replacement springs or spacers?

[Guest]

I was wondering if anyone can tell me the difference between putting a spacer in the front forks or progessive springs. I seem to notice that a spacer is only about 2.00 and new springs are about 75. I have the forks off and am going to put new seals in. I thought that the air fitting unscrewed but after reading more it seems there are two different types of forks. Mine has a snap ring. I am not sure how to get it out, I did not notice any small holes for snap ring pliers.The manual said that there are a couple of metal rings that will need to be replaced.I think they were called du rings. I was wondering as I haven't read anything about replaceing stuff but seals and the springs. I will say the allen screw in the bottom came out with a allen wrench and a cheater bar.

[chef1366]

Push down on the air valve plate and you will see a snap ring in there. Easier with two people.

[Nessism]

Pull the springs and hack off about 4" of coils. Next, make some new spacers to replace the lost stack height. The spring rate will be higher by removing coils which is the proper way to stiffen the springs - spacers alone only increase preload.

This photo shows removing 2", I recommend more like 3" - 4" for a large bike, and cut off the tightly wound coils if your springs are wound like the springs in the photo.

[scrapper]

I am going to try it. I will cut 4 " off and see how it works. I am going to start tearing them down in a little bit. I was still wondering about the du rings? They are metal rings wrapped around a shaft. Do they go bad easly or not? the manual seemed to think they would need replaced.I am thinking someone sugested a coupler for a spacer because of thickness, but it will be short so schedual 40 pvc should work? Thanks

[Nessism]

Back pedaling here a little...you might want to start with 3" off the springs and give them a try. You can always cut more coils but you can't put them back.

I've seen that tidbit about replacing the bushings on the forks but Suzuki doesn't even offer them on some models. Personally, I'd give them a good look see and if they look good, run them.