81 FC Koni Shock Adjustment Results

[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.



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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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