Topic: Swing arm bushings & shock removal?

[cb350twin]

Are the parts n more bronze bushings any good? Are they the right size and everything? How hard is to replace the swing arm bushings? I'm thinking about tackling it on my own it looks fairly easy correct?

Also I was thinking about some day maybe getting new shocks but I have always been  hesitant because I though I would have to remove the stock 4 into 4 exhaust.  could I just take out the swing arm axle out, push the swing arm back with the shocks still attached to swing arm and loosened at the top. So the shocks be pointed up & over the mufflers and towards the back of the bike? Would that work for shock removal or would I have to take the mufflers off?

Also whats a good source for stock looking shocks ones that are the same size and ones that a few inches shorter but still stock looking. I think cycle X used to have stock looking ones but no longer do...

[Bodi]

Hondaman has posted a LOT of info on the swingarm pivots and may offer a rebuild service.
My experience: the aftermarket bronze bushings do not fit. I gave up after returning 4 sets that were all too big: looser than the service limit. I installed the last set in the hope that they would shrink when pressed in the tight bore in the swingarm. Nope, and they sere not easy to get out again.
Also the collar that the bushings turn on wears. It becomes an oval shape. This part is long discontinued and unavailable.
Unless your swingarm is really sloppy I would leave it, otherwise talk to Hondaman and get it fixed properly.
If you remove the back wheel and get the shock top mounts off - and you can lift the bike a bit - the swingarm will swing down enough to get at the lower mounts. The upper mounts require that the shocks swing out a fair bit to disconnect and if they don't hit the pipes before releasing it puts unusual stress on the shock. I would not want to install new shocks this way since they are not designed for this bending stress and may be damaged.