Agreed, it is possible to JUST change lowers, but, I’m Rebuilding, all new seals, wear rings, fork springs, etc. no way to get the springs out without pulling that plug.

 

Soak with AeroKroil. After some time, try screwing back on a little, back and forth, more spray, and out with it.

 

Thanks for the info, May try the aerokroil, tried 3 in 1, and wd40, and a torch. Back and forth, as stated before, is very limited 1 thread, max, 1.5. I’m thinking there must be a burr in those threads locking it up. Really pisses me off that this is straight from the factory like this. Oh well.

 

Wrench and cheater bar while still pinched in the lower tree. It'll come off. I might break it, but it wouldn't beat me.

We are working on the premise that CCW is loosen, correct ?

 

yes, of course. Although this sounds good, there is very little room between the trees to work, and as said before, been there done that and after more hours than I care to list, if I’m gonna ruin it anyway, I’ll just go the easy route and cut the tube.
Just gonna try that “work smarter not harder” thing and see how that works out. LOL

 

It sucks but for $104 I wouldn't fight with it to much. Second thought yes I would but I would end up with the new tube anyway.

 

Isn't it possible to separate the tubes without pulling that cap? I'd be under spring load and tricky, but I don't see why not...anyone ever tried doing that? Could be that once you get the spring pressure off the cap, it will come off without damage.

 

No way to remove springs from the bottom. You can remove the slider and drain the oil, but bottom of tube has small hole for dampener rod and that’s all.

 

That’s the road I’m leaning towards. I’ve battled with it enough.

 

Pull the tube out of the triple. Grab the flats in a good bench vise, tube sticking straight up. Brace the tube with one hand, pull on a humongous pipe wrench with the other.

Else grap the tube in the vise, use the biggest open-end that will fit, and pound on the far end of the wrench with a singlejack. Sumthin gotta give.

Done it both ways on a bad day.