Re: 1994 Continental Komi part #

robertfury@gmail.com · Mon Jul 29, 2019 3:43 pm

'Yes, you are correct. I know I’m taking a gamble, but I was told they have similar valving properties, and are the replacement, and that the 88s won’t be available in awhile. Of course I don’t know if what they (the dealer) is telling me is correct, but from years in sales, I can tell you they weren’t giving me the hard sale, they just called to let me know. They’ve had success with them on other brands. A bigger shock would be good in theory. The later safaris had four shocks per axle, and I know a different setup. They did say that Koni had recommended them for the velvet ride. Getting them soon and will report. If they are not good, on eBay, and 88s ordered.'

Bilmac36 · Post by **Bilmac36** » Mon Jul 29, 2019 3:55 pm

'Gotcha. Hey, did you read what Robert Fury posted about getting the call stating they have a ‘new and improved’ front shock version taking the place of that number? I also have a voice mail from them asking for me to return the call as I ordered only the front shocks. I just read another member seemingly noting the same.
Thoughts?

Thanks,Willie, Connie is ‘95 Continental, 8.3L, Ally 6spd

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 29, 2019, at 7:25 PM, TD sdjhtm@... [Safarifriends] wrote:

Willie,

Like I stated before, order by part number, which means, IGNORE what
ever the site says for the application. Said another way, these are
custom picked for our coach that perform the best for our needs. Make
sure you install the front ones on the front, as I posted the numbers,
and the rear ones on the rear.

John
'95 Safari Serengeti 38ft, Cummins C8.3-300, Allison
6spd

On 7/29/19, bilmac36 bilmac36@... [Safarifriends]
wrote:
> Firmest setting aye aye! I ordered the front two after our last email. Will
> wait a billing cycle and go for the aft ones. Hey, so glad you sent this, I
> wanted to get back to you, noted the website list the rear ones, 88-1458SP1,
> as a ‘front’ shock. Is that typical? I’ve attached both pix. Also, noted
> (may be due to influence of this site and users) appears they have our
> Magnum Chassis listed on the Front ones, 88-1641SP3! See pix.
>
> (My list is piling up on me. Headed to go get those new brake lines ordered
> and crossing fingers I can report good p/n numbers on here for those who are
> not in a location where the locals will manufacturer them.)
>
> John I’m going to ask a paint color question in a separate note, perhaps you
> are familiar with it.
>
> Thanks!
> Willie, Connie is 40’ 1995 Continental, 8.3L, Ally 6spd
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Jul 29, 2019, at 1:34 PM, bilmac36 wrote:
>>
>> That color pattern is same for Bilsteins. Not sure if they have it
>> trademarked or not. But I’d put my 2cents and bet that’s what they are.
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>>> On Jul 29, 2019, at 11:57 AM, gregory snell newg-reg@...
>>> [Safarifriends] wrote:
>>>
>>> Thank you John. It is leaf spring suspension. The numbers I fit were
>>> 630856 and p3015. Not sure of brand but they are yellow and blue coil
>>> overs. I’ll have to wait till tonight to get the measurements as I’m at
>>> work currently.
>>>
>>> Thanks again, Greg and Cheryl.
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> On Jul 29, 2019, at 9:41 AM, TD sdjhtm@... [Safarifriends]
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>> Gregory,
>>>>
>>>> You have the odd ball unit, so it will take some leg work and time.
>>>>
>>>> What chassis do you have?
>>>> Is the suspension leaf spring or torsional.
>>>>
>>>> Get me some numbers off of the shocks and let me know what brand they
>>>> are.
>>>> Also, measure both the front and rear shocks fully extended and fully
>>>> colapsed, measuring from the center hole to center hole, and I will do
>>>> my best to find the info you need.
>>>>
>>>> John
>>>> '95 Safari Serengeti 38ft, Cummins C8.3-300, Allison
>>>> 6spd
>>>>
>>>> On 7/29/19, gregory snell newg-reg@... [Safarifriends]
>>>> wrote:
>>>> > Is there a site that crosses part numbers? I’ve tried the ones on my
>>>> > shocks
>>>> > but have had no luck. 1992 safari Kenya pusher.
>>>> >
>>>> > Sent from my iPhone
>>>> >
>>>> > On Jul 29, 2019, at 8:33 AM,
>>>> > robertfury@... [Safarifriends]
>>>> >
>>>> > wrote:
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> > $141, no tax, free shipping
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>
'

TD · Post by TD » Mon Jul 29, 2019 4:07 pm

'Willie,

Read my reply to Robert. Often, "new and improved", like the candy
bars, are worse. I have no specs for this shock, and Koni no longer
publishes the specs. I can tell you is the 88-1641SP3 works great and
costs less, hence it is proven with many road miles by majority of
members, not to mention, Ralph's research. They always stop making the
good stuff, it is like a curse. I just might go and buy me a spare
pair before they stop making them...

John
'95 Safari Serengeti 38ft, Cummins C8.3-300, Allison
6spd

On 7/29/19, bilmac36 bilmac36@... [Safarifriends]
wrote:

> Gotcha. Hey, did you read what Robert Fury posted about getting the call
> stating they have a ‘new and improved’ front shock version taking the place
> of that number? I also have a voice mail from them asking for me to return
> the call as I ordered only the front shocks.
> I just read another member seemingly noting the same.
>
> Thoughts?
>
>
> Thanks,
> Willie, Connie is ‘95 Continental, 8.3L, Ally 6spd
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Jul 29, 2019, at 7:25 PM, TD sdjhtm@... [Safarifriends]
>> wrote:
>>
>> Willie,
>>
>> Like I stated before, order by part number, which means, IGNORE what
>> ever the site says for the application. Said another way, these are
>> custom picked for our coach that perform the best for our needs. Make
>> sure you install the front ones on the front, as I posted the numbers,
>> and the rear ones on the rear.
>>
>> John
>> '95 Safari Serengeti 38ft, Cummins C8.3-300, Allison
>> 6spd
>>
>> On 7/29/19, bilmac36 bilmac36@... [Safarifriends]
>> wrote:
>> > Firmest setting aye aye! I ordered the front two after our last email.
>> > Will
>> > wait a billing cycle and go for the aft ones. Hey, so glad you sent
>> > this, I
>> > wanted to get back to you, noted the website list the rear ones,
>> > 88-1458SP1,
>> > as a ‘front’ shock. Is that typical? I’ve attached both pix. Also,
>> > noted
>> > (may be due to influence of this site and users) appears they have our
>> > Magnum Chassis listed on the Front ones, 88-1641SP3! See pix.
>> >
>> > (My list is piling up on me. Headed to go get those new brake lines
>> > ordered
>> > and crossing fingers I can report good p/n numbers on here for those who
>> > are
>> > not in a location where the locals will manufacturer them.)
>> >
>> > John I’m going to ask a paint color question in a separate note, perhaps
>> > you
>> > are familiar with it.
>> >
>> > Thanks!
>> > Willie, Connie is 40’ 1995 Continental, 8.3L, Ally 6spd
>> >
>> > Sent from my iPhone
>> >
>> >> On Jul 29, 2019, at 1:34 PM, bilmac36 wrote:
>> >>
>> >> That color pattern is same for Bilsteins. Not sure if they have it
>> >> trademarked or not. But I’d put my 2cents and bet that’s what they
>> >> are.
>> >>
>> >> Sent from my iPhone
>> >>
>> >>> On Jul 29, 2019, at 11:57 AM, gregory snell newg-reg@...
>> >>> [Safarifriends] wrote:
>> >>>
>> >>> Thank you John. It is leaf spring suspension. The numbers I fit were
>> >>> 630856 and p3015. Not sure of brand but they are yellow and blue coil
>> >>> overs. I’ll have to wait till tonight to get the measurements as I’m
>> >>> at
>> >>> work currently.
>> >>>
>> >>> Thanks again, Greg and Cheryl.
>> >>>
>> >>> Sent from my iPhone
>> >>>
>> >>> On Jul 29, 2019, at 9:41 AM, TD sdjhtm@... [Safarifriends]
>> >>> wrote:
>> >>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>> Gregory,
>> >>>>
>> >>>> You have the odd ball unit, so it will take some leg work and time.
>> >>>>
>> >>>> What chassis do you have?
>> >>>> Is the suspension leaf spring or torsional.
>> >>>>
>> >>>> Get me some numbers off of the shocks and let me know what brand
>> >>>> they
>> >>>> are.
>> >>>> Also, measure both the front and rear shocks fully extended and
>> >>>> fully
>> >>>> colapsed, measuring from the center hole to center hole, and I will
>> >>>> do
>> >>>> my best to find the info you need.
>> >>>>
>> >>>> John
>> >>>> '95 Safari Serengeti 38ft, Cummins C8.3-300, Allison
>> >>>> 6spd
>> >>>>
>> >>>> On 7/29/19, gregory snell newg-reg@... [Safarifriends]
>> >>>> wrote:
>> >>>> > Is there a site that crosses part numbers? I’ve tried the ones on
>> >>>> > my
>> >>>> > shocks
>> >>>> > but have had no luck. 1992 safari Kenya pusher.
>> >>>> >
>> >>>> > Sent from my iPhone
>> >>>> >
>> >>>> > On Jul 29, 2019, at 8:33 AM,
>> >>>> > robertfury@... [Safarifriends]
>> >>>> >
>> >>>> > wrote:
>> >>>> >
>> >>>> >
>> >>>> >
>> >>>> > $141, no tax, free shipping
>> >>>> >
>> >>>> >
>> >>>> >
>> >>>>
>> >>>
>> >>>
>> >
>>
>>
>

'

TD · Post by TD » Mon Jul 29, 2019 4:26 pm

'Robert,

See if you can get that outfit to find out exactly what the dampening
specs are for those new shocks. Maybe Koni might release the info to
their retailer, and the retailer might be willing to disclose it to
you. It would be worth a try. If you do get any info, please pass it
on...

John
'95 Safari Serengeti 38ft, Cummins C8.3-300, Allison
6spd

On 7/30/19, robertfury@... [Safarifriends]
wrote:

> Yes, you are correct. I know I’m taking a gamble, but I was told they have
> similar valving properties, and are the replacement, and that the 88s won’t
> be available in awhile. Of course I don’t know if what they (the dealer) is
> telling me is correct, but from years in sales, I can tell you they weren’t
> giving me the hard sale, they just called to let me know. They’ve had
> success with them on other brands. A bigger shock would be good in theory.
> The later safaris had four shocks per axle, and I know a different setup.
> They did say that Koni had recommended them for the velvet ride. Getting
> them soon and will report. If they are not good, on eBay, and 88s ordered.
>
> ------------------------------------
> Posted by: robertfury@...
> ------------------------------------
>
> Community email addresses:
> Post message: Safarifriends@onelist.com
> Subscribe: Safarifriends-subscribe@onelist.com
> Unsubscribe: Safarifriends-unsubscribe@onelist.com
> List owner: Safarifriends-owner@onelist.com
>
> Shortcut URL to this page:
> http://www.onelist.com/community/Safarifriends
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo Groups Links
>
>
>
>

'

robertfury@gmail.com · Mon Jul 29, 2019 4:32 pm

'I’m not sure if I agree. Candy bars get smaller, that’s just inflation at work. I’m not sure they were any better back in the day. Tvs get better, lighter, thinner, cheaper. Computers and phones the same (well not cheaper). The cars of even the 80s wouldn’t run half as long as current day cars. I have a 2004 Chevy diesel pickup, 320k miles on the odometer, runs super, plan on keeping it couple more hundred thousand. I have a 2008 Kawasaki street bike that has 70k miles, still wheelies like a champ. Never even replaced the clutch plates. My 80 era Yamaha broke the transmission before 20k. The 88s weren’t designed solely for the Magnum/Velvet ride chassis, they were the stock shock for many brands and models. I know valving rates are key. But I also know the bigger (and I mean significantly bigger) shocks in motorcycles play a part in their performance over older bikes. Older shock and fork designs don’t even compare to what we have today in performance/durability on motorcycles, it’s so different and improved there’s whole new areas of competition not even imagined back in the good old days. I can’t imagine RV shocks are any different. Like I said, a gamble, but if they don’t seem great )and I know what the 88s felt like because they were on my coach when I bought it) super easy to take off, on eBay, I’m down a hundred dollars, and I can report the findings.'

Robert Lewis · Post by **Robert Lewis** » Mon Jul 29, 2019 4:41 pm

' John
I have an 8 airbag coach. If you have those number can you send me the correct numbers please? I know I have Bilstein shocks ... it is down right unnerving when the 42' beast starts wobbling all over the road after an expected bump or hump, especially at night.
Robert and Bev Lewis2000 Safari Continental3126B Cat, 330hpMD3060 Allison
https://safaritoonces.org
'

Bilmac36 · Post by **Bilmac36** » Mon Jul 29, 2019 4:52 pm

'John. One more before turning in...that coach was a long long time ago for me...a lot of water had passed under the bridge. I was a busy Sailor, & busy family man, honestly do not recall the mural. I may have put it on scales, but don’t recall. Think I did reduce front tire pressure. I’ve driven the overloaded truck before so know some of the tricks. Seems it was the first year of that coach model, either ‘99 or 2000 so from what I’ve read this Safarifriends would have been in its infancy.
Appreciate the thoughts.
R/Willie, Connie is ‘95 Continental, 8.3L, Ally 6spd
Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 29, 2019, at 7:50 PM, TD sdjhtm@... [Safarifriends] wrote:

There are many things that can cause sway and the tail wagging the
dog. One that gets overlooked often is King Pins, even a little play
can really do a number, especially if the front end is light. Also,
the most common issue on the short coaches with the light front end,
is very often the tires are over inflated and that makes the coach go
all over the road. If you posted on the group with your Sahara, we
likely would have helped you overcome those issues.
Did you ever have the Sahara weighed?
Did you adjust the tire pressure according to the weight you were carrying?

BTW, what mural did that Sahara have???

John
'95 Safari Serengeti 38ft, Cummins C8.3-300, Allison
6spd

On 7/29/19, bilmac36 bilmac36@... [Safarifriends]
wrote:
> Mark, Taylor,
> I have that Steer-safe on an ‘87 Holiday Rambler Imperial Presidential model
> 33’ with tag axle gas burner. Now for it, with the narrow 19.5” tires it
> helps it drive straight as a true arrow. And had same set up on same coach,
> but a 1991 many years ago. No wondering.
>
> That said, I’m going to talk my experience for a minute as I often think and
> have read the steering issue can be a load balancing issue on the coach.
> Which in turns can be piss poor engineering on behalf of the builder.
>
> I wound up with my Connie due to a wandering coach. I would say it drove as
> if it was an ol truck hauling a load of pulp wood. As if front wheels were
> barely on the road. I think that coach was a 30’ Sahara, had all the bells
> and whistles, but it was not for me due to the way it drove. It is coach
> I’ve made reference to that had the 330 hp Cat and it had the ponies to get
> up and go. Anyway, traded it for Connie.
>
> Connie has Massive Sway bars front and rear. I just replaced the support arm
> bushing up front and will eventually do for the rear. I mention the
> massiveness of these sway bars as there are at least two well known outfits
> here in states that are know for their better ride control additions to
> chassis.. After watching some of there YouTube videos I realized the “larger
> sway bars” they were installing on a rig to provide better steering control,
> etc appeared smaller than my OEMs. I did a bit of additional research and
> noted what is typically marketed are smaller diameter than mine.
>
> This group has been around for a while and It is possible someone has
> addressed your issue with a fix already. But if not I’d do two things.
> Figure out how the coach is weight balanced; and look into larger sway
> bars.
>
> Regards,
> Willie, Connie is 40’ 1995 Continental, 8.3L, Ally 6spd
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Jul 29, 2019, at 12:53 PM, W Taylor Hudson fpengr@...
>> [Safarifriends] wrote:
>>
>> Unfortunately I can’t tell you how much it helps as it was on the coach
>> when I bought it (never drove it without it).
>> I think the previous owner had about every suspension product (except
>> Koni shocks) made for that model installed. Thanks for identifying that
>> “accessory”..
>> v/r,
>>
>> Taylor
>>
>> ‘98 Safari Serengeti (4060), CAT 3126
>>
>>> On Mon, Jul 29, 2019 at 1:46 PM Mark Cushman chvet73@...
>>> [Safarifriends] wrote:
>>>
>>> The “contraption” appears to be a SteerSafe. See link
>>>
>>>
>>> http://www.steersafe.com/shop/steer-safe-unit
>>>
>>> I’ve wondered if those are effective. I have Tiger Trak and Konis on
>>> mine but not the contraption. My front Konis were the wrong number so I
>>> have new ones waiting for me to install there.
>>>
>>> I’m real interested if the Steer safe helps with road wonder. Anything
>>> you can report on that would be greatly appreciated.
>>>
>>> Mark
>>> 1999 Safari 32’ Velvet Ride.
>>>
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>>> On Jul 29, 2019, at 10:10 AM, TD sdjhtm@... [Safarifriends]
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Gregory,
>>>>
>>>> By your description it appears to be Bilstein shocks, but it does not
>>>> seem to be their numbers. If you can, look for other numbers stamped
>>>> on the shocks.
>>>>
>>>> John
>>>> '95 Safari Serengeti 38ft, Cummins C8.3-300, Allison
>>>> 6spd
>>>>
>>>> On 7/29/19, gregory snell newg-reg@... [Safarifriends]
>>>> wrote:
>>>> > Thank you John. It is leaf spring suspension. The numbers I fit were
>>>> > 630856
>>>> > and p3015. Not sure of brand but they are yellow and blue coil overs.
>>>> > I’ll
>>>> > have to wait till tonight to get the measurements as I’m at work
>>>> > currently.
>>>> > Thanks again, Greg and Cheryl.
>>>> >
>>>> > Sent from my iPhone
>>>> >
>>>> > On Jul 29, 2019, at 9:41 AM, TD
>>>> > sdjhtm@...
>>>> > [Safarifriends]
>>>> >
>>>> > wrote:
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> > Gregory,
>>>> >
>>>> > You have the odd ball unit, so it will take some leg work and time.
>>>> >
>>>> > What chassis do you have?
>>>> > Is the suspension leaf spring or torsional.
>>>> >
>>>> > Get me some numbers off of the shocks and let me know what brand they
>>>> > are.
>>>> > Also, measure both the front and rear shocks fully extended and fully
>>>> > colapsed, measuring from the center hole to center hole, and I will
>>>> > do
>>>> > my best to find the info you need.
>>>> >
>>>> > John
>>>> > '95 Safari Serengeti 38ft, Cummins C8.3-300, Allison
>>>> > 6spd
>>>> >
>>>> > On 7/29/19, gregory snell
>>>> > newg-reg@...
>>>> > [Safarifriends]
>>>> >
>>>> > wrote:
>>>> >> Is there a site that crosses part numbers? I’ve tried the ones on my
>>>> >> shocks
>>>> >> but have had no luck. 1992 safari Kenya pusher.
>>>> >>
>>>> >> Sent from my iPhone
>>>> >>
>>>> >> On Jul 29, 2019, at 8:33 AM,
>>>> >> robertfury@...
>>>> >> [Safarifriends]
>>>> >>
>>>> >> wrote:
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >> $141, no tax, free shipping
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
'

robertfury@gmail.com · Mon Jul 29, 2019 4:57 pm

'Btw, the dealer told me that only the front part number is changing. Koni will still sell the 88s for the rear, but the 99Evos for the front. Not sure if I made that clear.'

Gary Smith · Post by **Gary Smith** » Tue Jul 30, 2019 3:32 am

'Less than a week.

On Mon, Jul 29, 2019 at 2:54 PM bilmac36 bilmac36@... [Safarifriends] wrote:

Gary, Do you recall how long it took to get them using the free shipping?Thanks,Willie, Connie is ‘95 Continental, 8.3L, Ally 6spd

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 29, 2019, at 2:08 PM, Gary Smith trekker01@... [Safarifriends] wrote:

Robert,I suspect they will be shipped directly from Koni to you. Price is essentially the same as what I paid this spring from another company John suggested. No tax, no shipping charge.
Gary ‘98 Sahara 3006 300 CAT--
Gary Smith

--
Gary Smith

'

Bilmac36 · Post by **Bilmac36** » Tue Jul 30, 2019 7:04 am

'Gary, Thanks. Confirmed my order this AM. This is 2nd item I am aware of coming out of Washington State for my Continental. Interesting!Thanks,Willie, Connie is ‘95 Continental, 8.3L, Ally 6spd

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 30, 2019, at 11:32 AM, Gary Smith trekker01@... [Safarifriends] wrote:

Less than a week.
On Mon, Jul 29, 2019 at 2:54 PM bilmac36 bilmac36@... [Safarifriends] wrote:

Gary, Do you recall how long it took to get them using the free shipping?Thanks,Willie, Connie is ‘95 Continental, 8.3L, Ally 6spd

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 29, 2019, at 2:08 PM, Gary Smith trekker01@... [Safarifriends] wrote:

Robert,I suspect they will be shipped directly from Koni to you. Price is essentially the same as what I paid this spring from another company John suggested. No tax, no shipping charge.
Gary ‘98 Sahara 3006 300 CAT--
Gary Smith

--
Gary Smith

'