Advice on installing rear shocks needed

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Apr 23, 2014 | 10:54 AM

RickK

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Joined: Feb 2014

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From: Bama

Advice on installing rear shocks needed

2010 SG

I just finished installing my "homemade" air ride lowering system and so far I like it.

I have read in some recent threads that it is critical that the rear shocks be mounted verticaly in line from top to bottom as viewed from the rear. meaning while viewing it from the rear , the shock should appear straight up and down and not to lean outward or inward. I know from the side view the top of the shock will be forward of the rear.

My concern is that the upper part is closer to the bike than the lower is. Is this an issue that I should be concerned about? Do I need to add spacers or washers behind the shock to adjust for this alginment? What should I use to measure to make sure its correct?

Thanks for the help
Rick

Apr 23, 2014 | 11:53 AM

eathomps

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Bolt up the bottom of the shock without inserting the top bolt. Then pivot the swing arm up so you can align the top mount holes and measure the gap; that's the thickness of the spacer you want.

Apr 23, 2014 | 12:55 PM

EasternSP

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From: King George, VA

Just need spacers so they stand up straight. You might need a longer top bolt though for the added distance. Has to be set completely into the threaded hole in the frame.

Apr 23, 2014 | 01:04 PM

grbrown

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From: Bedford UK

By not being vertical your shocks are being subjected to a lateral load, which will cause premature wear over time, possibly even binding, as they are opposing each other while your swingarm is going up and down. The chaps above have covered using spacers!

Apr 23, 2014 | 02:08 PM

RickK

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From: Bama

Good info. I will remove the top bolts tonight and allow the shock to rest naturally in their upright position, then measure the gap.

Thanks
Rick

Apr 23, 2014 | 02:20 PM

foxtrapper

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From: USA

I'll toss out a caution regarding shock alignment. The claim is based on everything being perfectly positioned and square throughout the range of motion of the swing arm. That's actually pretty unlikely. Having the shock nice and square at the fully extended position does not mean it's nice and square when compressed. There's a reason the shocks have rubber bushings.