Advice on shock absorbers, Koni's ~ Bilsteins ~ Napa ~ Monroe? Koni shocks are twice the price are they worth it? Our 98~MB has 140K +.
Karen~Liam
98 ~ MB
NinA
Koni were discussed a few years back in this mislabeled thread.
KONA Shock Absorbers (https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=36611.msg232149#msg232149)
Generally well regarded
I put Koni FSD shocks on my rig over the summer. Huge improvement over the worn out Bilsteins with 100k on them. The 100k (and the very worn bushings) had more to do with the improvement than the brand.
That said, I figure that my 20 year old RV will never be as comfortable as a modern (less than 5 years old) vehicle. I was willing to pay the Koni premium for whatever improvement it earned me.
After talking with some auto enthusiasts, I was convinced that the Konis had valving (inside the shocks) that was designed to mitigate both low and high frequency bumps to enhance both comfort and handling.
Koni explains: KONI NA | KONI Active Technology (https://www.koni-na.com/en-US/NorthAmerica/Car-SUV/FSD/)
A lot of people would probably be fine with either the Konis or Bilsteins.
Along the way, I also replaced the front and rear sway bar bushings, the rear sway bar end links, and the steering damper. Of those, I think the front sway bar bushings and the steering damper made the biggest impact.
I did the replacements in phases (over the course of 3 months) so I think I have some idea which parts made the most difference. If I had a limited budget, my priorities would be front end (shocks, bushings, damper) over the rear end.
This video made my life MUCH easier when it came to the top nuts on the front shocks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5HAeFJX-Co&ab_channel=NitrowolfUT
Off topic, but I also planned to replace the radius arm bushings. Turns out the camping world that installed my HWH levelers (previous owners) welded the levelers to the radius arm bushing bracket. THAT will be a fun project for some other day.
Rich
"I put Koni FSD shocks on my rig over the summer."
Good choice! And by the way, Henderson's LineUp in Grants Pass, OR has been recommending Koni's for years... they may know something we don't! ::) ;)
Does anyone know the bilstien shock part number for front end rear shocks? Apparently there are three part numbers available. Did anyone have experience with the Napa shocks for e450s?
Karen~Liam
98 ~ MB
NinA
Rich, Thank You for the write up on Konis and other important components necessary to getting a good and safe ride. Also video with the trick to removing that pesky front shock with no way to get at it.
Karen~Liam
98 ~ MB
NinA
Hated the harsh ride.ride with the Bilsteins. Replaced them with good old NAPA shocks. Much better ride. Handling better too.
2003 Mid Bath