shocks...

[Hools]

Having just broken two rear shocks on a recent desert trip, I'm looking for a quality replacement. There are a lot of threads on the subject and, having read most of them, I'm seriously considering a set of Koni RAID's. Are these still a good choice? How heavy duty are they? Do they give a decent ride when the vehicle is unladen? Any info from people running Raids would be appreciated.

[djam1]

I use Koni Raid 90s on my Defender I found them to be a bit soft at first but I adjusted them up and they are good for my needs.
When I say they were soft I mean for high speed running on Pilbara (rocks no sand) roads but most people don't drive quite as quickly as I do.
How heavy duty are they? Very in my experience I see other brands that will remain nameless that look almost as heavy but don't cut it when the going gets rough.
Use Koni Raid 90 not 88 Series though.


Having just broken two rear shocks on a recent desert trip, I'm looking for a quality replacement. There are a lot of threads on the subject and, having read most of them, I'm seriously considering a set of Koni RAID's. Are these still a good choice? How heavy duty are they? Do they give a decent ride when the vehicle is unladen? Any info from people running Raids would be appreciated.

[Hools]

I use Koni Raid 90s on my Defender I found them to be a bit soft at first but I adjusted them up and they are good for my needs.
When I say they were soft I mean for high speed running on Pilbara (rocks no sand) roads but most people don't drive quite as quickly as I do.
How heavy duty are they? Very in my experience I see other brands that will remain nameless that look almost as heavy but don't cut it when the going gets rough.
Use Koni Raid 90 not 88 Series though.

Soft? That's interesting, I've been thinking that they might be a bi too firm. Thanks for the info.

[djam1]

Note what I wrote about high speeds on roads you may not have experienced before

[Tombie]

A question to ask..
Why did your current shocks fail?
What make were they?
Is the vehicle lifted at all?
What loads and speed were you travelling?

[Hools]

A question to ask..
Why did your current shocks fail?
What make were they?
Is the vehicle lifted at all?
What loads and speed were you travelling?

Shocks were OME and they snapped at the top of the shaft, so at full extension? The vehicle has OME springs and shocks all round and their standard lift is 30/40 I think.
The shocks snapped while traversing dunes at low speeds, and while I was loaded for a decent trip, I don't think I was overloaded. Couldn't tell you exact weights, however I was carrying 80L of water and had 100L of fuel in jerry cans, Plus food, tools etc etc

[weeds]

When I did the Simpson I fitted brand new billies.......I would have been exceed GVM (I don't have records of the weights anymore) and didn't have any issues.

I have decided which shock I will use form my current...given I have air suspension in the rear and now starting to collect parts maybe change the front suspension.

[Tombie]

Shocks were OME and they snapped at the top of the shaft, so at full extension? The vehicle has OME springs and shocks all round and their standard lift is 30/40 I think.
The shocks snapped while traversing dunes at low speeds, and while I was loaded for a decent trip, I don't think I was overloaded. Couldn't tell you exact weights, however I was carrying 80L of water and had 100L of fuel in jerry cans, Plus food, tools etc etc

Seems to be a notable occurrence for them - another member here snaps them regularly.

Please feed that back, so they hopefully improve their product offering!

[Hools]

Seems to be a notable occurrence for them - another member here snaps them regularly.

Please feed that back, so they hopefully improve their product offering!

Yes, have done! Any feedback on the Koni's or any better suggestions?

[strangy]

I have Rajds in my 130.
Very happy with a better ride than my D2.
I'm changing to rear air springs shortly and expect a better result again.

[weeds]

I have Rajds in my 130.
Very happy with a better ride than my D2.
I'm changing to rear air springs shortly and expect a better result again.

Terrafirma were fitted to my defender when I purchased it....they seem to working alright with the air springs although that's ben mainly hi-way driving.

Fraser for 10days will give me a better understanding.

[Shoogs]

Buy Koni Raids and never buy another shock absorber, good for 100,000kms+ and then rebuild them if required...

[Tombie]

They get a good write up here, but we removed Konis and binned them (seriously) - they were horrible...

Went custom Remotes and never went back!

[Shoogs]

Yep, remotes and custom set ups all get a good rap as well, but as we know nothing raises as much debate as suspension, for me I have used Koni Raids for over 200,000kms on 3 different vehicles, Africa, Australia and in another year or so the Americas, they work for me, I looked at remotes and just figured they are 4 hoses and 4 more canisters that can fail, though I do like Nuggets set up... but Raids carry arguably the same amount of oil, its very much a personal choice, we all swear by what we have found that works... I have never broken a Koni, but have broken OME, TJM, Bilstein...

[roverrescue]

In my experience Landy rear dampers shear at the top of the shaft when the bushes are too tight or not compliant combined with extra travel

OME use relatively rigid polyurethane bushes which if overtigned will bust nearly any brand of damper shaft

Before buying koni make sure your geometry and bushes are set

S

[Vern]

I always change my rear upper mount to pin configuration

[D90 orkney]

Seems to be a notable occurrence for them - another member here snaps them regularly.

Please feed that back, so they hopefully improve their product offering!


I believe it's me you're referring to.

I had four snap at the eyelet both sides. They are rubbish. Wouldn't ever touch Old Man Emu again. Dealing with ARB on the issue was laughable. After the third time I asked for a spare as I was heading away and didn't want to ruin another trip. They refused. Only replaced the one shocked under warranty. So I had to purchase a spare. Lo and behold we were in the high country and on the third day another one went. That was the final straw.

Im now running 88 series Koni shocks from Les Richmond and their coils. I of course could have got longer shocks but it's about 11.5 inch travel which work great for me and haven't had any shocker issues since. They retain the eye/pin on the rears.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/09/769.jpg

Tombie, ARB are fully aware the crap they sell. They know the issue. The manager at the Keilor store told me they are aware of it and blame the design of the suspension not the part. He said they used to race a Disco and it kept happening on it. They converted it to pin/pin and the problem went away. So they know all this and yet still sell it. Beyond belief. ARB are a disgrace. The only thing I have from them is the twin compressor which is great I must say but I wouldn't touch them and their rip off prices ever again

[Hools]

I believe it's me you're referring to.

I had four snap at the eyelet both sides. They are rubbish. Wouldn't ever touch Old Man Emu again. Dealing with ARB on the issue was laughable. After the third time I asked for a spare as I was heading away and didn't want to ruin another trip. They refused. Only replaced the one shocked under warranty. So I had to purchase a spare. Lo and behold we were in the high country and on the third day another one went. That was the final straw.

Im now running 88 series Koni shocks from Les Richmond and their coils. I of course could have got longer shocks but it's about 11.5 inch travel which work great for me and haven't had any shocker issues since. They retain the eye/pin on the rears.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/09/769.jpg

Tombie, ARB are fully aware the crap they sell. They know the issue. The manager at the Keilor store told me they are aware of it and blame the design of the suspension not the part. He said they used to race a Disco and it kept happening on it. They converted it to pin/pin and the problem went away. So they know all this and yet still sell it. Beyond belief. ARB are a disgrace. The only thing I have from them is the twin compressor which is great I must say but I wouldn't touch them and their rip off prices ever again

Don't suppose you know the part number of those 88 series shocks?

[D90 orkney]

Don't suppose you know the part number of those 88 series shocks?


They are a custom made shock for Les Richmond

Koni Custom Shocker LRA-208 (http://www.lrautomotive.com.au/contents/en-us/p405.html)

[Hools]

They are a custom made shock for Les Richmond

Koni Custom Shocker LRA-208 (http://www.lrautomotive.com.au/contents/en-us/p405.html)


Cheers.

[Zeros]

Hey Hools,

I've run OME, Bilstein AND Koni on Defenders for nearly 15 years.

I currently have Koni Raids, 70,000 km. They are brilliant when loaded and there's nothing better for fast corrugated dirt. Totally unladen driving on city streets I find they can thump a little, but even s small load rectifies this. Small price to pay. I run them on factory setting which is softest. Will only change setting if needed over time as they wear in. I expect them to last the life of the vehicle.

Blistein B6 are excellent as well, not quite as heavy duty as Konis but also a bit more compliant. I would choose either Koni or Bili depending on your use.

Those Koni custom shocks look good too and msy be closer to the Bilsteins, but I haven't used them, so others would be better to comment. But if you don't need the full on performance of Raids, they would probably be a good choice.

OME are very disappointing. Not really heavy duty. While I've never broken one, they don't last. I've only ever fitted them in northern Australia when nothing else was available.

[D90 orkney]

Fox remote res I've heard great things about also

[Bearman]

I will also back the Koni raid 90 series. I have them on the 6x6 and have done a lot of corrugated dirt roads on them and can't fault them. Expensive but great shocks.

[Robmacca]

Fox remote res I've heard great things about also

Brodie (Wagon Boy) has fitted Fox to his 110. Upon talking with him, he's got nothing but praise for them. At around $1700 for a set, I guess u would want to expect a good shock as well.

See here: Brodie's Suspension (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/members-rides/234907-wagon-boys-110-wagon-post2641180.html#post2641180)

[86mud]

I've previously had Bilsteins on my 130, but switched to Koni raids about 2 years ago. After just completing the 3500km trip to Birdsville and back which included over 500kms of dirt with corrugations, the Koni's are just brilliant.

I fitted some rubber to the lower part of the rears to help protect the paintwork. I also fitted a small piece of rubber hose to the exposed threads on the lower mount.

At just over $2000 all up for the 4 shocks, it is big money, but the ride (in my 3 ton 130) is exceptional whether loaded or not, on rough dirt or the blacktop. I wish I had bought them prior to wasting money on the Bilsteins. Remember that these are a fully adjustable shock (shock needs to be removed to adjust) and they are rebuildable.

129886129887129888

[Zeros]

For future reference, has anyone had Koni Raids rebuilt lately? Kms? Price?

[Red90]

They have a lifetime warranty. There should be no cost if they need a rebuild.

[weeds]

They have a lifetime warranty. There should be no cost if they need a rebuild.

Does the warranty cover seals?

[Witchdoctor]

Have a look at these.

OzTec Suspension (http://www.oztecsuspension.com.au)

I have run these on the last 3 truck & got them on my 90. Great price, lifetime warranty & cheap.

Cheers
Dave

[Tombie]

They have a lifetime warranty. There should be no cost if they need a rebuild.

KONI warranty is 3 years and does not cover wear and tear of damage.

[Red90]

Weird that they have a different warranty in Australia. Lifetime in North America

[vnx205]

A lifetime warranty doesn't always mean what you might expect.
If a product is worn out, it is at the end of its life, so the warranty no longer applies.
Maybe the Koni warranty only covers manufacturing faults, so if the seals just wear out, the shocks are at the end of their life.
I'm not claiming this is necessarily the case with the Koni warranty but it might explain apparent differences in interpretation of the warranty.

[biggin]

When I recently broke a Sidchrome socket, that I bought 30 years ago from some place in Kalgoorlie, I was very surprised when I contacted them and days later a brand new socket appeared on my doorstep. Very impressive lifetime guarantee there. Sorry, nothing to do with shocks.

[Red90]

Nope. A seal blows they fix it for as long as you own it.

[Zeros]

Same with my ancient Weber BBQ...blocked burner jets and melted parts..rang Weber and they sent ALL new ignition, knobs, jets, etc free of charge within 2 days. ..I now own two Webers, and I wouldn't buy any other BBQ.

Has anyone actually had Koni Raids rebuilt? Was there a charge?

[djam1]

This is a pretty reasonable testimony about the Koni Shocks

Beadell Tours - Vehicle Suspension (http://www.beadelltours.com.au/shock_absorbers.html)

[Danjeffery]

I'm currently running Superior remote res in my 130.
Working well so far, and can get them re valved to suit what ever you need. (Need to stiffen up the rears on mine).
Work great off road, and on road are going great. Occasionally I load up with tools and such and they still work well loaded.
Changed just about everything else to go along with the shocks though so that's also something to consider... Pin - pin mounts and haven't snapped anything yet.

[Vern]

I'm currently running Superior remote res in my 130.
Working well so far, and can get them re valved to suit what ever you need. (Need to stiffen up the rears on mine).
Work great off road, and on road are going great. Occasionally I load up with tools and such and they still work well loaded.
Changed just about everything else to go along with the shocks though so that's also something to consider... Pin - pin mounts and haven't snapped anything yet.Dan i revavled my front and rears (80 series superiors), best thing i ever did. Revalve the rebound on the rears to 400.

[Danjeffery]

Dan i revavled my front and rears (80 series superiors), best thing i ever did. Revalve the rebound on the rears to 400.

Thanks! It has been on my long list of things to do!

[Vern]

Thanks! It has been on my long list of things to do!Very easy to do, just need to re gas them is all
Shim stacks cost about $30 per shock

[Hools]

Thanks for all the input. After a few drinks the other night, I decided that spending the money an a set of RAIDS was completely reasonable. :beer:
I'm sure I won't be disappointed.

[nugge t]

Surprised at the negative on the OME as I ran them on the 110 and did all of Len Beadells roads plus a heso of desert work and they never let me down. The fronts got so hot on one trip thst the yellow psint glazed but the shock still worked perfectly. Certsinly never snapped one so it mskes me wonder abour the weight and speed people might be doing.

Now runing Superior remote res set up like others on here and very happy. Changed as the OME ones I had struggled with the weight the 130 can carry.

[Danjeffery]

Now runing Superior remote res set up like others on here and very happy. Changed as the OME ones I had struggled with the weight the 130 can carry.

Are you running the land cruiser remote res superior shocks? Get them re valved at all?

[Vern]

Are you running the land cruiser remote res superior shocks? Get them re valved at all?I will answer that, he got the rears revalved to what i saud earlier, said it made a big difference. Have a look in nuggets build thread for the info

[ninetubes]

anyone had experiences with the terrafirma expeditions: Terrafirma Shock Absorbers - Big Bore Expedition Shocks Accessories for Land Rover Vehicles (http://www.terrafirma4x4.com/products_php.php?cat=9)

the appear to be very simple and robust from what i read.

[jbe]

Surprised at the negative on the OME as I ran them on the 110 and did all of Len Beadells roads plus a heso of desert work and they never let me down. The fronts got so hot on one trip thst the yellow psint glazed but the shock still worked perfectly. Certsinly never snapped one so it mskes me wonder abour the weight and speed people might be doing.

Now runing Superior remote res set up like others on here and very happy. Changed as the OME ones I had struggled with the weight the 130 can carry.

I am very happy with my OME Nitrochargers. However, I run pin to pin shocks at the rear.

[Rick Fischer]

Only saw this thread when it popped up in my email. Probably too late for the originator .

Used to kill shockies up in Gulf, inland and desert corrugations in the D2. New sets would only last 10-20 000 km.

Ended up paying the big bucks and fitting Bilsteins. Never had another problem.

With LT traction control, (TC) one knows when the shockies cook/quit. Over corrugations the TC starts chattering earlier and earlier in the day. With the Billies subject to the same treatment, if it was a really hot day 36+ they might start just before quit time of say 1600. only other shockies that can cope as far as I know are the separate reservoir type. Those Billies did over a 100 000 km, went with D2 to whomever its new owner was.

When the SVX came up for new shockies, originals didn't last long, no question Bilsteins :0)

Deffie's on and off road behavior improved immediately, and the "gas" provided and extra 12mm+ lift.

Cheers

RF

[D90 orkney]

Surprised at the negative on the OME as I ran them on the 110 and did all of Len Beadells roads plus a heso of desert work and they never let me down. The fronts got so hot on one trip thst the yellow psint glazed but the shock still worked perfectly. Certsinly never snapped one so it mskes me wonder abour the weight and speed people might be doing.

Now runing Superior remote res set up like others on here and very happy. Changed as the OME ones I had struggled with the weight the 130 can carry.


Whenever mine snapped I wasn’t doing anything with speed or weight of a ridiculous amount. They are just rubbish. Were you running pin/pin in the rears when you had OME? I was running eye/pin rears

[nugge t]

I was running eye/pin at the rear. Rears never discoloured from heat, only the fronts. Worst I ever had was having to replace a set of bushes after a lot of cross open desert work.

[nugge t]

Are you running the land cruiser remote res superior shocks? Get them re valved at all?

Running the cruiser pin/pin setup and had revolved. Need a new top mount and I had to do a bit of modification to the fuel filter cover. Pics in my build thread.

Cheers

[Danjeffery]

Running the cruiser pin/pin setup and had revolved. Need a new top mount and I had to do a bit of modification to the fuel filter cover. Pics in my build thread.

Cheers

Thanks, have had the setup in for a while now. Just looking at getting it re valved. Be careful with the fuel lines now at the plastic filter housing.. They don't like moving once they have had a bit of pressure on them for a while. Found that out the hard way! Was just pushing the lines over a little by hand and snapped a line right off the housing.

[nugge t]

Thanks, have had the setup in for a while now. Just looking at getting it re valved. Be careful with the fuel lines now at the plastic filter housing.. They don't like moving once they have had a bit of pressure on them for a while. Found that out the hard way! Was just pushing the lines over a little by hand and snapped a line right off the housing.

Feel your pain. We did exactly the same thing. My son just rolled the line a bit and the plastic snapped. Had to replace the entire filter. Best to undo the filter first as it is only 2 bolts.

[Tombie]

anyone had experiences with the terrafirma expeditions: Terrafirma Shock Absorbers - Big Bore Expedition Shocks Accessories for Land Rover Vehicles (http://www.terrafirma4x4.com/products_php.php?cat=9)

the appear to be very simple and robust from what i read.

Wouldn’t even give them a look in...

You pay your money you take your chances...