You may wish to consider having bike strapped to lift and insure that it is supported when weight distribution changes in order to avoid a fall over.

 

Thanks im. I did just that


Well the fork tubes are out. Not without a struggle though. I pulled the inner failing (and found a broken brace). And unbolted the handlebars to move then out of the way so I could get a “drift” straight onto the top of the tubes. Those suckers were a little corroded and stubborn after 20 years untouched! Hopefully I didn’t bend anything beating them out of the top tree I’ll measure everything next time I am at it. Getting too cold in the shed tonight.

 

Oh man this is right! If you are going to use a ball end Allen key go get replacement bolts first and have a drill and bit ready.
I don’t think you’ll need an impact wrench to loosen these though. Just use the right Allen key and your socket wrench.

 

Are you planning on re-greasing the bearings in the steering stem? I'm doing the same as you here in about a month and am considering pulling the steering stem apart and greasing mine.

 

I am not going to pull the steering head apart. I'll just use the zerk fitting to add grease,