progressive springs gs700e / fork disassembly question.

[Sparky]

so im about to order progressive springs for my 85 700e. Im searching and searching on here but cant find the info Im after.

1st, is there a special trick to taking the forks apart? I see that there is no nut on top holding the springs in, looks like its just a little wire clip type piece that sits in a groove. Seems like I remember someone saying that piece couldn't be purchased and had to be re-used.

2nd, will the write-up on cliff's side apply to my bike for the most part? I have the manuals so Ive got how much oil they need but the pics arnt very good.

Thanks in advance guys and maybe I can do a write up for others with these forks.

[Ranger]

The write up on the site has enough information to get it done. Not much is different except the location of what each thing might be on ours.

[salty_monk]

Yes, just a clip. money saving measure. Hope they aren't rusted in place

[Sparky]

They don't look to be rusty, both have the rubber caps on top so that's a plus.

I guess if they break Ill be looking for a replacement.

[jwhelan65]

Yes, just a clip. money saving measure. Hope they aren't rusted in place

I had one that had to be bored, it was completely rusted...

[Sparky]

oh dont tell me that lol

I guess just wish me luck. I will order after new years since my bank isnt open.

[jwhelan65]

Start on post #190 in this thread and read through....

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=135310&page=19

[Billy Ricks]

Years ago when the bike was only a few years old I installed Progressives in my forks. One of the caps was corroded in place. No amount of hammering would budge it. I had to drill a hole in the center of the cap and cut slots from the center out being careful not to make contact with the fork tube. I cut four slots with a jig saw then busted the cap out. I was doing a full disassembly and a good flush so I didn't worry about what ended up in the fork.

Also, don't believe what you've heard about needing the special tool to hold the dampers. I've done several sets of forks now and just loosened the socket cap bolts on the bottom of the legs hidden under the axle, never held anything inside the forks. They came apart and went back together just fine without the tool. You may want to think about replacing the teflon slider bushings too. They'll probably be toast.

[Sparky]

What is the best way to compress the fork cap to remove the retaining ring?

[Billy Ricks]

A big screwdriver against your chest pushing down with some padding in your hand the two. Have the fork fully extended.