Suspension questions

[Guest]

When I took apart the forks last year I found out that the springs were 500mm in length. They seemed awfully long for an 850G and quite soft even after I changed to 15W oil. I would like to shorten them and go to 20W oil but I need recommendations as to how much I should cut off. I'm not sure if they are Progressive since I checked their site and I can't find any that length. I weigh a slender 260lb.

I would also like to change the springs on the rear shocks. The originals are leaking but the springs are OK so I'd like to put the springs on a set of Progressives I got on the cheap because they have some really soft springs. I looked but I could not find a thread on how to take apart the rear shocks in order to replace the springs. Could somebody give me some instructions?

Thanks,

Raz

[BassCliff]

Hi,

See this thread:

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=154373

Basically, if you cut an inch and a half or so from your fork springs, add spacers of extra length to make up the difference and increase the preload.

You will need a spring compressor to change springs on your shocks. You can actually make your own spring compressor with some parts from the hardware store; a couple of pieces of all-thread, a few bolts, a couple of flat pieces of metal to put the all-thread through and compress the springs with the bolts.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Nessism]

Make that 4-5 inches off the springs. And you might want to change the various seals so you can run air too in case that's not enough.

[Dave8338]

...and progeressive springs will have a different coil length and spacing near one end or another or both.

[razooki]

Beauty!! Now how exactly do I dismantle the rear shocks?

[chuck hahn]

compress the springs in some manner.and theres a slot in the top cap that will let you slide it off the shaft of the shock. release the spring and disassemble the shocks..polish everything before reassembly and thats that.