Koni shocks for 3500

[Bobsprinter]

I read where these really help. Bought from Sprinter Store. They were adjusted for the 3,500. Had them installed yesterday. First wifely impression was they didn't help, in fact the opposite.

Any thoughts?

[Bill M.]

What are they supposed to help?

Serious question. I need new shocks for my 2500 TV.

[weirdstuff]

We installed the Konis and the only regret was that we didn't do it sooner.

Huge improvement in handling in strong winds. Huge improvement in how much we rock side to side and how much we bounce up and down when we go over something at an angle, like a driveway curb or go over a speed bump.

Is it possible yours aren't adjusted properly?

[Marks71]

Originally Posted by Bobsprinter

I read where these really help. Bought from Sprinter Store. They were adjusted for the 3,500. Had them installed yesterday. First wifely impression was they didn't help, in fact the opposite.

Any thoughts?

There's another long thread on these a few weeks back.
* the shocks help sway and roll, e.g. when going over a curb or bump diagonally
* but they in effect "firm up" the ride, so don't help with making it smoother back there
* someone else weighed in that Koni has brand new FSD shocks that are supposed to also make the ride smoother, less rattling and vibration. Can't remember whether anyone tried them yet
* one final thing: someone reported that you can adjust the Koni's for a "softer" ride and get a little bit of the best of both, less sway, but also less rattling / vibration

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Bobsprinter

I read where these really help. Bought from Sprinter Store. They were adjusted for the 3,500. Had them installed yesterday. First wifely impression was they didn't help, in fact the opposite.

The Sprinter 3500 van that Airstream bought and converted into an Interstate motorhome is basically a cargo van. No matter what you do to it, it will still ride like a cargo van. If you want the van to ride like a Cadillac, you're deluding yourself. Sure it can be done if you work at optimizing it for a soft ride, but then it will rock alarmingly in the slightest breeze while you're camping (especially with the awning out), and be generally uncomfortable anytime except when you're driving.

I have the Koni shocks/struts on mine, and I'm very pleased with the results. If you hit a bump or a pothole you'll still feel it. In fact, the ride is harsher than before in that regard. But there is a lot less sway, mostly noticeable on twisty roads like Arkansas's Scenic Byway 7 and on highway on-ramps and off-ramps where I can take the ramps 5-to-10 mph faster than I could before without feeling like the van is going to tip over.

And when I go over a "mountable" curb like on my apartment complex's driveway that I have to take at an angle so only one corner goes over the curb at a time in order to make the turn, it doesn't feel like all of my overhead lockers are going to empty themselves anymore when the van rocks back and forth, because it rocks a lot less.

There is also a slight but noticeable "lift" to the back end compared to before I installed the Konis. Now when I park on a level paved campsite, I need a leveling block under each front tire to get my floor level. Small price to pay, in my opinion.

[73shark]

Originally Posted by Bobsprinter

I read where these really help. Bought from Sprinter Store. They were adjusted for the 3,500. Had them installed yesterday. First wifely impression was they didn't help, in fact the opposite.

Any thoughts?

For about $10K, you can get the an air ride suspension which has been reported to improve the ride a great deal.

Originally Posted by Protagonist

There is also a slight but noticeable "lift" to the back end compared to before I installed the Konis. Now when I park on a level paved campsite, I need a leveling block under each front tire to get my floor level. Small price to pay, in my opinion.

Not sure how a shock can increase ride height unless they have a really, really high pressure gas in them.

[jerhofer]

I had the Kini FSD shocks and the Sumo springs installed at the same time. Big difference in the handling and ride. The rear end is less affected by big bumps and there is way less dive under braking. Side to side motions are also more controlled. High side winds are still an issue but I feel that would be normal for something this tall with slab sides.

[Bobsprinter]

Thanks guys, I understand a little better what I should expect. BTW the Sprinter Store confirmed that they were adjusted for the 3500.

[Marks71]

Originally Posted by jerhofer

I had the Kini FSD shocks and the Sumo springs installed at the same time. Big difference in the handling and ride. The rear end is less affected by big bumps and there is way less dive under braking. Side to side motions are also more controlled. High side winds are still an issue but I feel that would be normal for something this tall with slab sides.

Do the FSD's make the ride "smoother" in back? Can't quite tell from the descriptors you've provided. Also, are they adjustable? (and if so, did you make any adjustments?)

THANKS ...I'm considering these.

[InterBlog]

Remember from the other thread, at least some of us were talking about a scenario in which we had replaced the shocks AND the sway bar. So that's something to think about if the goal is improved high-speed stability.

[MILATV]

Short of air bags, not sure you can improve ride in back. Quickest reminder the MB us. A cargo van is to ride in back down an Illinois 2 lane!

I did shocks, sway bar and leaf in back. Fixed exit curb rocking & highway baffling. But rear occupants bounce around.

Best ride we had was when towing close to 3500# and running a bit tongue heavy - wasn't Cadillac smooth but was noticeably better.


Mike

[Jeff64]

Originally Posted by Bobsprinter

Thanks guys, I understand a little better what I should expect. BTW the Sprinter Store confirmed that they were adjusted for the 3500.

I put the same shocks on mine along with overload springs and sway bar. I also had the same experience that the ride was still very stiff. I went back to the installer and had the shocks readjusted to the softest setting. I believe it is a noticeably softer ride without sacrificing handling.

[Denis4x4]

I own an SOB 3500 MB and installed the Sumo Springs front and rear with excellent results. Parts and labor a hair over $500. Noticeable difference going over off camber driveways and in windy conditions.

[c21]

Who has the best pricing on rear Koni's for newer 3500's
Thanks,
Bill

[Jeff64]

Bought mine at sprinterstore.com

[c21]

What is typical cost to install rear Koni's?
Thanks

[gambita]

1 hour labor $75

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by c21bill

What is typical cost to install rear Koni's?
Thanks

I had Koni shocks installed by Upscale in 2014. The installation for the rear shocks was $150. The front installation was $350.

[Haasman]

We went a different way- Installed HD Bilsteins front and rear. (No, they are not adjustable). Very much enjoy the difference in handling and ride quality. Additionally no more front-end porpoising on uneven roads.

Additionally, replaced the standard rear sway bar with a Hellwig rear sway bar.

Drove today through some very windy and intense cross winds roads. Yes, the camper rocked but it felt planted.

[InterBlog]

Originally Posted by Haasman

... Yes, the camper rocked but it felt planted.

"I still have to babysit it, but I no longer have to fight it," is how I described the effect of new Koni shocks and sway bar to my husband.