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General Category => Modifications => Topic started by: gripit_N_ripit on January 22, 2013, 07:24:49 PM

Title: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: gripit_N_ripit on January 22, 2013, 07:24:49 PM
okay guys I know Im supposed to have a repair manual to refer to but I do not.... I am installing the RPM fork valves.... My only question is Do I have to remove to Damper rod to install the valves?? Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: FJmonkey on January 22, 2013, 07:30:48 PM
Quote from: gripit_N_ripit on January 22, 2013, 07:24:49 PM
okay guys I know Im supposed to have a repair manual to refer to but I do not.... I am installing the RPM fork valves.... My only question is Do I have to remove to Damper rod to install the valves?? Thanks in advance.

Did instructions come with it? The D-Rod needs to be cut and re used to help adjust the pre-load. About 2 inches from the top to do the job. Or am I off the mark?
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: racerrad8 on January 22, 2013, 07:41:59 PM
No, the damper rod needs to be properly adjusted. Then the damper rod adjusting rod "D" shaped needs to be cut off. Please do not confuse the two parts as they have similar names.

After you adjust the damper rod all you have brown do is drip in the valves and continue the install.

I just want to confirm you did receive instructions.

Randy - RPM
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: FJmonkey on January 22, 2013, 07:48:33 PM
Quote from: racerrad8 on January 22, 2013, 07:41:59 PM
No, the damper rod needs to be properly adjusted. Then the damper rod adjusting rod "D" shaped needs to be cut off. Please do not confuse the two parts as they have similar names.

After you adjust the damper rod all you have brown do is drip in the valves and continue the install.

I just want to confirm you did receive instructions.

Randy - RPM

You mean the damper setting? Small, Medium, Large hole setting??? That would be different. Thanks for jumping in Randy. Set the man straight. Set the dampener first then cut the rod. Or do what I did and pull both forks apart and verify proper setting before completion, don't ask. It was a bitch doing it twice.   
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: gripit_N_ripit on January 22, 2013, 07:53:57 PM
Thanks. Yes, Randy I did receive the instructions. Being my first set of forks Ive ever taken apart I guess Im learning the hard way... OK so for clarification the "D" rod is the adjustment rod which is part of the fork cap correct? How is the damper rod (in the bottom of the fork)  adjusted?
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: SlowOldGuy on January 22, 2013, 09:53:55 PM
By the long "D" shaped rod which runs from the top cap down into the adjuster mechanism on the damper rod..

Try looking at an exploded view to familiarize yourself

DavidR.
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: baldy3853 on January 23, 2013, 04:23:58 AM
Just so that I get this right its the long shaft that needs to be trimmed 2"?? If not can U post a picture of the piece that needs to be trimmed??
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: fj11.5 on January 23, 2013, 06:04:13 AM
I'm yet to buy the valves, but my understanding is the d rod needs to be cut down to 2" from the underside of the fork cap/ bottom of the preload adjuster
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: FJmonkey on January 23, 2013, 06:35:04 AM
This might help: http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=6335.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=6335.0)
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: 1tinindian on January 23, 2013, 07:07:28 AM
The later model Fj1200 don't have the D-shaped rod that needs to be cut.
My 1991 didn't require this mod.

Leon
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: andyb on January 23, 2013, 08:01:27 AM
So, if you had a pre-91 and installed the valves, could you then swap to the 91+ fork caps, so that you no longer had a not-attached adjuster atop the forks?

Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: gripit_N_ripit on January 23, 2013, 08:39:52 AM
Quote from: 1tinindian on January 23, 2013, 07:07:28 AM
The later model Fj1200 don't have the D-shaped rod that needs to be cut.
My 1991 didn't require this mod.

Leon

Whew... I thought I was loosing my marbles. So, I don't need to need to cut anything... Hey Leon I read in your post about this mod and decided to make the damper rod holding tool by filing out the inside if a nut that measured 27mm OD exactly, but the tool is slightly too small to grab ahold of the top of the damper rod. Ill try a different size nut and do it again but my assumption is that the PO or dealership may have wallowed out the teeth on the damper rod. Last question; so, if 91+ fj1200's dont have a "D" rod then the damper rod cannot be adjusted and does not need to be removed at all for this mod?? Thanks guys for chiming in. Youve been very helpful.
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: SlowOldGuy on January 23, 2013, 10:26:13 AM
This is why it's important to state the year of your FJ whenever you ask a question.  Otherwise you can (will) get bombarded by a bunch of conflicting information that may not apply to your model.

The '91+ models did not have adjustable damping.  Therefore, they don't have the damping adjuster "D" rod or the mechanism on the top of the damper rod to make the adjustment.

If you're not replacing the fork seals then you do not need to remove the damper rod for installation of RPM valves.  They simply sit on the top of the damper rod where the spring holds them in place. Use a grabber tool to place them on the damper rod.

DavidR.
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: gripit_N_ripit on January 23, 2013, 10:38:13 AM
My apologies David.I know better than that! :dash1: THank you for the help! Onward with the project!! :yes:
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: fj11.5 on January 23, 2013, 04:09:28 PM
if you have a spare rear axle nut,  that will fit your fork caps, , i had used a 27mm nut from a bolt store with a 1/2" drive socket welded on,  but my little man( 4.5 yr old)  borrowed it    :cray: so i used a spare rear wheel nut,  with an old 12mm / 12" drive socked welded to the castilated side, 
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: RichBaker on January 24, 2013, 07:09:38 PM
Dr. Ratfart's fork tool is the best homemade one I've seen.... He got an 18mm bolt (has a 27mm head) and drove a 5/8' socket over the shank, IIRC. Nice, clean and CHEAP. Connects right up to an extension to reach down the stanchion tube, or directly to the ratchet for the cap...
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: markmartin on January 24, 2013, 07:32:05 PM
Quote from: RichBaker on January 24, 2013, 07:09:38 PM
Dr. Ratfart's fork tool is the best homemade one I've seen.... He got an 18mm bolt (has a 27mm head) and drove a 5/8' socket over the shank, IIRC. Nice, clean and CHEAP. Connects right up to an extension to reach down the stanchion tube, or directly to the ratchet for the cap...

+1


(http://fjowners.com/gallery/150_02_03_10_7_11_28.jpeg)
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: fj11.5 on January 24, 2013, 08:23:52 PM
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/4/1642_24_01_13_8_18_36.jpeg)
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: SlowOldGuy on January 24, 2013, 09:27:49 PM
Maybe I should patent that name?

Ratfart Tools?

Naaaa, doesn't really sing to me.  :-)

DavidR.
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: ribbert on January 25, 2013, 06:40:29 AM
Quote from: markmartin on January 24, 2013, 07:32:05 PM


(http://fjowners.com/gallery/150_02_03_10_7_11_28.jpeg)

I have a similar tool for the FJ, makes the job MUCH easier.
What's the bolt for though?
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: FJmonkey on January 25, 2013, 07:06:35 AM
Quote from: SlowOldGuy on January 24, 2013, 09:27:49 PM
Maybe I should patent that name?

Ratfart Tools?

Naaaa, doesn't really sing to me.  :-)

DavidR.

Monkey made has a nice ring...

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8147/7359656300_09d352fc0d_b.jpg)
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: markmartin on January 25, 2013, 08:47:50 AM
Quote from: ribbert on January 25, 2013, 06:40:29 AM
I have a similar tool for the FJ, makes the job MUCH easier.
What's the bolt for though?

bottle opener
Title: Re: RPM fork valve installation??
Post by: movenon on January 25, 2013, 08:54:33 AM
I kinda like the name myself. Trade mark it :).