set of shocks were needed when empty? Interesting.

[gmnut55]

Yes I found the right rear bellows mount cracked years ago. I replaced it and procured the steel replacement for both sides  that I need to change out. Other wise they are pretty well built proof.we travel back and forth to Florida from maine and around ,about 7000 miles a year. It use to be 10000 to 15000 a year but little less with fuel expense now.

[dtcerrato]

We replaced both rear aluminum supports back in the day with the stamped steel. Bought a whole rear suspension with axle hubs & drums from the late Deans Coach. We hear ya loud & clear on the fuel expense. Got a little place in AK we've Bus traveled three times now. Trying to get it where we may fly in and use the diesel savings for play. What part of FL do you come to. We're North Central near Ocala.

[gmnut55]

We own a lot in mount olive shores  in polk city,  we go down first of November until end of April.