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Can anyone tell me what spring compressors they used to fit the springs to the front shocks.
I've tried four different types now (including a trip to the local garage who didnt have anything the right size) but still haven't found anything suitable. They all seem to be too big for the 3" coil diameter or the jaws are too large to get between the coils or to allow clearance to pass the shock through the coil once it's compressed.
I used a very old coil spring compressor on which the "hooks" are bent from a metal strip rather then being cast. As I recall it was still a tight fit but it did the job.
I used a rather unsafe way of compressing the springs.
I first compressed the spring and then tied the middle coils together with thick synthetic rope on opposite sides and mounted the springs on the shocks.
After securing the coil on the shock, I cut through the rope with a sharp stanley knife.
I do not recommend you follow my idea as it was b***dy dangerous!
i think if you search on-line for 'Motorcycle spring compressors' you'll find something more suitable and safe.
Or just grab Robin's offer of borrowing his.........
I've used these many times in the past and still have all my fingers !
You need to use a couple to compress the spring equally on each side and make sure that the straps don't slide over to the same side. I recommend using a long screwdriver to release the mechanism...
I've chickened out and gone for a 'cash based' solution (but nothing too painfull........)
I went to a motorsport services outfit this afternoon to see if they had a suitable tool to compress the springs.
Their first question was "why are the springs so long?".
So I now have some 8" springs instead of the 9 1/2" ones that Marlin supply. The spring rate is the same at 300lbs per inch and there's no need for a spring compressor. Just wind the spring seat to the top of the shock, slide the shock into the sping and there's enough clearance at the other end to locate the collar on the shock shaft. Wind the spring seat back half an inch, the spring is secure and the job's done.
The question is, will I miss an inch and a half..................??!!
You know, I didn't have to compress mine (the only time I used my spring compressors was when I was dismantling the donor) - so I guess I had shorter springs like you do now.
Nice to see consistancy in what's supplied, as mine came direct from Marlin.
Top tip when you do the rear springs (If you haven't done them already) - put the sping in the lower seat, align it with the top and then use a trolly jack to lift the trailing arm up. The weight the chassis compresses the spring just enough to get the shock bolt aligned and done up.
I use 2 sets, 2 from one set for the main work and a 3rd one as a safety. 