Fork Spring Spacers

scott_araujo · February 15, 2009, 02:03:36 PM

I'm going to replace the fork springs and oil in my 2003 800 Dark. I'm sure I'll be making my own custom spacers as the aftermarket springs never seem to fit with the stock spacers. I was planning on using aluminum tubing for making spacers.

Does anyone have recommendations on what wall thickness/gauge I should use? Is there a better material to use than aluminum tubing?

Thanks,
Scott

mookieo2 · February 16, 2009, 02:34:21 PM

I read a how to about spring replacement and the guy used some chrome drain pipes that he bought at Home depot. The diameter was pretty close. I thought most spring kits come with proper spacers.

Speeddog · February 16, 2009, 03:35:36 PM

I've seen and used PVC pipe for spring spacers.

clubhousemotorsports · February 16, 2009, 05:46:20 PM

If you look at the oem spacers you will see that they do not have to be too special.

I know plenty of people who also use PVC, make sure to use washers between the springs and the spacers as the spring will shave a pvc spacer and put debris in the fork.

Norm · February 17, 2009, 05:25:25 AM

I use PVC with a washer at each end.

the_Journeyman · February 17, 2009, 07:52:37 AM

I've got PVC + washer and it works great ~

JM

fasterblkduc · February 17, 2009, 09:49:43 AM

Same here...I've used PVC.

About the chrome pipes...what happens when that chrome starts flaking off? It will contaminate the oil, and then valving. I would not use that.

scott_araujo · February 17, 2009, 02:14:22 PM

Why would the chrome flake off? It's doesn't get hot, it's not exposed to the weather, and it's covered in oil all the time.

I think I know what he's referring to. It's the piece that connects to the bottom of the sink and goes straight down. Cut off the flange and it might work just fine.

Scott

fasterblkduc · February 17, 2009, 02:30:43 PM

Quote from: scott_araujo on February 17, 2009, 02:14:22 PM
Why would the chrome flake off? It's doesn't get hot, it's not exposed to the weather, and it's covered in oil all the time.

I think I know what he's referring to. It's the piece that connects to the bottom of the sink and goes straight down. Cut off the flange and it might work just fine.

Scott

As soon as you cut it, you have left an edge where the chrome can now flake. Remember that the spring is constantly putting a lot of pressure on this piece and it is being pushed hard then relaxing a bit, then pushing, relaxing, etc. Seems like a bad idea.

Maybe it would be ok but, why risk it? PVC works just fine and there is no risk.

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Fork Spring Spacers