I'm looking to firm up the handling on my 2021 27' MB.
It's not real bad but just too sloppy for my driving tastes especially in the wind.
The steps I'm considering.
Get an alignment.
New steering dampener.
New Koni FSD shocks.
I would consider replacing the shocks myself if it's not too technical. After watching a YouTube video it looks like the front shocks are a pain but they found a good method.
Anyone tackle this job?
Thanks for any suggestions.
Shock removal (https://youtu.be/Y5HAeFJX-Co?si=ak_nOE0wsj9BTp4M)
Anyone tackle this job?
I replaced mine last summer. Here's the link: shocks (https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=40339.msg262162#msg262162)
Definitely a DIY job but Ford did not provide easy access for sure. Koni is a great choice.
jor
I replaced mine last summer. Here's the link: shocks (http://Anyone tackle this job?)
Definitely a DIY job but Ford did not provide easy access for sure. Koni is a great choice.
jor
Thanks but your link didn't work.
Miles?
Start with inspecting what you have. Look for worn bushings.
Read this post and the advice linked within:
Steering / Getting pushed around by the wind (https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=39544.msg256460#msg256460)
particularly this:
Advice on Shocks (https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=39169.msg253594#msg253594)
Rich
Hi Ted, This link, partially from Rich has much of the discussion including the caveat to not tighten the bolt 'to spec', and to stop at 'just right' tightness. New Shocks (https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=40339.msg262162#msg262162)
Ted, Reply #13 from Larry might have something to do with your handling issue. RonB
I have changed many sets of shocks, it isn't an easy job but it is doable by a shade tree mechanic.
The rig should be lifted to provide the needed access, it's too tight without being jacked up.
Our 24' LD, uses Bilstein Comforts shocks and a Bilstein steering stabilizer
The Koni FSD are the top of the line shocks, most owners love them.
Larry
I have changed many sets of shocks, it isn't an easy job but it is doable by a shade tree mechanic.
The rig should be lifted to provide the needed access, it's too tight without being jacked up.
Our 24' LD, uses Bilstein Comforts shocks and a Bilstein steering stabilizer
The Koni FSD are the top of the line shocks, most owners love them.
Larry
I have ramps I can drive up that lift the tires up approximately 13"
I'm wondering if that's enough.
Speaking of ramps, would something like this be appropriate for our rigs?
https://www.northerntool.com/products/ironton-12-000-lb-gvw-poly-car-ramp-set-pair-60358
I have ramps I can drive up that lift the tires up approximately 13"
I'm wondering if that's enough.
Well, you can replace the fronts without removing the wheels, but ramps won't give you the clearance you need for the upper mount attachment. You will need a floor jack and stands. My 3-ton works for ours.
Steve
Miles?
Start with inspecting what you have. Look for worn bushings.
Read this post and the advice linked within:
Steering / Getting pushed around by the wind (https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=39544.msg256460#msg256460)
particularly this:
Advice on Shocks (https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=39169.msg253594#msg253594)
Rich
16,500 miles.
Everywhere I read the factory alignment is not sufficient. It is done before the box is bolted onto the cutaway.
I put Koni's on our old rig which was a 1995 TK. It made it handle like a new rig.
I have ramps I can drive up that lift the tires up approximately 13"
I'm wondering if that's enough.
13" should be enough, the blocks or jack stands The ramps I use are about 10".
Larry
Fixed the link in reply #1.
jor
Hi Greg; (referring to the Northern Co. plastic polyethylene ramps) Those plastic ramps are ok for leveling. Also ok for placing steel Jack stands on the chassis frame rails. Users didn't like that the rubber feet came off too easily, and the ramps would slide around. Cars, trailers ok, not so good for much heavier motorhomes.
For holding up the motor home while crawling around underneath, you are thin enough, just avoid being underneath anything that could pin you to the ground.
I particularly distrust plastic near its end of life. I'm sure that the weight rating decreases rapidly. Maybe worse than rated weight in really cold, or hot weather. Amazon has these same ramps: Amazon.com: Ironton 12,000-Lb. GVW Poly Car Ramp Set - Pair : Ironton:... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N8GNGBT/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07N8GNGBT&pd_rd_w=pDYPi&content-id=amzn1.sym.30062d3d-2c31-47f3-af26-55177a669bb5&pf_rd_p=30062d3d-2c31-47f3-af26-55177a669bb5&pf_rd_r=9MYR4T5F2HK1P388BDRD&pd_rd_wg=O98Qx&pd_rd_r=7f53cbf4-9362-4535-acfe-9ebdcdc683b8&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM) Same price, but We at LDOF get a cut. RonB
I think I'm gonna go with an alignment and a Safe-T-Plus steering stabilizer to start
Alignment Plus near me does good work.
Shocks and sway bars later if needed.
I got a February trip to Arizona so I'll see how it does considering there most likely will be some wind.
Probably not like I experienced up the 395 though this last spring.
New Koni FSD shocks.
I would consider replacing the shocks myself if it's not too technical. After watching a YouTube video it looks like the front shocks are a pain but they found a good method.
Anyone tackle this job?
Thanks for any suggestions.
Shock removal (https://youtu.be/Y5HAeFJX-Co?si=ak_nOE0wsj9BTp4M)
I used a small cordless reciprocating saw to cut the top bolt on the shocks, massive time safer. Even used it on the rear. My shocks were 20+ years old.
I installed the Koni FSD, I like them however I think the ride is softer than my 20+ year old Bilstein which I think were too hard, maybe due to age.
I think I'm gonna go with an alignment and a Safe-T-Plus steering stabilizer to start
Alignment Plus near me does good work.
Shocks and sway bars later if needed.
I had a Safe-T-Plus and koni shocks installed in the 2nd year I had my 2021. It makes a noticeably nicer ride that's much easier to keep on the road. Truck blow-by doesn't bother me much anymore. It's nearly hands free steering.
I highly recommend these two improvements.
Linda
I had a Safe-T-Plus and koni shocks installed in the 2nd year I had my 2021. It makes a noticeably nicer ride that's much easier to keep on the road. Truck blow-by doesn't bother me much anymore. It's nearly hands free steering.
I highly recommend these two improvements.
Linda
Thank you for this review.
I'll probably end up here also.
Koni's made my 95TK feel new and stable.
My 2021 MB rides okay so I'll start with alignment and steering stabilizer to see if that helps with "wandering".