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    Remove Rear Springs from Shocks?

    Hi everyone,

    I'm in the process of fixing up my 81 gs450 and want to make the rear suspension look better. I'm trying to keep this on as small of a budget as possible, so for now I'd like to keep the rear suspension as-is since it's working fine.

    To make it look better (not rusty) I'd like to clean and re-finish the rear shocks and springs. I already have them off the bike.

    Is there a way to separate the stock springs from the shocks?

    Thanks in advance!

    -Chris

    #2
    Yes... you need a set of spring compressors. I have a set from Pit Posse that run about $45.

    Dan
    1980 GS1000G - Sold
    1978 GS1000E - Finished!
    1980 GS550E - Fixed & given to a friend
    1983 GS750ES Special - Sold
    2009 KLR 650 - Sold - gone to TX!
    1982 GS1100G - Rebuilt and finished. - Sold
    2009 TE610 - Dual Sporting around dreaming of Dakar..... - FOR SALE!

    www.parasiticsanalytics.com

    TWINPOT BRAKE UPGRADE LINKY: http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...e-on-78-Skunk/

    Comment


      #3
      Okay the Noobiness is showing here but, I also had the same question. So I get a spring compressor and squeeze the spring how then do I take apart the shock and spring. I don't see anywhere to unbolt.

      Comment


        #4
        The top spring holder disc should either slide off (if it has a groove) or unscrew some how
        1978 GS 1000 (since new)
        1979 GS 1000 (The Fridge, superbike replica project)
        1978 GS 1000 (parts)
        1981 GS 850 (anyone want a project?)
        1981 GPZ 550 (backroad screamer)
        1970 450 Mk IIID (THUMP!)
        2007 DRz 400S
        1999 ATK 490ES
        1994 DR 350SES

        Comment


          #5
          No need to get the spring compressor. Wrap some heavy duty strapping or rope around the top of the spring (or as near to the top as you can get) and the bottom of the shock (through the eye or the fork). Use a long screwdriver or similar and twist the strap tourniquet style. Easy and you won't risk marking anything.
          79 GS1000S
          79 GS1000S (another one)
          80 GSX750
          80 GS550
          80 CB650 cafe racer
          75 PC50 - the one with OHV and pedals...
          75 TS100 - being ridden (suicidally) by my father

          Comment


            #6
            Sweet idea I had not even thought of that. That means I can get to work on cleaning up the pair I have laying around. Cool Thanks for the tip.

            Paul

            Comment


              #7
              I did this with tie down straps and while I got'er done, $45 for the proper tool is a bargain.
              Ed

              To measure is to know.

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              Top Newbie Mistakes thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=171846

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              KZ750E Rebuild Thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...0-Resurrection

              Comment


                #8
                I used this method and was able to get mine apart

                Now......complete newbie question to follow.....

                When I push the rod into the shock, shouldn't there be a good deal of resistance and then it should push back out?

                Mine have little resistance and then will stay in.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by ruler7171 View Post
                  I used this method and was able to get mine apart

                  Now......complete newbie question to follow.....

                  When I push the rod into the shock, shouldn't there be a good deal of resistance and then it should push back out?

                  Mine have little resistance and then will stay in.

                  Yep. The stock shocks were dangerous crap when they left the factory, and 30+ years haven't improved them one bit.

                  You are polishing a turd, in all but the most literal sense.
                  1983 GS850G, Cosmos Blue.
                  2005 KLR685, Aztec Pink - Turd II.3, the ReReReTurdening
                  2015 Yamaha FJ-09, Magma Red Power Corrupts...
                  Eat more venison.

                  Please provide details. The GSR Hive Mind is nearly omniscient, but not yet clairvoyant.

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                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by ruler7171 View Post
                    I used this method and was able to get mine apart

                    Now......complete newbie question to follow.....

                    When I push the rod into the shock, shouldn't there be a good deal of resistance and then it should push back out?

                    Mine have little resistance and then will stay in.
                    I'm assuming those are the original shocks? If so, time for new ones. The original shocks on my 750 crapped out about 3 years after I bought it.
                    sigpicMrBill Been a GSR member on and off since April 2002
                    1980 GS 750E Bought new in Feb of 1980
                    2015 CAN AM RTS


                    Stuff I've done to my bike:dancing: 1100E front end with new Sonic springs, 1100E swing arm conversion with new Progressive shocks installed, 530 sprockets/chain conversion, new SS brake lines, new brake pads. New SS fasteners through out. Rebuilt carbs, new EBC clutch springs and horn installed. New paint. Motor runs strong.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Guys, can you post a link to the tool in question?

                      There is one on amazon.com, with mixed reviews. But seeing as I have two shocks on the back, and it ain't a sports bike, I can't see them being too hard to compress.

                      Comment


                        #12
                        When I used to put my Koni shockabsorbers together I just put a big screwdriver through the top in the vice. Then pulled the spring down with two hands and have my younger brother to put the sliding part into the top.

                        Comment


                          #13
                          that may work on stock springs, but my Marzzocchis would need a gorilla to do that

                          I have a sliding bar spring remover
                          1978 GS 1000 (since new)
                          1979 GS 1000 (The Fridge, superbike replica project)
                          1978 GS 1000 (parts)
                          1981 GS 850 (anyone want a project?)
                          1981 GPZ 550 (backroad screamer)
                          1970 450 Mk IIID (THUMP!)
                          2007 DRz 400S
                          1999 ATK 490ES
                          1994 DR 350SES

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Originally posted by Big T View Post
                            that may work on stock springs, but my Marzzocchis would need a gorilla to do that

                            I have a sliding bar spring remover
                            I know it doesn't work on the suspension from my R1100R either.

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Originally posted by samboss260 View Post
                              Guys, can you post a link to the tool in question?

                              There is one on amazon.com, with mixed reviews. But seeing as I have two shocks on the back, and it ain't a sports bike, I can't see them being too hard to compress.
                              This is the one i bought.
                              Pricey if you are only going to use it once but i have used it at least 10 times with no problems.
                              2@ \'78 GS1000

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