[Numbercruncher]

This is a borderline double post but I can use some input. My Shock Factory replacment shock finally arrived on Friday. Though I ordered August 10, the factory was closed for Holiday and upon return did not have any red coils in the proper spring rate. Well the unit finally arrived and when I went to install it today, I could not get the upper shock bolt off. In particular, I could not get a wrench onto the rear nut or whatever you call it. I tried a 12, 13 and 14mm and the latter two seemed to fit but were not snug enough to hold the nut in place. I suspect a 12 is what I need but simply could not get the wrench in place.

So I wonder for those of you who have changed yours out, what type of tool did you use to hold that nut? Also I went the route of removing the passenger foot rest as the lower shock bolt won't come out unless you either cut a hex key down to size or remove the foot rest. In so doing my hex socket stripped out the front bolt that secures the rest in place. If I can get the shock removed I'll see if I can get it back good enough while I wait for a replacement.

In addition, I am used to placing a dirt bike on a stand and then sticking an appropriate sized piece of lumber under the rear tire to support the bike while I remove the shock. That is with frame rails below the bike. Is it safe to jack directly on the engine? What else have others done?

 

[Shmakt]

Numbercruncher - there is a good post here about relplacing the shock.

Australia, Brisbane, suspension

I can add that I stripped the hex key hole on the top bolt and had to go find a replacement - easy enough at local boltmaster store.
I used a small adjustable spanner on the nut, lots of swearing when i stripped the hole, and I also loosened off the side panel to get to the nut.
They I used Smifff's tip of the scissor jack.

 

[TC3]

A small ring spanner is what I used but can not remember the size. I jacked up using a wooden block directly under the engine with no issues.
I backed the dampening on my M Shock to -12 clicks and it is a huge improvement on stock shock.
Good luck!

 

[Numbercruncher]

Thank you.

Did you remove the passenger peg and support?

NC

A small ring spanner is what I used but can not remember the size. I jacked up using a wooden block directly under the engine with no issues.
I backed the dampening on my M Shock to -12 clicks and it is a huge improvement on stock shock.
Good luck!

 

[TC3]

Thank you.

Did you remove the passenger peg and support?

NC

I did, had a headache trying to put the 2 main bolts back with the washers and then realized i should have threaded the bolts with washers through the peg assembly first and then offer it up to the bike......

 

[Numbercruncher]

Just got the upper shock bolt loosened up. I need to get a jack to support the bike but that is cheaper than taking it to the dealer.

Anyone see any humor in the invoice from Shock Factory . . .

NC

 

[scowa18]

Who are we to judge? :idea1:

 

[Numbercruncher]

Who are we to judge? :idea1:

That was actually an attempt at humor. I told them that so it wasn't like they were being mean to me. I thought it nearly hysterical that they actually put that into the invoice.

NC