Koni replacement shocks

[Ken Sair]

I am running Bilstein's on my 2007 Beaver Contessa, R8RR chassis. They are 40,000 miles old and we are experiencing ever increasing porpoising on the front end. Not out of control but, well you know what I mean. Anyway, I want to replace the front shocks only with Koni's. I spoke with an installer in Mesa AZ and he said to absolutely not do that because they were different styles. Said the shocks would work against each other (Bilstein in the rear and Koni up front) and the ride would worsen.  So, I called the factory. Tech guy said at the distance between the axles he did not think it would be any problem.

Looking for a little real world advice here. Looking to improve the front end ride, not possibly make it worse. Any thoughts/advice are grealy appreciated

Tx, Ken Sair

[Jim Nichols]

We replaced all 8 Bilstein's in 2010 before Alaska trip. Could have just replaced just fronts looking back. The shock up and down travel was maybe 3" on the rear shocks. Koni's with shipping was $1100.00. Installed myself. My thinking back then of replacing rears with the fronts was to help with the side to side rock and roll coming off curbs. Can't say it was better or not in the rear but did it cure the porpoising in the front. I wanted to get away from gas shocks and go with hydraulic. We have both commented how it improved the ride especially over the frost heaves of Alaska and Canada.  

[Mike Humble]

Ken,
We did just what you want to do last year.  Replaced the fronts with Koni's at Henderson's as per their recommendation.  No problems.
Mike Humble

[Wayne Tull]

I put Koni's on the front and Bilstein's on back of the 32' F53 chassis Holiday Rambler Vacationer we had, and it worked beyond great, compared to when it had Bilstein's on both ends.  In other words I'm having trouble with " installer" in Mesa AZ, and he said to absolutely not do that because they were different styles. Said the shocks would work against each other (Bilstein in the rear and Koni up front) and the ride would worsen."  Yes, my example is not a 40' DP.

[Roy Warren Co-Admin]

We started with Koni on the front when we need wanted to stop the porpoising.  Later due to a bad rear shock, we put Koni on the tag.  Bilsteins were initially installed on all shocks.  My DW says everytime we go over a bridge on a dip, "Love those Koni's."  Have had no problems.
Roy

[Ken Sair]

Thanks to all for confirming what I already thought. I'm going to install them hopefully in a few weeks. New Michelins being installed on the steer axle tomorrow.

FYI, if Vicki says it happening, its happening!!

Ken Sair

[Randy Perry]

Well I just bought (6) Bilsteins to replace the originals (95K miles), and just got back from a trip to Vegas.  I'll say the ride was better, but wonder if I should have gone with Koni's!

[LarryNCarolynShirk]

Randy.

I think you have 8 shocks on that coach.  If so, you may have a better ride if you replace the other two also.

Larry

[Ken Sair]

I replaced my original shocks with the Bilsteins at 40,000 miles. Now at almost 80,000 miles we are experiencing an increase in porpoising. The coach does have 8 shocks. But based on input here and an email with G. Land, I am going to replace just the front four for now and see how that works. G. Land replaced his Bilsteins 3 years apart and reported much improvement with the front replacement and a little improvement with the rear replacement.

Ken

[Randy Perry]

Larry, I have the Magnum chassis and only have (2) shocks in the rear, which kind of surprised me!

[Karl Welhart]

I installed six (4 on the front and 2 in the back) Koni's on my coach and was very surprised at the change....  The ride is better, the handling is better and the DW is very happy.

[Richard Cooper]

What should it cost to get the 4 replaced on the front?  I would be having to have someone do it for me --- I'm not a mechanic.  

[Linda Bodkin]

We just replaced the Front shocks on our 2001 Contessa in Quartzsite after the rally. We replaced them with Konis and were charged just over $1000.