Koni shocks and Chassic model on 2003 Monterey

[James Sagerser]

We own a 2003 Beaver Monterey Carmel.  It has about 35,000 miles and is starting to "porpoise" so think it's time to change the shocks to the Koni FSD shocks.  Here's my issue; If I go to the Koni RV website (http://www.konirv.com/) to find the correct shock, and select Roadmaster then "select model" on the pull-down menu, I can select either "S series Chassis 8 bag" or "RR8R".  I assumed I had the RR8R chassis but called BCS part department and after the gentleman looked at the 2003 Monterey brochure, he said my coach has a "M8R" chassis which calls for a front shock part number of 8805-1004.  The Koni front shock part number for the RR8R chassis (2003-2012) is 8805-1016.  Does anyone know for sure what chassis I have or where I can look on the coach to find out?  I looked on the printout glued to the inside of the bathroom cabinet but doesn't say which model of chassis.  Looking for the correct Koni front shock part number.   Thanks in advance.  Jim

[Roy C Tyler]

I have rear radiator and my chassis plate is inside the rear grill to the right side looking a the radiator.

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Jim,
Your chassis is labeled a Roadmaster but it was probably built in the Magnum chassis plant in OR. Monaco designated all chassis as Roadmaster after they purchased Beaver, even though the Beaver production occured in OR and was essentially a Magnum chassis. See Gerald Farris' post in this thread for more info. http://beaveramb.org/forum/index.php/topic,3600.msg30962.html#msg30962
Based on this I think the 8805-1004 is the right shock.
I replaced the 4 front Bilsteins yesterday with Konis and the improvement was immediately noticeable. Best price I could find was at Shock Warehouse due to free shipping. Suggest having a shop install them as I couldn't break the nuts loose using a 3/4" drive set and the brackets have to be ground a slight bit as the Koni knuckle is slightly wider than the Bilstein.
Steve

[Fred Brooks]

               James,

    I agree with Steve with the result you will experience with the Koni FSD shocks. My marquis was porpoising and put on Koni's this past spring and was impressed. Well worth the cost to results. Fred

[James Sagerser]

Thanks everyone.  Great information. Am soooo glad I didn't order the wrong shocks.  James

[James Sagerser]

Here's some additional information I've found during my research.  The plate in the back by the radiator say "Roadmaster" with an address of 91320 Coburg Industrial Way in Coburg, OR.  If you order the shocks for a Magnum, 8 bag, chassis (M8R), for a 2003 Monterey, the part number is 8805-1004SP1.  The difference between the 8805-1004SP1 and the 8805-1004 is the size of the bottom bolts.  The SP1 model has a 3/4" bolt top and bottom and the straight 8805-1004 has a 3/4" bolt on top and a 9/16" bolt on the bottom.  My coach has the 3/4" bolts on top and bottom. I've have concluded it is in fact a M8R chassis and have ordered the 4 front Koni shocks, part number 8805-1004SP1.  Thanks again for the help.  Jim