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Drive axle shocks

Yahoo Message Number: 81155
Hello all.

Both shocks on our drive axle snapped at the plunger shaft. Do not know how long they have been that way, the two shaft ends rusted were they broke in two! Did not see until the rear air bags were fully inflated, checking for leaks in the bags! Service tech hear in San Antonio said the Koni shocks do not have enough extension travel for normal ride hight of the coach, about one inch. Understand that the web limiting straps are available to avoid the over extension, but the problem seems to be the design of the shock mounting location or the allowable compression/ extension of shock that is specified for this location. Going to try tractor trail shocks that have more travel and use a chain to limit extension. When I have time to figure out how to start a photo folder, I'll post some pictures.
Was the design for these shocks and their placement on the rails/axle an engineering error?

George, wb5ldn
08 Affinity 6877

Re: Drive axle shocks

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 81156
Hi George,

You might also want to research Road Kings, as they are so much more robust/beefy - ours so far have never had a problem with extending too far...
Concur the Koni SP1 Adjustables are overwhelmed by the designed travel... Not one of the better CC solutions:)!

Best of luck,
Smitty

04 Allure 31017 - (With 6 Road Kings Shocks... love the ride and stability they provide.)
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: Drive axle shocks

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 81158
I missed the year of your rig, so those were probably Koni SP2 Adjustables. I don't think the SP3's came out until 2010? Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: Drive axle shocks

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 81163
George,

I had both of mine break when I raised the coach full fully to clear the road surface on a steep driveway. Drove for 1 1/2 years before a service tech noticed it similar to you situation. I never noticed any difference in ride nor did I when they were replaced. Sure made me wonder if they are needed at all at least on the rear. I am sure the front shocks would be a different story.
The problem is not necessarily a design problem and is somewhat common with heavy vehicles. There are both straps and chains available to limit the travel. I was told that the straps tend to stretch and you may end up back where you started. The chains seem a better option and many are coated to prevent rattling. They may limit your leveling capability somewhat. The fact that they are available should tell you that the problem is not unique to CC.
I was also warned that simply putting on longer shocks can cause a problem because too long is as bad as too short. You may break them on the way down instead of up. From measurements carefully taken, my mechanic and I came to the conclusion that there was no alternative shock length available and that the mounts on the frame would have to me moved to do it right. Since I knew how I broke them (thinking back after the fact) I let things alone and simply replaced them with the original. But then I tend to be a bit lax about these things.

Don Seager

2004 Allure 31046

Re: Drive axle shocks

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 81164
The shocks are wrong for the application. the shocks should exceed the suspension travel. It is the shock provider who messed up. The shock travel should exceed the suspension travel. It is a case of will fit, not the right fit.

Mikee

Re: Drive axle shocks

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 81395
Road King shocks front and real after 4 yrs. I still love the ride. Best investment we have made in the the coach. You know CC price point on shocks was low for sure. Road Kings have a 3/4" shaft to start with and when you hit those bridges, you appreciate a shock designed to take the abuse so you and the coach don't.

Paul Cummings,

01' Intrigue # 11309