Topic: Best way to get the springs off the shocks?

[GroovieGhoulie]

I heard that the springs are not very compressed when mounted on the shocks, so it doesn't take much compression to get them off.  I'm having a hard time though.  Is there a trick?  Where would I find a spring compressor that would be small enough?

It's the rear factory shocks on a 400/4.

[el kabong]

motorcycle tie down straps work well as a mild spring compressor:

http://kzrider.com/component/option,com_joomlaboard/Itemid,33/func,view/catid,5/id,72834#72834/

[tsflstb]

I just used this trick learned from searching on this site.  Get some large zip ties and use 4-6 of them and gradually compress the spring.  Worked good for re-installing some newly painted springs.

[sparty]

I just used this trick learned from searching on this site.  Get some large zip ties and use 4-6 of them and gradually compress the spring.  Worked good for re-installing some newly painted springs.

Really?? That works...  How do you continue to compress them?  In a large vice?? Explain

Thanks,
Sparty

[mb3000gt]

i've done a couple sets using ratcheting tie downs. works fine, just be careful when releaing the tension

[hopterfixer]

I did my Koni's using two ratcheting straps.  I think I will add zip ties as a safety next time after reading this .

[kghost]

I may have been the one that made that suggestion about a year ago.....

With the zip ties....just keep tightening them sequentially and they snug down the spring nicely.

[tomkimberly]

I heard that the springs are not very compressed when mounted on the shocks, so it doesn't take much compression to get them off.  I'm having a hard time though.  Is there a trick?  Where would I find a spring compressor that would be small enough?

It's the rear factory shocks on a 400/4.

Here is the one I made for about $ 10.00 and a hour or two. It consists of some square tubing, two pieces of flat stock formed and bolted together for the handle and a small piece id angle iron with a slot drilled and sawed to form a small notch.

[techy5025]

I disassembled mine using a drill press to compress them. You need to make a
widget that looks like an upside down "U" that you can chuck up in the
drill to straddle the upper mount and press down on the cover over the
spring.  This will allow you to remove the two upper holding clips. I cut the
tool out of wood using a bandsaw.

Jim

[the rag]

i ate a load of spinach and no prob then with a little help from olive