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