Compress 550 Shocks with Shrouds.

[Seabeowner]

The original shocks on my 550F perform pretty much like Zebedee on a pogo stick. I have some later shocks that perform OK, but springs have surface rust and don't have the chrome shroud. So I want to swap the good springs and shrouds to the good dampers.
Looking to buy spring compressors, but the shroud does not leave much room to compress the springs, so don't want to waste money on something that is not suitable. Anyone dismantled their shocks?

[Bryanj]

You cant always swop the shrouds from one shock to another, depends on the retaining collars

[matthewmosse]

I have stripped a few sets of rear shocks, not used any special tools yet, every set seem to be held together by different means. I have yet to rebuild a set as most dampers seem to be sealed units.

[Wenman]

I wanted to remove the dust covers from mine to give a more sporty feel and had the same issue. My spring compressors would touch before compressing the spring.
I ended up threading a standard ratchet strap through the springs and tightened it up enuogh to remove the covers. It wasnt easy... just remember to put something inbetween the ratchet and the spring, as it tightens it contacts the spring and will mark it.

Just an idea for ya

hope it helps

Al

[Seabeowner]

Long time back, but just got round to doing this as it's a rainy day. Thanks Al. I stood the shock in a vice and used a couple of ratchet straps that were fixed to a point below the vice and worked a treat.

[Wenman]

Long time back, but just got round to doing this as it's a rainy day. Thanks Al. I stood the shock in a vice and used a couple of ratchet straps that were fixed to a point below the vice and worked a treat.

Glad I could help! 👍👍