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81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results - Printable Version +- Wanderlodge Gurus - The Member Funded Wanderlodge Forum (http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com) +-- Forum: Yahoo Groups Archive (/forumdisplay.php?fid=61) +--- Forum: WanderlodgeForum (/forumdisplay.php?fid=63) +--- Thread: 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results (/showthread.php?tid=772) Pages: 1 2 |
81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results - mrdonut12 - 06-04-2005 08:56 At the recommendations of this group, I bit the bullet, called Earl at Blue Bird and ordered 4 shocks, Konis for the front and Gabriel for the rears (that's stock). The Konis are adjustable and I was led to believe the stiffest setting was the best. There are 2 full twists of adjustment. You compress the shock in a vice and as you're compressing it, you'll feel a catch as you enter the adjustment phase of the twisting. Koni said there are 5 "half-twists" of adjustment. I went all the way firm and backed it off a half a twist. It made the ride too stiff and bumpy for me. Today, I removed the shocks and rotated fully each way. There are only 4 "half-twists" of adjustment. I set both of them in the middle, so I've only backed them off a half twist from the first setting. The result is the coach drops easily on bumps and rebounds slowly. This gives a very smooth, soft, stable ride. I'm really happy with the ride, it's super. I just returned from a short highway test drive and the bird just floats along. It even seems to have reduced the roll on turns and curves. The short wheelbase of the FC makes it want to bounce the front end without stopping, called porpoising. This should now be over if my road test was any indication. The rear shocks are going on Monday when I get new tires. I'll keep you posted. I hope this helps those who're trying to decide which shocks to buy and what Koni settings to use. George Witt 81 FC 35 Lincoln, Nebraska 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results - geez_al - 06-04-2005 10:28 I have a question for you. I'm on the road full time right now and a bit hesitant to get into anything at an RV Park, but my ride is a bit too stiff as well on the firmest setting. I had my shocks installed with a bunch of other stuff so I'm wondering.. How long did it take you? Can you adjust them w/o taking off the tire? Was it hard to recompress? Oh, and do you remember what size wrench it was? I only have the bare minimum tools with me and might have to pick up a wrench at the store. As I head east, the roads seem to be getting a bit rough so I'd like to soften things up a bit. Thanks, Al S. 1981 31' Headed toward New York. _____ From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of mrdonut12 Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2005 4:57 PM To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results At the recommendations of this group, I bit the bullet, called Earl at Blue Bird and ordered 4 shocks, Konis for the front and Gabriel for the rears (that's stock). The Konis are adjustable and I was led to believe the stiffest setting was the best. There are 2 full twists of adjustment. You compress the shock in a vice and as you're compressing it, you'll feel a catch as you enter the adjustment phase of the twisting. Koni said there are 5 "half-twists" of adjustment. I went all the way firm and backed it off a half a twist. It made the ride too stiff and bumpy for me. Today, I removed the shocks and rotated fully each way. There are only 4 "half-twists" of adjustment. I set both of them in the middle, so I've only backed them off a half twist from the first setting. The result is the coach drops easily on bumps and rebounds slowly. This gives a very smooth, soft, stable ride. I'm really happy with the ride, it's super. I just returned from a short highway test drive and the bird just floats along. It even seems to have reduced the roll on turns and curves. The short wheelbase of the FC makes it want to bounce the front end without stopping, called porpoising. This should now be over if my road test was any indication. The rear shocks are going on Monday when I get new tires. I'll keep you posted. I hope this helps those who're trying to decide which shocks to buy and what Koni settings to use. George Witt 81 FC 35 Lincoln, Nebraska _____ Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> Terms of Service. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results - pattypape - 06-04-2005 10:38 Al, Being on the road has lots of advantages and a few disadvantges. It seems like a truck garage could do this simple job at a very reasonable rate. This is not major surgery, but it seems like it could be difficult laying on the ground. Bill 88 FC Wishing we were on the road, home bound for now doing chores ![]() --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "geez_al" > I have a question for you. I'm on the road full time right now and a bit > hesitant to get into anything at an RV Park, but my ride is a bit too stiff > as well on the firmest setting. I had my shocks installed with a bunch of > other stuff so I'm wondering.. How long did it take you? Can you adjust them > w/o taking off the tire? Was it hard to recompress? Oh, and do you remember > what size wrench it was? I only have the bare minimum tools with me and > might have to pick up a wrench at the store. > > > > As I head east, the roads seem to be getting a bit rough so I'd like to > soften things up a bit. > > > > Thanks, > > Al S. > > 1981 31' > > Headed toward New York. > > > > _____ > > From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of mrdonut12 > Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2005 4:57 PM > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results > > > > At the recommendations of this group, I bit the bullet, called > Earl at Blue Bird and ordered 4 shocks, Konis for the front > and Gabriel for the rears (that's stock). > The Konis are adjustable and I was led to believe the stiffest > setting was the best. > There are 2 full twists of adjustment. You compress the shock > in a vice and as you're compressing it, you'll feel a catch as you > enter the adjustment phase of the twisting. Koni said there are > 5 "half-twists" of adjustment. I went all the way firm and backed > it off a half a twist. > It made the ride too stiff and bumpy for me. > Today, I removed the shocks and rotated fully each way. There > are only 4 "half-twists" of adjustment. I set both of them in the > middle, so I've only backed them off a half twist from the first > setting. > The result is the coach drops easily on bumps and rebounds slowly. > This gives a very smooth, soft, stable ride. > I'm really happy with the ride, it's super. I just returned from > a short highway test drive and the bird just floats along. It even > seems to have reduced the roll on turns and curves. > The short wheelbase of the FC makes it want to bounce the front > end without stopping, called porpoising. This should now be over if > my road test was any indication. > The rear shocks are going on Monday when I get new tires. > I'll keep you posted. I hope this helps those who're trying to > decide which shocks to buy and what Koni settings to use. > > George Witt > 81 FC 35 > Lincoln, Nebraska > > > > > > _____ > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > * To visit your group on the web, go to: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/ > > * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: > WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > > > * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! > <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> Terms of Service. > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results - geez_al - 06-04-2005 10:55 Yes, being on the road is great. Except maybe today when I thought I'd travel through Canada on my way to the East coast. I couldn't prove I had more then the twenty dollars I had in my wallet and they wouldn't let me in! I do everything on-line so I had no bank statements or anything on paper. I thought it was sort of weird and I'm sure I could have argued, but life's too short. I just know how to prepare next time. Anyway, I've had a lot of work done on the bus by other people the last few weeks and would like to do some of my own wrenching. Maybe I'll just wait until the sun goes down in a nice quite park and do it myself. Thanks for the reply! Al S. _____ From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of pattypape Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2005 6:39 PM To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results Al, Being on the road has lots of advantages and a few disadvantges. It seems like a truck garage could do this simple job at a very reasonable rate. This is not major surgery, but it seems like it could be difficult laying on the ground. Bill 88 FC Wishing we were on the road, home bound for now doing chores ![]() --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "geez_al" > I have a question for you. I'm on the road full time right now and a bit > hesitant to get into anything at an RV Park, but my ride is a bit too stiff > as well on the firmest setting. I had my shocks installed with a bunch of > other stuff so I'm wondering.. How long did it take you? Can you adjust them > w/o taking off the tire? Was it hard to recompress? Oh, and do you remember > what size wrench it was? I only have the bare minimum tools with me and > might have to pick up a wrench at the store. > > > > As I head east, the roads seem to be getting a bit rough so I'd like to > soften things up a bit. > > > > Thanks, > > Al S. > > 1981 31' > > Headed toward New York. > > > > _____ > > From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of mrdonut12 > Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2005 4:57 PM > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results > > > > At the recommendations of this group, I bit the bullet, called > Earl at Blue Bird and ordered 4 shocks, Konis for the front > and Gabriel for the rears (that's stock). > The Konis are adjustable and I was led to believe the stiffest > setting was the best. > There are 2 full twists of adjustment. You compress the shock > in a vice and as you're compressing it, you'll feel a catch as you > enter the adjustment phase of the twisting. Koni said there are > 5 "half-twists" of adjustment. I went all the way firm and backed > it off a half a twist. > It made the ride too stiff and bumpy for me. > Today, I removed the shocks and rotated fully each way. There > are only 4 "half-twists" of adjustment. I set both of them in the > middle, so I've only backed them off a half twist from the first > setting. > The result is the coach drops easily on bumps and rebounds slowly. > This gives a very smooth, soft, stable ride. > I'm really happy with the ride, it's super. I just returned from > a short highway test drive and the bird just floats along. It even > seems to have reduced the roll on turns and curves. > The short wheelbase of the FC makes it want to bounce the front > end without stopping, called porpoising. This should now be over if > my road test was any indication. > The rear shocks are going on Monday when I get new tires. > I'll keep you posted. I hope this helps those who're trying to > decide which shocks to buy and what Koni settings to use. > > George Witt > 81 FC 35 > Lincoln, Nebraska > > > > > > _____ > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > * To visit your group on the web, go to: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/ > > * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: > WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > > > * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! > <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> Terms of Service. > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] _____ Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> of Service. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results - pattypape - 06-04-2005 11:54 HEY AL, Where are you?? We are about 50 miles from either the Port Huron or Detroit crossing into Canada, maybe we can help. (Shocks not the customs) Bill 88 FC Michigan --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "geez_al" > Yes, being on the road is great. Except maybe today when I thought I'd > travel through Canada on my way to the East coast. I couldn't prove I had > more then the twenty dollars I had in my wallet and they wouldn't let me in! > I do everything on-line so I had no bank statements or anything on paper. I > thought it was sort of weird and I'm sure I could have argued, but life's > too short. I just know how to prepare next time. > > > > Anyway, I've had a lot of work done on the bus by other people the last few > weeks and would like to do some of my own wrenching. Maybe I'll just wait > until the sun goes down in a nice quite park and do it myself. > > > > Thanks for the reply! > > Al S. > > > > _____ > > From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of pattypape > Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2005 6:39 PM > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results > > > > > Al, > > Being on the road has lots of advantages and a few disadvantges. > It seems like a truck garage could do this simple job at a very > reasonable rate. This is not major surgery, but it seems like it > could be difficult laying on the ground. > > Bill 88 FC Wishing we were on the road, home bound for > now doing chores ![]() > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "geez_al" > > I have a question for you. I'm on the road full time right now and > a bit > > hesitant to get into anything at an RV Park, but my ride is a bit > too stiff > > as well on the firmest setting. I had my shocks installed with a > bunch of > > other stuff so I'm wondering.. How long did it take you? Can you > adjust them > > w/o taking off the tire? Was it hard to recompress? Oh, and do you > remember > > what size wrench it was? I only have the bare minimum tools with > me and > > might have to pick up a wrench at the store. > > > > > > > > As I head east, the roads seem to be getting a bit rough so I'd > like to > > soften things up a bit. > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > Al S. > > > > 1981 31' > > > > Headed toward New York. > > > > > > > > _____ > > > > From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of mrdonut12 > > Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2005 4:57 PM > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results > > > > > > > > At the recommendations of this group, I bit the bullet, called > > Earl at Blue Bird and ordered 4 shocks, Konis for the front > > and Gabriel for the rears (that's stock). > > The Konis are adjustable and I was led to believe the stiffest > > setting was the best. > > There are 2 full twists of adjustment. You compress the shock > > in a vice and as you're compressing it, you'll feel a catch as you > > enter the adjustment phase of the twisting. Koni said there are > > 5 "half-twists" of adjustment. I went all the way firm and backed > > it off a half a twist. > > It made the ride too stiff and bumpy for me. > > Today, I removed the shocks and rotated fully each way. There > > are only 4 "half-twists" of adjustment. I set both of them in the > > middle, so I've only backed them off a half twist from the first > > setting. > > The result is the coach drops easily on bumps and rebounds > slowly. > > This gives a very smooth, soft, stable ride. > > I'm really happy with the ride, it's super. I just returned > from > > a short highway test drive and the bird just floats along. It even > > seems to have reduced the roll on turns and curves. > > The short wheelbase of the FC makes it want to bounce the > front > > end without stopping, called porpoising. This should now be over > if > > my road test was any indication. > > The rear shocks are going on Monday when I get new tires. > > I'll keep you posted. I hope this helps those who're trying > to > > decide which shocks to buy and what Koni settings to use. > > > > George Witt > > 81 FC 35 > > Lincoln, Nebraska > > > > > > > > > > > > _____ > > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > * To visit your group on the web, go to: > > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/ > > > > * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: > > WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! > > <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> Terms of Service. > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > > _____ > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > * To visit your group on the web, go to: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/ > > * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: > WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > > > * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms > <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> of Service. > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results - hsaddock - 06-04-2005 12:12 Al: That is wild that they would not let you in to Canada, I have crossed in and out of Canada lots and the issue of how much money I was carrying never came up (except that they usually want to know if I was carrying over $10,000 and the answer to that is and ALWAYS will be no - what are they thinking!). I would have thought that any major credit card would also provide proof that you could pay your way! Back to the shock questions, I also found the ride too stiff for my taste with the Koni's adjusted full stiff. I pulled them out in my Mothers driveway on a trip last summer, readjusted them and had them back in place in about 30 min. Tires do not need to come off to install. Re-compress/extend is easy - just pull or push, they stay where you put them. I can't remember the socket size but if we have not had anyone else chime in with that info, I'll be under the bus tomorrow morning and I'll measure it for you. Watch the sketers of you wait to do this until the sun goes down! Harry Saddock 83FC35 South Windsor, CT --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "geez_al" > Yes, being on the road is great. Except maybe today when I thought I'd > travel through Canada on my way to the East coast. I couldn't prove I had > more then the twenty dollars I had in my wallet and they wouldn't let me in! > I do everything on-line so I had no bank statements or anything on paper. I > thought it was sort of weird and I'm sure I could have argued, but life's > too short. I just know how to prepare next time. > > > > Anyway, I've had a lot of work done on the bus by other people the last few > weeks and would like to do some of my own wrenching. Maybe I'll just wait > until the sun goes down in a nice quite park and do it myself. > > > > Thanks for the reply! > > Al S. > > > > _____ > > From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of pattypape > Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2005 6:39 PM > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results > > > > > Al, > > Being on the road has lots of advantages and a few disadvantges. > It seems like a truck garage could do this simple job at a very > reasonable rate. This is not major surgery, but it seems like it > could be difficult laying on the ground. > > Bill 88 FC Wishing we were on the road, home bound for > now doing chores ![]() > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "geez_al" > > I have a question for you. I'm on the road full time right now and > a bit > > hesitant to get into anything at an RV Park, but my ride is a bit > too stiff > > as well on the firmest setting. I had my shocks installed with a > bunch of > > other stuff so I'm wondering.. How long did it take you? Can you > adjust them > > w/o taking off the tire? Was it hard to recompress? Oh, and do you > remember > > what size wrench it was? I only have the bare minimum tools with > me and > > might have to pick up a wrench at the store. > > > > > > > > As I head east, the roads seem to be getting a bit rough so I'd > like to > > soften things up a bit. > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > Al S. > > > > 1981 31' > > > > Headed toward New York. > > > > > > > > _____ > > > > From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of mrdonut12 > > Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2005 4:57 PM > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results > > > > > > > > At the recommendations of this group, I bit the bullet, called > > Earl at Blue Bird and ordered 4 shocks, Konis for the front > > and Gabriel for the rears (that's stock). > > The Konis are adjustable and I was led to believe the stiffest > > setting was the best. > > There are 2 full twists of adjustment. You compress the shock > > in a vice and as you're compressing it, you'll feel a catch as you > > enter the adjustment phase of the twisting. Koni said there are > > 5 "half-twists" of adjustment. I went all the way firm and backed > > it off a half a twist. > > It made the ride too stiff and bumpy for me. > > Today, I removed the shocks and rotated fully each way. There > > are only 4 "half-twists" of adjustment. I set both of them in the > > middle, so I've only backed them off a half twist from the first > > setting. > > The result is the coach drops easily on bumps and rebounds > slowly. > > This gives a very smooth, soft, stable ride. > > I'm really happy with the ride, it's super. I just returned > from > > a short highway test drive and the bird just floats along. It even > > seems to have reduced the roll on turns and curves. > > The short wheelbase of the FC makes it want to bounce the > front > > end without stopping, called porpoising. This should now be over > if > > my road test was any indication. > > The rear shocks are going on Monday when I get new tires. > > I'll keep you posted. I hope this helps those who're trying > to > > decide which shocks to buy and what Koni settings to use. > > > > George Witt > > 81 FC 35 > > Lincoln, Nebraska > > > > > > > > > > > > _____ > > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > * To visit your group on the web, go to: > > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/ > > > > * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: > > WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! > > <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> Terms of Service. > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > > _____ > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > * To visit your group on the web, go to: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/ > > * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: > WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > > > * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms > <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> of Service. > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results - DAY8293A@... - 06-04-2005 13:09 HI AL,,,, I REMOVED AND INSTALLED MY KONI SHOCKS MYSELF. YOU NEED A 1 + 1/2 INCH WRENCH,, SOME CARDBOARD TO LAY ON, AND SOMETHING TO KEEP THE VEHICLE SECURELY RAISED. I DID NOT HAVE TO REMOVE THE WHEELS ON MY 83 PT-40,,, BUT I DON'T KNOW ABOUT AN FC. GOOD LUCK,,, DAY IN JAX FLA 83 PT-40 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results - mrdonut12 - 06-04-2005 13:14 Al, It's a piece of cake. You'll need a 1 1/2 inch socket and ratchet, an angle ended prybar and a plastic "dead-blow" hammer. Before you start, start up the bus and turn the wheels to the left. There's a steering arm in the way on the driver's side that gets in the way of removing the left shock. Remove the nuts on the right side and use the prybar to scooch the shock off the mounts. You'll need to work each end at a time to get the shock to slide off horizontally. I used the prybar in a twisting motion at each end to move it out a little at a time. It won't come all at once, the bushings are too tight and too stiff. One side of mine slid on easily, the other didn't, that's where the plastic "dead-blow" hammer comes in. A plastic hammer won't damage anything and will let you coax the shock gently back into place. At least as far as you need to get the nuts back on. It took me an hour total and I've done it twice. Your time may vary. ;o) You might be able to substitute a huge pair of pliers for the socket, but I like clean nuts, so I'd favor the socket. I'd rate this a "2-beer job" LOL. George Witt 81 FC 35 Lincoln, Nebraska --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "geez_al" > I have a question for you. I'm on the road full time right now and a bit > hesitant to get into anything at an RV Park, but my ride is a bit too stiff > as well on the firmest setting. I had my shocks installed with a bunch of > other stuff so I'm wondering.. How long did it take you? Can you adjust them > w/o taking off the tire? Was it hard to recompress? Oh, and do you remember > what size wrench it was? I only have the bare minimum tools with me and > might have to pick up a wrench at the store. > > > > As I head east, the roads seem to be getting a bit rough so I'd like to > soften things up a bit. > > > > Thanks, > > Al S. > > 1981 31' > > Headed toward New York. > > > > _____ > > From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of mrdonut12 > Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2005 4:57 PM > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results > > > > At the recommendations of this group, I bit the bullet, called > Earl at Blue Bird and ordered 4 shocks, Konis for the front > and Gabriel for the rears (that's stock). > The Konis are adjustable and I was led to believe the stiffest > setting was the best. > There are 2 full twists of adjustment. You compress the shock > in a vice and as you're compressing it, you'll feel a catch as you > enter the adjustment phase of the twisting. Koni said there are > 5 "half-twists" of adjustment. I went all the way firm and backed > it off a half a twist. > It made the ride too stiff and bumpy for me. > Today, I removed the shocks and rotated fully each way. There > are only 4 "half-twists" of adjustment. I set both of them in the > middle, so I've only backed them off a half twist from the first > setting. > The result is the coach drops easily on bumps and rebounds slowly. > This gives a very smooth, soft, stable ride. > I'm really happy with the ride, it's super. I just returned from > a short highway test drive and the bird just floats along. It even > seems to have reduced the roll on turns and curves. > The short wheelbase of the FC makes it want to bounce the front > end without stopping, called porpoising. This should now be over if > my road test was any indication. > The rear shocks are going on Monday when I get new tires. > I'll keep you posted. I hope this helps those who're trying to > decide which shocks to buy and what Koni settings to use. > > George Witt > 81 FC 35 > Lincoln, Nebraska > > > > > > _____ > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > * To visit your group on the web, go to: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/ > > * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: > WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > > > * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! > <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> Terms of Service. > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results - geez_al - 06-04-2005 13:37 Thanks guys! I might even give it a shot tonight since I'm now stuck on the Ohio turnpike near Cleveland with a broken air line (What a day!). Yea, the customs thing was weird. I don't know what the deal was. The lady didn't believe I had as much money as I said I did, and never asked for a credit card. I didn't think to say I had a couple. I think the fact that I looked like crap after staying out late the night before with my buddy in Detroit, no longer have an address nor job, no itinerary, and all of my belongings on the bus sort of had them worried. Oh well, that's the way it goes. Thanks for the advice! Al S. _____ From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of mrdonut12 Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2005 9:15 PM To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results Al, It's a piece of cake. You'll need a 1 1/2 inch socket and ratchet, an angle ended prybar and a plastic "dead-blow" hammer. Before you start, start up the bus and turn the wheels to the left. There's a steering arm in the way on the driver's side that gets in the way of removing the left shock. Remove the nuts on the right side and use the prybar to scooch the shock off the mounts. You'll need to work each end at a time to get the shock to slide off horizontally. I used the prybar in a twisting motion at each end to move it out a little at a time. It won't come all at once, the bushings are too tight and too stiff. One side of mine slid on easily, the other didn't, that's where the plastic "dead-blow" hammer comes in. A plastic hammer won't damage anything and will let you coax the shock gently back into place. At least as far as you need to get the nuts back on. It took me an hour total and I've done it twice. Your time may vary. ;o) You might be able to substitute a huge pair of pliers for the socket, but I like clean nuts, so I'd favor the socket. I'd rate this a "2-beer job" LOL. George Witt 81 FC 35 Lincoln, Nebraska --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "geez_al" > I have a question for you. I'm on the road full time right now and a bit > hesitant to get into anything at an RV Park, but my ride is a bit too stiff > as well on the firmest setting. I had my shocks installed with a bunch of > other stuff so I'm wondering.. How long did it take you? Can you adjust them > w/o taking off the tire? Was it hard to recompress? Oh, and do you remember > what size wrench it was? I only have the bare minimum tools with me and > might have to pick up a wrench at the store. > > > > As I head east, the roads seem to be getting a bit rough so I'd like to > soften things up a bit. > > > > Thanks, > > Al S. > > 1981 31' > > Headed toward New York. > > > > _____ > > From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of mrdonut12 > Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2005 4:57 PM > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results > > > > At the recommendations of this group, I bit the bullet, called > Earl at Blue Bird and ordered 4 shocks, Konis for the front > and Gabriel for the rears (that's stock). > The Konis are adjustable and I was led to believe the stiffest > setting was the best. > There are 2 full twists of adjustment. You compress the shock > in a vice and as you're compressing it, you'll feel a catch as you > enter the adjustment phase of the twisting. Koni said there are > 5 "half-twists" of adjustment. I went all the way firm and backed > it off a half a twist. > It made the ride too stiff and bumpy for me. > Today, I removed the shocks and rotated fully each way. There > are only 4 "half-twists" of adjustment. I set both of them in the > middle, so I've only backed them off a half twist from the first > setting. > The result is the coach drops easily on bumps and rebounds slowly. > This gives a very smooth, soft, stable ride. > I'm really happy with the ride, it's super. I just returned from > a short highway test drive and the bird just floats along. It even > seems to have reduced the roll on turns and curves. > The short wheelbase of the FC makes it want to bounce the front > end without stopping, called porpoising. This should now be over if > my road test was any indication. > The rear shocks are going on Monday when I get new tires. > I'll keep you posted. I hope this helps those who're trying to > decide which shocks to buy and what Koni settings to use. > > George Witt > 81 FC 35 > Lincoln, Nebraska > > > > > > _____ > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > * To visit your group on the web, go to: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/ > > * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: > WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > > > * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! > <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> Terms of Service. > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] _____ Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> Terms of Service. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] 81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results - Jeff Miller - 06-04-2005 15:07 It might already have been mentioned, but you only need to take the bottom of the shock loose to adjust. - Jeff Miller --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "geez_al" > I have a question for you. I'm on the road full time right now and a bit > hesitant to get into anything at an RV Park, but my ride is a bit too stiff > as well on the firmest setting. I had my shocks installed with a bunch of > other stuff so I'm wondering.. How long did it take you? Can you adjust them > w/o taking off the tire? Was it hard to recompress? Oh, and do you remember > what size wrench it was? I only have the bare minimum tools with me and > might have to pick up a wrench at the store. > > > > As I head east, the roads seem to be getting a bit rough so I'd like to > soften things up a bit. > > > > Thanks, > > Al S. > > 1981 31' |