Extended Fork Caps

[Brian65]

2008 GL1800 with an HTS1800 RS conversion. Doing the Progressive HD springs & rebuilding forks. Haven't taken forks apart yet but they do have extended fork caps. Do you still use stock spring spacers?

 

[pwhoever]

Yes. Still use the stock spacers unless replacements come with the new springs. Or the directions call for cutting the stock ones down. The extended caps just sit on the top of the forks and are solid. They have nothing to do with the internal parts.

 

[pwhoever]

Just wanted to add, here is a photo of my forks torn down ready for cleaning and you can see the Progressive Springs along with the spacers.

 

[Brian65]

Yes. Still use the stock spacers unless replacements come with the new springs. Or the directions call for cutting the stock ones down. The extended caps just sit on the top of the forks and are solid. They have nothing to do with the internal parts.

Any ideas on how to get drain bolt out on RH fork? It's turning pretty easy but not coming out. Tried it with fork cap snugged up and off but bolt just turns. Broke lose fairly easy originally.

 

[pwhoever]

Maybe try putting it back together and then try to compress the fork some while holding it upside down on the ground. That does sometimes happen. Maybe also try an extension on a drill and see if you can spin it out? Those bolts don't need a lot of torque when installing as there is no way for them to come out once axle is installed. Some guys just tighten them on too much and then it can make them harder to get out.

 

[Brian65]

I'll try reassembling and put some downforce on fork. Already tried using 3/8 impact. Just spun it fast. The left is still assembled, tried it and it wouldn't come lose even with impact. They've definatley got loctite used on them.

 

[pwhoever]

What about putting a pair of vice grips on the internal rod or in a vice and pull in opposite
direction to put pressure on the bottom tube? If that internal rod gets a few gouges on it, it's no big deal. Just make sure not to mess with the threaded part as that is important.

 

[Brian65]

Thought of that too. I can hold rod still by hand and turn bottom drain bolt as well. Got to quit for today on it. Thanks for help. Appreciate it

 

[Brian65]

Thought of that too. I can hold rod still by hand and turn bottom drain bolt as well. Got to quit for today on it. Thanks for help. Appreciate it

Finally got it! Used heat, drilled hole into bolt, drove bolt extractor into it then clamped on with vise grip, standing on stool to get above it good & pulled upwards while turning.

 

[Papa Zook]

Finally got it! Used heat, drilled hole into bolt, drove bolt extractor into it then clamped on with vise grip, standing on stool to get above it good & pulled upwards while turning.View attachment 131008

Good deal Brian.. Whatever it takes right?