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ncrowley's avatar
ncrowley
Explorer II
Jun 17, 2016

Shock Absorber replacement Information

I would like to replace the shock absorbers in my 2004 Freightliner XC chassis with Koni's. I try to do as much work as I can myself but I am not experienced. I have searched through the forums for specifics about how to replace shock absorbers but I have not gotten the information I want. Some of these questions are basic but I have no experience doing this.

How many shock absorbers do I have? Are there two in the front and two in the rear?

How do I find the exact Koni shock part number that will work?

To replace them, I assume I get the coach as high as I can using the jacks, and then put my jack stands under the frame, and remove the old shocks. How are they held on? Is there anything to watch out for? Since it is a 2004, will it take a lot of force to get the old ones off?

Thanks for your help.
Class A

5 Replies

  • fcooper's avatar
    fcooper
    Explorer
    Jun 18, 2016
    smlranger wrote:
    Our previous coach was 2002 on the XC chassis and I replaced the OEM Bilsteins with Koni FSD's and was pleased with the results. I did the front shocks myself but paid a local shop to change the rears. Fronts are easy with right tools, rears are more difficult. If you can remove the rear wheels it makes it a less difficult job.


    Agree. On my 2000, one person can change the front shocks. On the rear, we did not remove the wheels, but I had a helper and one of us was stretched over the dual tires barely reaching the bolt and one was under the coach working the other side. Rear is much more difficult than the front.

    Fred
  • smlranger's avatar
    smlranger
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2016
    Our previous coach was 2002 on the XC chassis and I replaced the OEM Bilsteins with Koni FSD's and was pleased with the results. I did the front shocks myself but paid a local shop to change the rears. Fronts are easy with right tools, rears are more difficult. If you can remove the rear wheels it makes it a less difficult job.
  • Bags4266's avatar
    Bags4266
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2016
    Don't be intimidated very easy job. Like aza stated having the right tools makes a difference. Deep large socket and a breaker bar is a must. Leverage is your friend. The night before spray nuts with some penetrating solution. There's plenty room underneath. Sometimes turning your front wheels to a side will give you more room. Doesn't take long to do. Good luck
  • AZAmmochief's avatar
    AZAmmochief
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2016
    Typically you have four shocks, two front, two at the rear. I just purchased a set of Bilstein shocks for my MH from Shockwarehouse.com. This website made it pretty easy to find the right set for your application. The have most of the big name brands including Koni.I replaced them myself which wasn't that difficult. The key is to have the right tools, usually a large socket and breaker-bar. The nuts are on very tight. You also need to make sure you can crawl under the coach, it can be a pretty tight fit. To preview the task, look at YOUTUBE, searching for changing shocks. It took me about two hours total to change all four shock. The time you spend can save you almost $600 in labor costs. Good luck.

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