ROYBUCK
Newport NC
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Joined: 11/12/2003
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I have a 2002 Endeavor, I want to put Koni Shocks on the front now then the back later. Is this something I can do My self I am fairly Mechanical inclined. I have the proper Jack Stands 12 Ton. All help Appricated Roy
Roy B Coal Miners Son
USMC Ret
Semper Fi
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Deen
Vancouver, WA
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Joined: 12/07/2000
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When I was testing front shocks for Reyco Granning I installed 6 different shocks on our DSDP. Not a problem for me. I can do both sides in about 30 min. Check the torque values too, my top bolts take 175 ft lbs and the bottoms take 35 ft lbs.
I use the built in jacks, don't have to remove the tires and I stay out from under the rig althoug in 7+ years the jacks have never moved once set.
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f.wernlein
Northern Virginia
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Joined: 12/13/2007
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I just adjusted my Koni's and replaced some bushings last weekend. If your doing the shocks, order the bushings also.
You can do it...you mention jack stands so your thinking already of safely supporting the bus, that is first step. Remember, jacks lift, stands and solid wood cribbing support. Also, parking brake only is fully effective with both rear wheels on ground.
If your lucky, you typically find the fronts can be done wheels on. Rears often require removal due to access (or lack of tool room). My biggest challenge was finding a 1 and 3/8 impact socket...NAPA had it.
Good time to do a grease job too!
Frank W.
1985 BlueBird Wanderlodge
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Artum Snowbird
Campbell River, B.C., Canada
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Joined: 05/28/2004
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Roy, I have no idea how easy it might be and I have a rack of tools too, but when you have things that rust in the weather, and a shop can put on an air wrench, or cut the nuts off in an instant with a torch it sure makes life easy.
Another thing I learned the hard way was after working like a bugger to get the nut off the bolt holding the shock in, I ended up with an eroding bolt a lot less strong than what the shop would have replaced in an instant. It's twelve miles down to the nearest shop too.
My theory is, if it's diagnostic and I can spent time tinkering or learning, then I will do it, but if it's mufflers, brakes, or shocks with nuts and bolts that rust and get cranky the shop can do it in an instant. I did two back shocks, and they were the easy ones, in about 2 1/2 hours back and forth from driveway to shop. They did the two front ones in less than 45 minutes.
Mike and Carole
2006 Triple E Regency 27 foot SXL
2005 16.6 Double Eagle
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fcooper
Richmond Hill, Georgia
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Joined: 09/23/2003
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ROYBUCK
I don't know what chassis you have. The below notes are from my koni fsd install on my 2000 HR Endeavor built on a Freightliner XC chassis. I hope this helps....Fred
Use jack stands in place before working under the coach. The job can be done without an impact wrench, but the impact wrench sure makes the job easier.
front shocks: Top bolts...used box end wrench and ratchet (long arm), and was fairly easy to remove. Bottom bolt/nuts were difficult to break loose....used a 4 ft pipe over the long arm ratchet. Once broken loose, the electric impact worked hard to get the nut off the bolt. Bottom ones required 1/2 height on jacks and turning the wheel to get straight on access to the bottom bolt.
rear shocks: I would suggest not attempting rear shock removal/replacement without having a helper and an impact wrench. This method leaves the wheels on the motorhome. Placed wood blocks under the jacks and then used the jacks to get the motorhome up. Actually had the rear wheels about 3 inches off the ground. Had to work over top of wheel to remove top bolts. Not enough room to get both arms in there (unless you have very long arms), so one person holds wrench on one end and other person uses cheater bar to break it loose. Once broken loose with cheater bar, impact wrench made quick work of removal. Bottom bolt removal was the same. Took about 1.5 hours for us to replace both rear shocks.
Fred & Vicki
Richmond Hill, Ga
2000 Holiday Rambler Endeavor/330 Cat
2000 Honda Odyssey toad w SMI Silent Partner braking system
Tire Sentry monitoring system
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Richam
Brush Prairie,WA
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Joined: 03/26/2005
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I would recommend changing all the shocks at the same time. That way you will be able to enjoy the new ride. I didn't have any problems changing mine and the leveling jacks worked well I didn't have to lift any wheels off the ground.
Rich
Rich
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