To the 400EX rear shock users:

[slickerthanyou]

I:I
I have finally taken the step and bought one. I'm gonna get MR. Oconner to send me his bushing kit naturally, My question is I want to remove the spring and get ride of the RED ugly color, I don't have the shock yet, but is it easy to get the spring off? Like as easy as stock or what? I may even chrome it!!!! OHH Oregondunes....

 

[sicivicdude]

My shock absorber was easily disassembled by turning the adjustment nut all the way to top and sliding the washer out of the bottom. No spring compressors needed.

I'm not sure how chrome would take to a spring steel coil.... PC works very well though.

 

[TechBlaster]

My shock absorber was easily disassembled by turning the adjustment nut all the way to top and sliding the washer out of the bottom. No spring compressors needed.

I'm not sure how chrome would take to a spring steel coil.... PC works very well though.

Concur ^^^^^^^^^^^

PC that biotch!!!!! I:I

 

[slickerthanyou]

So, to remove the spring is just like a stock shock, just take the tension off and pull the washer out and booyah, sweet! thanks bro! I have had chromed springs on my 4X4 vehicle no probs, I don't think this should be any different. Or am I missing something?

 

[TechBlaster]

Or am I missing something?

Missin' nuttin' meng... I:I

 

[stabor1122]

So, to remove the spring is just like a stock shock, just take the tension off and pull the washer out and booyah, sweet! thanks bro! I have had chromed springs on my 4X4 vehicle no probs, I don't think this should be any different. Or am I missing something?

Chrome should work fine if thats what you want to do. Otherwise there would be a hell of a lot of pissed off Harley owners out there. lol The finish may not hold up well to the elements though and it would be a PITA to keep clean and shiny.

 

[slickerthanyou]

I actually think it wouldn't be any harder than PC to keep clean! Smooth shiney bling bling

 

[musselman]

I had to compress my spring a bit to get the retainer off. I just used 2 clamps on either side, it didn't need much force.

 

[Blaner]

disassembly is simple, i resprayed mine white. i had my YFZ450 springs off at the same time and used paint stripper to get rid of the red on the 400ex (sandblasting would have taken too long in my case...) but the stripper didnt work of the 450 springs as i think they are powder coated.

springs are a _____ to spray though!

 

[slickerthanyou]

disassembly is simple, i resprayed mine white. i had my YFZ450 springs off at the same time and used paint stripper to get rid of the red on the 400ex (sandblasting would have taken too long in my case...) but the stripper didnt work of the 450 springs as i think they are powder coated.

springs are a _____ to spray though!

Yes I agree that is why a good chrome dippin would be tits!

 

[stabor1122]

Chrome would look pretty sweet but it will tarnish and rust from water and grime. You would have to keep it polished and dried after riding and washing if you want to keep it looking good. PC on the other hand only takes a good powerwash and wipe down. With that said...CHROME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[PikledBeats]

I say go for it, stabor was right that there would be alot of pissed off harley owners if they didn't have chromed springs......you should gold plate it...............lol now that would be some bling.

 

[slickerthanyou]

I say go for it, stabor was right that there would be alot of pissed off harley owners if they didn't have chromed springs......you should gold plate it...............lol now that would be some bling.

Well, now ya'll are gettin carried away! Gold plated, the brothers would rob my house!!!

I'm not sure if i'll be able to afford the chroming but we will see, My son just told me to buy a shock cover, sucks he was smarter than me!

 

[Beaster_blaster]

Ive found a great way to tear down any shock with out a spring compressor. Check it out step by step

Materials---
--shocks to tear down
--long bolt approx 8 inches long(big enough to fit through your shock mounts)
--2 ratchet straps(tie down straps)

Step 1
Use an old bolt and run it through your bottom of the shock

Step 2
run your straps through your springs and reconnect them to the ratchet on both sides

Step 3
-- Slowly tighten each strap evenly

Step 4
-- Tighten down both straps until the upper washer is loose to pull off

Step 5
-- Remove your straps with an even pinch on each side to release them to remove your spring.

 

[slickerthanyou]

That is a most excellent way of doing it! , i had coil spring compressors but that messed up the paint job i did on it....

 

[killswitch]

man I wanted to do this someone told me they were under a lot of tension and it would be dangerous I guess they were totally wrong. It doesnt look like they are under much tension at all

 

[wheresthericego]

man I wanted to do this someone told me they were under a lot of tension and it would be dangerous I guess they were totally wrong. It doesnt look like they are under much tension at all

You wouldnt want to compress the spring all the way tight with them, that would be dangerous but to get enough slack out of it to take it apart would be easy..

 

[slickerthanyou]

man I wanted to do this someone told me they were under a lot of tension and it would be dangerous I guess they were totally wrong. It doesnt look like they are under much tension at all

The stock shock spring is dangerous! my compressors one of the ears bent and the spring flew off whizzed past my head, took the shop light out and blasted through some particle board, Please be careful! It will hurt you!

 

[killswitch]

The stock shock spring is dangerous! my compressors one of the ears bent and the spring flew off whizzed past my head, took the shop light out and blasted through some particle board, Please be careful! It will hurt you!

LMAO ok so just release a litlle pressure the thing isn't going to be to dangerous right I do understand compressing to much will be great power but just enough to release washer will not make it a cannon correct? I ask this as an amateur That is wanting to paint spring who has enough common sense to handle the job. B)

 

[slickerthanyou]

I really like the rachet strap idea! SAFE!