Curing the Bounce

[X New Yorker]

I had the unpleasant experience of riding in the back of my Interstate (flashback to riding in the back of the school bus in grade school).

I remember reading that adding Koni Shocks would cure the bounce (and save my back in case I do that again).

Can someone provide info on what I should get (Koni or other) and the best place to purchase? I looked at the Koni website, but did not see a selection for MB.

Thanks for the info and advice.

[LB_3]

Are you talking about ride harshness? If so, adding stiffer shocks like the Konis won't help you.

It you're talking about the car continuing to bounce long after hitting a bump, shocks are the cure.

[Mjgman]

I think the fix is the air ride suspension, but that is an expensive option..

My mother in law uses a foam pad and that seems to help..

I don't mind the ride in the back.. When my wife drives I lay on the couch and take a nap at least until she gets lost or it starts to rain😀..

[73shark]

The folks that have installed the Konis or other shocks have reported that while it makes the AI more stable, it has no effect on the ride in the rear.

[Protagonist]

73Shark is correct. Before it was an Interstate, it was a Sprinter cargo van, and it's always going to ride like a cargo van, unless you trade out the cargo van suspension for an air suspension.

One thing that some have noticed is, the more weight you have in the rear— up to the gross rear axle weight, of course— the better the ride quality in the rear seats. Which makes sense, because that's the weight the stock rear suspension was designed for. So make a point of storing your heaviest gear as far to the rear as you can.

[waltbald]

Another tip that I've seen in several places is to match your tire inflation to the load. Apparently, tire vendors have documentation that indicates how much pressure you should use depending on how much weight the tire is carrying. Tires aren't as important as springs, but they say it does help.

[X New Yorker]

Everyone - thank you for the info. I think I'll save some $ and stay out of the back of the bus :-)