I'd like to hear from (air bag suspension) coach owners who have replaced their OEM shocks either with OEM shocks or aftermarket shocks. Has the ride (bounce and jounce) changed for the better (softer) or worse (harder)?
I want to change to Bilstein shocks. I have ID'd the following shocks for the '03 Journey...
Front-AK1257, Rear-BE5-2581.
Thank you in advance.
Dave

I changed shocks on my '04 Meridian. Replaced OEM with Koni shocks, plus added Motion Control Units. Install was really easy, dump the air in the bags and than simply cut the airline 3-6 inches from the top of the airbag and slide the motion control unit on to both sides. The units have slip-on locking air fittings, so installation takes only a few seconds once you are under the rig to the airbags.

Replacing the shocks was essentially a bolt removal-install issue, except for the top front mount bolts which I had to cut off, since the leveling jacks hardware was in the way. I installed the bolts head forward so that the next replacement won't be so difficult.

For my test I ran several roadways and into driveways that previously would throw dishes from the cupboards. It was like I was driving a totally different well handling rig. This is the biggest improvement I have had with handling. Cornering on off camber hilly 2 lane roads was amazing, very little front end dive when the brakes are applied and very little roll on corners. I cannot tell you how happy I was with the improvement - amazing.

Wow! That sounds like a major improvement. I'll check out Koni shocks.
Thanks,
Dave

Definitely check out Triple T. They have a shock system for the rear that is fantastic for controlling sway - and it rides very well. If you've got to replace them anyway, it's worth a look!!

The bad news - I've only been able to find their website once, and I have been unsuccessful in Googling it. Maybe somebody at Winnebago could give you a lead (my coach came with them). I do know they make a kit for the Journey.

Thanks Norm.
I'll check them out.
Dave

Check out this Post It should tell you all you want to know.

Thanks Harry, but I'm more concerned about harsh wheel bounce over road imperfections. I'm trying to control how the wheels absorb road shock. I'm focusing mainly on the shocks. I've heard lots about Bilstein and Koni shocks so those are the two brands I'd like to hear about. The sway that the Super Steer Motion Control System eliminates is not that much of a problem for me, perhaps because the 34H Journey has a short wheelbase.
Dave

I understand, however there was some reference to Konis in this post as well. This post is specific to Konis. In general the opion seems to be that Konis provide a smoother ride and Bilsteins provide more ride control but a stiffer ride.

Aha! Now that's the kind of info I'm looking for.
Thanks Harry,
Dave

I changed from Bilsteins to the Koni FSD...much improved ride, especially over rough road surfaces. Also agree that if you really want to experience an improvement in overall handling (especially minimizing the sharp rocking of the rig when entering/exiting driveways), get a set of the Motion Control Units. They were absolutely the best suspension modification I've made to my rig.