New Progressive Shocks are here :)

[Tamara]

Tomorrow, we're going to install the new progressives on my 450. I was hoping for some pointers on how to make this as painless as possible. I've already read the instruction pamphlet but could use some words of wisdom.

[Steve]

Do one at a time, or you will have to lift the wheel up to hook up the shocks.
This is assuming the new shocks are the same length as the old ones.
If you do need to take them both off at the same time,
put a 2x4 that is 3 or 4 feet long under the rear wheel.
You can use it to lever the wheel up into place.

Lube the bushings, they will slide in easier. I use Vaseline.

.

[Tamara]

Do one at a time, or you will have to lift the wheel up to hook up the shocks.
This is assuming the new shocks are the same length as the old ones.
If you do need to take them both off at the same time,
put a 2x4 that is 3 or 4 feet long under the rear wheel.
You can use it to lever the wheel up into place.

Lube the bushings, they will slide in easier. I use Vaseline.

.

Thank you Steve! I was planning on doing one side at a time if possible. In the instructions, it mentions a spring compression tool. If I need one, is that something I can get as a loaner from a place like auto zone?

[Guest]

Yup, Steve's got it.

You should only need a compression tool if you plan to take the springs off the shocks or if they come unassembled.

You shouldn't need one just to get them on the bike.

And pic's afterwards please

[Tamara]

Yup, Steve's got it.

You should only need a compression tool if you plan to take the springs off the shocks or if they come unassembled.

You shouldn't need one just to get them on the bike.

And pic's afterwards please

The shocks and springs came in separate boxes. I'm looking forward to taking them for a ride. My old ones are pretty bad.

[Badooka]

Vaseline???

[bonanzadave]

The shocks and springs came in separate boxes.

Its doable but much easier with two people. I did mine with HD springs. Set the preloads on the lowest setting. Have the "weightier" person push down on the shock. Slide the keeper in/on. Done / ready to install.

[SVSooke]

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=187335 Works quite nicely for me.

[Tamara]

Its doable but much easier with two people. I did mine with HD springs. Set the preloads on the lowest setting. Have the "weightier" person push down on the shock. Slide the keeper in/on. Done / ready to install.

I got the SD springs. The weightier person is coming over today so we'll give that a try .

[mike_of_bbg]

Yep it's quite do-able; did it with my son (I was the weighty one compressing the HD springs ). The springs only need to compress about an inch or so for clearance. Wear gloves for good grip and protection. Whomever is slipping in the keeper will probably need to keep a hold of the upper shock eye with one hand to keep it from falling. Only took us about 15 seconds per shock

I got the SD springs. The weightier person is coming over today so we'll give that a try .

[Tamara]

Yep it's quite do-able; did it with my son (I was the weighty one compressing the HD springs ). The springs only need to compress about an inch or so for clearance. Wear gloves for good grip and protection. Whomever is slipping in the keeper will probably need to keep a hold of the upper shock eye with one hand to keep it from falling. Only took us about 15 seconds per shock

I'm the not weighty one so I get to do that part .