In the midst of brake service , beginning at the front , I find that there is one shock absorber per side even though there are mounts for a second shock . On the left there is a radius in the undercoating that seems to indicate there was a shock there at one time . I was wondering if other classics in the group have one or two shocks per side in the front ?
I will post findings as to the brakes in the appropriate area .
Thanks,
Chris
My 1986 had only one Koni shock per wheel well.
My '82 only has one shock per wheel.
My '87 came with 1 shock per side. I added a second per side at the front. Oh MY, WHAT AN IMPROVEMENT ! ! ! ! !
The road manners are greatly improved.
SOOOOOOO glad I did it.
Our 1985 came with two shocks on each side in the front. We still have the original invoice stating this was factory installed.
We have two front shocks per wheel also. 1984
Does anyone have a part number for replacement front shocks for a 2001 Newell? Original shocks were Bilstein AK1379 but have been discontinued and no one knows of a crossover to another manufacturer.
Front Koni 90-1710SP3
Rear Koni 90-1868
Tag Gabriel 85000 Normal or 89436 Adjustable
However, it is my understanding that the front Koni shock is no longer available. I have the front shocks in my shop right now. I will measure them fully extended and retracted in the morning. You could use that info and the front weight to get a suitable replacement.
I would send you to King. but the front shocks require modification to the front lower bracket.
Thanks Richard, I already replaced all the rears with the parts you mentioned but haven't been able to find the fronts.
The center of eyelet to center of eyelet measure for the Koni fronts now made of unobtanium is 13.25 compressed and 19.75 extended. Here is a link to the KONI shock spec sheet. Easy enough to match min/max length, but I do not know what the rebound specs are for the existing shock, or would appropriate for a 17K front end.
However, I have peered under a number of coaches with the Dana IFS84 front end, and I have seen two different shock mounts. One has has the lower through bolt mounted below the A arm, and the other has the shock mount above the A arm. I don’t know if that would make a difference in the lengths above or not. It might be good to measure bolt to bolt with the coach all the way up and down. At least on my rig the lower shock mounts were clearly a Newell fab’d piece.
If you find a replacement, please let us know.
I have installed the King shocks on our rig, but the jury is still out. I sent them back for revalving after the test drive. I have not driven the coach since the reworked shocks were reinstalled. In their initial configuration they were way too soft for my taste. I had driven other coaches when the shocks were coming from RoadKing, and they were not that soft. I will report when I have a chance to drive.