Shocks and oil change

John Wayne wrote:
What year is your MH the later model years came with Bilstein's look at your shocks if they are yellow you have Bilsteins and they come with a life time warranty.

Not to sure that's true of the OEM installed Bilsteins. My reading on this and other forums indicates that the OEM installed cheaply made Bilsteins (like nearly all auto manufacturers) and most people didn't get much life out of them.

The after market Bilsteins are highly regarded and much lower cost then the Koni's. I went with Bilsteins and they do have the life time warranty. At that time they were $75 each. Installed them myself in a couple hours...but an impact wrench was very helpful. But could have done it with a breaker bar too.

Will check, it's a 2000 Pace Arrow..

What year is your MH the later model years came with Bilstein's look at your shocks if they are yellow you have Bilsteins and they come with a life time warranty.

427435 wrote:
If you replace the shocks with new OEM shocks, they will probably be toast again in 2-3 years. And you will have to live with a harsher ride.

I agree, but the budget has a lot to do with what gets done, etc. I found some bilstrein shocks for a lot less than the Koni, but not sure about the ride. Will have to do some more research. Also thinking about adding air bags to the back. That is something I can do my self as the ones I looked at require no drilling of the frame..



Joe

If you replace the shocks with new OEM shocks, they will probably be toast again in 2-3 years. And you will have to live with a harsher ride.

Thanks for the info, I did check the prices on the Koni shocks and I almost swallowed my dentures,,LOL...700 for 4 shocks is way out of my budget. I always did my own oil changes on my cars/trucks and motorcycles, but most RV parks frown on mechanical work and I didn't bring my oil drain pan with me. So will contact the local Ford dealership and see what the would charge to install the shocks that came on the unit and change the oil and grease it..

Joe

I would do the oil yourself if possible, it is so simple on the V-10. I use the Motorcraft FL-820S filter since I'm told its very important to have the silicone trap in the filter to keep more oil in the engine at start-up. $3.69 at Autozone. The dealers do oil changes at very competitive prices too.

I replaced the shocks myself with Bilstein's but wouldn't recommend it unless you are experienced. I let the Ford dealer do the rest, one good point for going to the dealer- I had mine at the dealer yesterday for wheel bearing repack and transmission flush and they found a recall that was due so I also got a new cruise control controller doo-hickey installed n/c. :)

I agree any good mechanic shop can handle it. I personally like having a Ford certified technician working on my rig.

We just had 4 new Koni Shocks installed prior to our leaving for
our summer travels. Extreme difference in ride and handling. Our
MH had 43,000 mi. with original equipment shocks.

I change my own oil every 3-5000 miles. 6 qts of the oil of your choice and a standard (available anywhere) spin on oil filter. If you grease it yorself, or have a shop do it, don't forget the NINTH grease fitting on the steering box. Check your universals...some are sealed, some need grease. All depends what "they" have on hand at the time of assembly.If you do your car/truck...it's the same thing...only bigger. I understand Wal-Mart will do the oil and grease (not all, maybe), the Ford dealer will be happy to...as will, most likely a truck repair shop or even Camping World.
Last time I bought tires, I bought them at Camping World and had them change all 4 shocks. The original Ford shocks were little more than rubber bands...and the new (Bilstein) shocks made things better. Keep in mind, these motorhomes are top heavy and will wallow.

The "best" would probably be a Ford dealer, as they are almost specific on fords.

However, oil & shocks.... seriously, most shops should be able to do those.