83 GS550L Rear Shock Swap

[mauiboy81]

I am wanting to swap out the old broken down rear shock on my 83 gs550. I have a rear shock from a '08 gsf650 bandit that looks like it will fit but i would have to mount it upside down. Is there a problem in doing that? Also the bearings in the shocks are different. The gs550 has the single ball and i believe the gsf650 has cartridge. I would also need to figure out spacers on the lower bracket because the ones the old 550 uses with the swivel ball bearing wont work with the newer shock.

Is there any reason that it wont work or that shouldn't do this?

also, are the shocks supposed to have a little play where they bolt on?

[JEEPRUSTY]

A fellow here did a similar swap successfully. I am not sure what model of shock he used though. I do recall clearance was slightly reduced.