81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results

[mrdonut12]

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

[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





_____

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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[pattypape]

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" wrote:
> 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
> subject=Unsubscribe>
>
> * 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]

[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" wrote:
> 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
> subject=Unsubscribe>
>
> * 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]

[pattypape]

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" wrote:
> 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" wrote:
> > 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
> > > subject=Unsubscribe>
> >
> > * 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
> subject=Unsubscribe>
>
> * 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]

[hsaddock]

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" wrote:
> 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" wrote:
> > 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
> > > subject=Unsubscribe>
> >
> > * 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
> subject=Unsubscribe>
>
> * 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]

[DAY8293A@...]

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]

[mrdonut12]

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" wrote:
> 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]

[geez_al]

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" wrote:
> 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]

[Jeff Miller]

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" wrote:
> 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'