Koni shocks on sale

The Koni 80-1538 front shock that fits A, B and E body cars is on sale now. Summit has them for $94 each. They are usually around $120. This is compared to the $140 price that I last saw for the Bilstein shocks. I just installed a set of Koni shocks on my Duster and they made an immediate improvement in the ride quality and handling. If you haven't installed these before beware of the large upper rubber bushing. Some rubber grommet lube is highly recommended to get it installed properly. It is an odd design that doesn't look like it will work but with some bushing lube it does actually go together. The Koni shocks are adjustable so if you aren't familiar with them you should read the instructions on line. You have to collapse the shock and then push it in gently while you turn the shock and then it will drop into an adjustment notch.

Are those the same ones you have on your 65?

Yes. I have the same Koni front shocks on both the Duster and the Coronet.

You have to collapse the shock and then push it in gently while you turn the shock and then it will drop into an adjustment notch.

I was always put off by the Koni adjustment method/easibility, but I have never owned a set, has it improved or is the inconvenience not what it seems to be? Other brand adjustable shock offerings are fairly simple IMO.

really nice setup , coud I use Koni shocks out back with my QA-1 single adjustable shocks in front ? A body with front and rear Hotchkiss hollow sway bars .
Thanks

You have to collapse the shock and then push it in gently while you turn the shock and then it will drop into an adjustment notch.

Above is the past typical way to adjust Koni shocks.. a hassle but the only way... at least with my old RED D Konis.

I'm looking forward to adjusting my new QA1 double adjustable shocks... by simply turning the knobs... once I start driving the car soon this summer.

I know this is an old post, but the shocks are still priced well. I'm new to adjusting shocks, and frankly would adjust them once and never again for the street. How do you know what's right with the adjustment? Is there a start point and refine from there, or is there a known spot to hit?

Regardless of whichever brand adjustable shock you have, you have to determine the ride/performance that you feel is what you're looking for. Are you driving over bumpy roads or smooth roads? Do you want improved handling by keeping the car flatter? Rise/dive? Spirited/aggressive driving or gandma driving? I made multiple changes on my old Konis until I settled for my type of driving intentions. It was a little work... repeatedly and time consuming... but worth it. I ultimately settled on the fronts at full-stiff... and the rears at about 2/3 full stiff (any stiffer at the rears and the inside rear tires would lift off the ground when seriously autocrossing at hi-g-force).

I've recently replaced my front Konis with QA1 double-adjustables... quick and easy to adjust with knobs.... currently set at 50/50... but I'll be changing that this summer as I drive and race the car some more... some other similar cars/drivers have told me they run the fronts (QA1, Viking, etc dbl-adj) at 100% full stiff)... we'll see what suites me best after more experience at the tracks. Advantage of quick knob-type adjustable shocks is that you can change them per driving... street/hwy... then track... and back again.

I put them in the middle of the range and just leave it there. But I'm just doing normal street driving, no hard core corner carving.

It really depends on the individual shock valving. We use a more drag oriented Viking Crusader shock but they are valve way stiffer than most to control a radial on a prepped surface.

Probably best to either call the manufacturer or have them send you a chart/pdf of recommended settings. Mine came with a chart.

I've got a complete set of these on my Diplomat coupe. I don't think these particular part numbers are made anymore (FRONT = 80-2289, REAR = 80-2340), but I absolutely love these things.

The adjustment is a bit of a PITA, and if you really want to tune your suspension expect to have to at least take them apart a couple of times trying to dial them in. But...once the trial'n'error is done, sweet ride!

Here are the adjustment instructions that are a scan of the printed notes which came with my shocks. Maybe the newer ones have changed since, not sure, but this sounds awefully like what everyone else is talking about.

Thinking about picking up a set. I'm used to Koni Yellows that are externally adjustable; removing the shocks to make adjustments is something I would prefer not to do.

So what are some good initial settings for a ride/handling compromise? Does Koni provide some recommendations?

Not proud of it, but if I can't make the adjustment often and easy, I'll pass, and pun intended, and likely get passed.

I had a set of Koni Yellow on my BMW M5. The fronts adjusted with a knob, but the rears had to be removed from the car which was a PITA on the M5 with rear sun shade. BUT, once adjusted properly, they were a big improvement over stock. On a Mopar, as easy as the rear shocks are to remove, I wouldn't think twice if the price was right, but I'm leaning towards double adjustable Vikings for my 'Cuda.

That's what she said.

Put them in the middle of the range and see if you like it.

Thanks Andy. I've got both your books and have read your articles in Mopar Action and Hot Rod. I appreciate all you do for this hobby.

I took the Savoy out for a long drive Saturday and I'm thinking of getting a set of these Koni shocks for the front. The long drive with the KYB shocks feeling every crack in the freeway was annoying after about 30 minutes. The Summit near me has them in stock so I'll pick them up on the way home tomorrow.

Gus

So reading other threads on the Konis, some people complained the rear shocks are too short and the lower bushing is too small. What's the story? Has this been corrected on current production??

No, Koni will never correct anything since Koni never makes any mistakes. Just call them and ask and they'll tell you that it is impossible that they made a mistake and used the wrong bushing size in the rear shocks. I build my own shock plates for the Koni shocks, other people might do something else. I tried to sell Koni shock plates at one time but the demand was close to zero so I gave up.

Arrg that blows my mind that the rear shocks DO NOT FIT.

Andy, Mancini lists AR434 in their catalog, so I'm hoping that there is a possibility there are some in stock somewhere.

The Mancini shock plates are stock replacements and they won't fit the Koni bushing. I have one pair of the special Koni shock plates which are pictured above. Shoot me a PM if you want them. They are powder coated black, have the 5/8 hole for the shock bolt, have the large tie down loop and they have the jack stand cup on the bottom. $100 fo the pair shipped in the lower 48.