I am going to have the local diesel repair shop service my recently purchased 1993 Breakaway. I like to have a good reference point to start from. One of the things I would like to replace is the shocks. Does anybody know what might have been the OEM shocks on this unit? If it makes a difference, this unit was built in 10/92 on the Spartan EC2000 chassis. I have read quite a few on this site that replaced the originals with Bilstein's, so I am assuming they were not the OEM's. I have concern over the shock mounts with the Bilstein shocks, as I have read some interesting comments on that issue. Any info. or comments would be appreciated.
Thanks, Bruce

quote:

I have concern over the shock mounts with the Bilstein shocks, as I have read some interesting comments on that issue. Any info. or comments would be appreciated.
Thanks, Bruce

Bilstein says the upper rear mounts on some P30s need reinforcing. That may be what you have read.

Spartan owners?

Perhaps a google of

"bilstein shocks" spartan

or just

bilstein spartan

would raise something.

Just saw your post and I am on the road, don't have my library with me but I replaced all four shocks with Bilsteins. I had no trouble but I remember there are two different shock types for the EC2000 chassis.

I will be back home late tomorrow and will post the shock numbers then.

Mine is a 93/94 Breakaway.

quote:

Barthmobile Home Page barthmobile.com Forums Hop To Forum Categories Imported Forums Hop To Forums Tech Talk Breakaway Shocks

The original equpment was Bilsten

This is somewhat off track, but on my Regency, I have been thinking about shocks as well. It's not as though I have any reason for this, it is just that my coach now 15 years old. How do you determine if shocks are needed on a coach this heavy? I would bounce my car, but I can't bounce the Barth.

While driving it bounces a bit, but not more than two or three times when going over bumps. It seems that replacing them could improve the ride, but at the cost of Bilsteins, I would like to know that they were needed.

Bill G

quote:

Originally posted by Bill G:
...How do you determine if shocks are needed on a coach this heavy?

If you see any oil seepage then replace them - never do just one - replace in pairs.

If all looks good then remove one of the upper or lower mounting bolts at each axle and see how it feels - Little to no resistance then replace - can't compress they should be ok. Other then that... you're just guessing.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill G:
This is somewhat off track, but on my Regency, I have been thinking about shocks as well. It's not as though I have any reason for this, it is just that my coach now 15 years old. How do you determine if shocks are needed on a coach this heavy? I would bounce my car, but I can't bounce the Barth.

While driving it bounces a bit, but not more than two or three times when going over bumps. It seems that replacing them could improve the ride, but at the cost of Bilsteins, I would like to know that they were needed.

Bill G

Three times bouncing is too many. If the shocks are OEM, that would make them 15 years old. They're candidates for replacement based on both age and your report. Shock absorbers tend to be much more economical than body work.

Thanks to all who replied. Ed, I will await your follow up post on part numbers. I am going to replace mine for a couple of reasons. First, these are the originals and after 14 years and 100K+ miles, I am sure the ride will improve. Second, as Bill said, there is one that is starting to leak. My feelings are to replace them all. And if you are correct, Gary, then replacing the originals with Bilsteins are the way to go! Thanks again folks.
Bruce
p.s. As I get accustomed to my newly acquired Breakaway (and I am new to RV's), I am sure that I will have more questions for memebers. Please keep your eyes on these forums over the next few weeks.....

One thing that'll save you a lot of typing is to go to the "Go" tab at the top of any forum, then "Personal Zone"/"Profile", then "View/Edit Complete Profile" on the right. Scroll down to "Signature", and put in the year, model, engine, etc. for your Barth.

Rusty,
I tried to get back to edit my profile, but that option is not there. I probably also need that to downsize my photo. Help!!!!!!!!
Bruce

quote:

Originally posted by Bruce & Kathleen:
I tried to get back to edit my profile, but that option is not there.

Anyone can Click on this.

BTW: What you see below this is my signature profile. I do not type this in all of the time.

Bill,
Tried that, but it does not show anywhere to edit my profile.
Bruce

quote:

Originally posted by Bruce & Kathleen:
Bill,
Tried that, but it does not show anywhere to edit my profile.
Bruce

Upper right hand corner - I can not link it for you here.

It says...

View/Edit Complete Profile

It's right below your name - Welcome, Bruce & Kathleen [Logout]

I must have done something wrong somewhere along the line...there is nothing in the top right hand corner of my profile. Maybe when I tried to add a photo? Whether I use your link or just hit go above, I get to my profile and it says: Member Profile for Bruce & Kathleen---Above that it says: Welcome Bruce & Kathleen [Logout]---
Below that it says:
Date Registered: 01 April 2007
Karma Title: Full Member
Display Email: kmbsathome@aol.com

Avatar / Picture URL: And it has that oversized photo I added

Location: New Jersey
Send Private Message to Bruce & Kathleen
View Forum Posts by Bruce & Kathleen

Sorry, I don't know what to tell you. I have set up several signature profiles for other members in the past and I host some sig profile pics as well.

I don't know why you can not see what I see?

You should contact Dave Bowers or Bill H. Just be prepared to give them the password as they can not pull that info up.