BAC Forum

General Boards => General Discussion => Topic started by: Paul Champagne on December 06, 2016, 07:10:52 PM

Title: shocks for 2006 Thunder
Post by: Paul Champagne on December 06, 2016, 07:10:52 PM

Hello

We are looking to replace our shocks on the Bus as it is now 10 years old and was wondering if Bilstein or Koni is the best options out there? Also not sure how many we have on our coach with the tag axle.

Thanks for your help

Paul Champagne F121185

Title: Re: shocks for 2006 Thunder
Post by: LaMonte Monnell on December 07, 2016, 12:45:53 AM

Possibly your shocks are still fine. If there is no indication of any leaks or damage you may not need them. Our Beaver is a 2001 and the shocks are still fine.

Title: Re: shocks for 2006 Thunder
Post by: Gerald Farris on December 07, 2016, 03:00:12 PM

Paul,
Like LaMonte said, you may be incurring an unnecessary expense in replacing the 10 shocks on your coach just because they are 10 years old. Shocks are not a preventive maintenance item, and they should only be replaced if your are trying to repair an issue with a leaking or broken shock or you have a ride or control issue problem that your are addressing.

However, if you are replacing the shocks to repair a problem, your options are either Bilstein or Koni. Bilstein is the original equipment shock that your coach came with, and Koni is an upgrade for a higher control rate at a higher price. So if you are happy with the way your coach rides, but you have one leaking shock, you should replace only that one with a new Bilstein, but if you are trying to repair a ride issue like porpoising, you probably should only replace the 4 front shocks with Koni shocks to gain the added control that the Koni shocks will give you.

Gerald             

Title: Re: shocks for 2006 Thunder
Post by: Jerry Carr on December 07, 2016, 05:22:39 PM

Paul we also have an 06 PT.  I had a failure on a rear tag axial and did replace both sides of the tag with new Bilstein. The ride has always been fine in our rig and the Bilstien shock do carry a life time warranty. I did change my front shocks 2 years ago with the Koni and I did notice an improvement in the front ride. I see no reason to change your shocks unless you have an issue.

Title: Re: shocks for 2006 Thunder
Post by: Paul Champagne on December 08, 2016, 03:34:17 AM

Thanks for all the information I will check to see if any of our shocks are leaking then go from there our ride seems fine but could just be getting used to it!!

Much appreciated

Paul