Info needed - Rear shock

Firefight911

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OK, in my continuing quest to improve the suspension on our S10's, I need some info.

I know the free length, travel, and the stock rate of the rear spring as shown here.....

http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3172.0;attach=5812;image

What I need to know is the inner diameter of the spring. If someone knows this, it would be most appreciated if you could let me know.

If someone has some calipers and a little time we can figure out the inner diameter by measuring the outer diameter of the spring, measuring the thickness of the wire used for the spring , multiplying that by two and then subtracting the outer diameter.....

or,

Outer shock spring diameter = ___________

Shock spring wire diameter = ______________

then,

Outer shock spring diameter
- 2(shock spring wire diameter)
= Inner shock spring diameter

Thanks in advance!!!

Also, if anyone may have replaced the stock spring with an aftermarket spring, where did you get it? I haven't yet found a source for these either, just as was the case on the fork springs
 

Firefight911

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Never heard of them, Nitron.

Not having any luck so far in finding a spring for the stock rear so the quest will continue but am also sourcing complete replacement of the shock. Wilber's and Ohlin's are the front runners. I've had both and both have been fantastic improvements with unparalleled quality between the two. My suspension guy prefers Ohlin's so we'll see what we come up with.

See my other thread for the changes made to the front that have worked wonders on the bike so far. Just need to get the rear in balance with the front spring wise before we can really get things dialed in properly. Way too under sprung in the rear.
 

Tremor38

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Firefight911 said:
Never heard of them, Nitron.

Not having any luck so far in finding a spring for the stock rear so the quest will continue but am also sourcing complete replacement of the shock. Wilber's and Ohlin's are the front runners. I've had both and both have been fantastic improvements with unparalleled quality between the two. My suspension guy prefers Ohlin's so we'll see what we come up with.

See my other thread for the changes made to the front that have worked wonders on the bike so far. Just need to get the rear in balance with the front spring wise before we can really get things dialed in properly. Way too under sprung in the rear.
Wasp reported good results with the Ohlins rear shock.
 

3putt

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I ordered a spring from HyperCo, 8" x 2.25" ID. Our spring is 8.39" x 2.25 ID. I will machine a spacer .38" to add to bottom of shock to make the same preload. Mine should be in today, at least that is what the tracking shows for fedex. OEM spring is .520" thick, OD is about 3.55".

Stock is 755 lbs/in, I bumped it up one notch to 800 lbs/in.
 

Firefight911

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Tiger_one said:
I ordered a spring from HyperCo, 8" x 2.25" ID. Our spring is 8.39" x 2.25 ID. I will machine a spacer .38" to add to bottom of shock to make the same preload. Mine should be in today, at least that is what the tracking shows for fedex. OEM spring is .520" thick, OD is about 3.55".

Stock is 755 lbs/in, I bumped it up one notch to 800 lbs/in.
I'm buying you steak dinner!!!! And beer!!!! No, really!!! You earned it.

Thanks so much for the info. Looking forward to hearing more once you go in to install. JUST BE CAREFUL!!!! Big energy in there as I know you know! Pics baby, pics!

I have found several places that can make the spring. Just have not had the time to discuss with James at Super Plush or with the various manufacturers on this. Determining what the correct rate will be is difficult when the ratios and lever action, etc. are all thrown in. Beyond my skill set to know how to interpret/select based on 0mm shock travel, 190mm suspension travel, etc., etc. Makes my head hurt!
 

3putt

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Okay, LOL, I love steak. No, I love this stuff, cheap mods.

Spring just came in, but spacer came from CA, so it is lagging behind. Springs come out of IN. and they used UPS not Fedex, so that explains the fast shipping. LOL. Color is a pretty close match, although a bit deeper blue. ::012::

Thanks for the heads up on high energy. Jean thanks you also, had to take her to get her finger sewed up with several stitches when installing the fork spring, winch tiedowns slipped off one side of my compressor, spring slammed home to the spacer, she had her finger on the edge of the spacer to keep it aligned (after I had told her to not do that), chunk. Think that piece of her finger is in my fork.

I use high tech spring compressor for the shocks, Harbor Freight, the jaws are like 1" or wider, and they slip all over the place, so I took a 5/8" end mill and cut a nice shallow slot in the ends so the spring will stay put. Tape on the spring and get R done. I will try and take some pictures tomorrow, course that will up the chances that I will break something!

 

Firefight911

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Ooh, pretty!!!! Love the color! Hmmm, looks like part number 8B0400 to me? Yep, that's what I'm thinking!!! ::013::

Hmmm, do I go 400 or 425? ::010:: ::010:: ::010::

With a maxed out preload adjuster and 78 mm of rider sag and a goal of 57mm..... ::010:: ::010:: ::010:: my brain hurts.

Waiting to hear back from the guy, dressed like a guy, looking like another, guy, acting like that guy, that calls himself the guy who does suspension. What a guy!!! ::017::
 

3putt

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Part number "HCSP8A" 8" x 2.25" ID by 800 lb/in. Next jump up is 900 lb/in.

http://www.tntperformance.net/8-Long-225-Inside-Diameter-Hypercoil-HCSP8A.htm

I'm your GUY. LOL Yeah, I was at 77mm when preload 1 mark firm. I will loosen off the preload all the way just to make the spring install easier and then after go back to 1 mark and see what the difference is with race sag.

I hate to wait, so may just turn a spacer tomorrow, but I ordered 2 of them if they would just get here (can make you one if you go with a 8" spring). Pretty easy turning job tho, and I have plenty of 6061 aluminum.
 

Firefight911

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See!!! My brain hurts!! I looked up the spring and goofed and looked at the 2.5" ID number. I need a Scotch! And a rate screw up too! Make that TWO Scotch!!!
 

3putt

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Might want to hold off ordering the spring. May have to rethink this. The ID of the OEM is 2.150", HyperCo spring is 2.310". Looks like it will be okay, but I don't like that much slop for the spring to work around maybe. At this point I am thinking of turning 2 spacers to make up the .39" difference in length of the new spring, although it probably does not need all of that. I can take up the ID difference with a sleeve on the end of the spacers, thus keeping the spring centered.

I hesitate to put up these pictures, but it is a DIY project. These kind of operations are dangerous if anything breaks or slips, so if you attempt this, make sure you are willing to suffer the consequences.



Side note: If anyone plans on using the HF spring compressor, it is just barely able to do the job. You can not tell in this picture but the single hook at the bottom slipped a lot, so I took an end mill and made a 9/16" cut out towards the end of the big hook so it would fit the spring better. You still have to put a crescent wrench on it to hold it while you tighten the nut, or it will twist. Be sure and use tape also, helps protect your new spring, and stop the slipping.

 

3putt

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Okay, made spacer, ID 2.130" (to fit over plastic cover at upper end of shock), OD of spacer 2.300", spacer flange OD 3.200" x .300" thickness (decided since heavier spring do not need the full .390" preload). Back together no problems, will go test ride next.

Update: Pretty hard to check rider sag by yourself, but I got pretty close I imagine. Sat backwards on the seat so I could hold my ruler on the axle and marked with pencil. Appears that at one mark firm sag is now 62mm. So, not much change, may have to turn another spacer and use the whole .390" or at least .350. I would really like the 57mm sag to be at or near the neutral mark.





When removing the one end of the shock link and re-installing, a wedge helps to adjust swing arm height for alignment.


The manual did not say to remove this mount that holds the hoses, but you must to allow the hoses to mashed out of the way to get the shock out or back in.
 

Buelligan

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Very nice write up, and pictures. nice work!
Thanks for posting this!
 

Firefight911

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You're amazing David!! Having not only the skill to do this but the tools/material as well! Awesome.

This information and pictures are so helpful to everyone and I am so appreciative for it! You are answering my questions as, or before, they come up.

Once this rear shock/spring issue is done its gonna be fantastic.

I'm looking forward to hearing your ride thoughts now that you have more fore/aft balance. If it's half as good as the difference from the front, YeeHaw, we are off and running.

Again, thanks for all your trail blazing an know it is very appreciated!!!
 

3putt

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It is definitely firmer (i.e.. not as much travel over the little stuff) and I really like it. Did about 65 miles some bumpy sections and corners, plus I-20 at 80ish, then a blast in the back roads to triple digits. This puppy is ready for the track, LOL. ::012:: I did not change my damping, figured I would need to increase, but it is perfect.

I am 180 - 185ish lbs before gear, so I would recommend guys heavier to go with the full .390" thick spacer. The 800 lbs/in spring is 6% stronger than OEM. The next spring from HyperCo is 900 lb/in and would be 16% stronger than OEM. Now, what weight you are and which spring you should choose, I don't know. I would guess that if you are over 220, then the 900 lb/in spring should work. Maybe consult with HyperCo and see what they say.

Thanks for the kudos, I do really like doing this stuff. But, I tend to take a long time to start, you got me inspired when you saw you needed to change the spring. Most people just buy another shock with proper spring, when the shock is fine in most cases, springs are cheap. ::012::
 

jajpko

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Thanks for all you have done and documented. You did a nice job and I'm sure it will help a lot of people. ::012::

If you were to make the spacer for sale, how much would it cost?
I would like to do this mod, but there is no way in ell that I could make the spacer. ::025::
 

3putt

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I had to make mine as I hate waiting, but I ordered 2 dividers (same thing nearly) from HyperCo. Just need to check the ID, may need to bore it out some and part off the small sleeve end. Probably $25 should cover the expense and time, don't figure many people will need this. You could also have your local friendly machinist do the job.

http://www.tntperformance.net/25-Spring-Divider-MRP2SLDR.htm

Update: 2/17/12 The divider will not fit inside of spring without turning it down, also it is a plastic/fibre not aluminum. OD is 2.435" and ID of the spring is 2.310". The part is thick enough to turn, but will leave it thin.

Added 7mm (total of 15mm) spacer: static sag 25mm (13%) and race sag 58mm (%30 and perfect for me) These measurements are no luggage, and half full tank and preload adjuster 1 mark soft.
 

Firefight911

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Been a while since I've updated this but ooh and aah I am loving this Ohlin's!!!!

I have the 1111-59/150 L2611 spring in and it is wonderful!!! I have to adjust my preload collar to add some base preload but it is light years ahead of the stock shock.

I am one happy camper!!!!

I'll give more setting numbers for compression and rebound after I adjust the preload collar and have a few more miles on this set up.



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stevepsd

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Firefight911 said:


Been a while since I've updated this but ooh and aah I am loving this Ohlin's!!!!

I have the 1111-59/150 L2611 spring in and it is wonderful!!! I have to adjust my preload collar to add some base preload but it is light years ahead of the stock shock.

I am one happy camper!!!!

I'll give more setting numbers for compression and rebound after I adjust the preload collar and have a few more miles on this set up.



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Hey Phil,

Wondering where you have been......

Is that a custom reservoir bracket? Details?
 
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