Special tool needed for front fork and spring work?

[Bminder]

To change the front springs do you need any special tools?

[movenon]

Nothing to special. I use this to remove the top caps.  I think it is an 18mm bolt about 2 1/2 inch's long.  Jambed an old socket on the end.  Later I also flattened the top face of the head so it sits better in the cap screw. Just optional.

George

[Firehawk068]

I'm not sure if the top caps on a '92 are the same as on the '90-earlier models........................I think you just need a wrench or a socket to unscrew them on '91-up. (make sure you have the frame supported, with the front wheel hanging off the floor before you do!)

The spacers and springs should just slide out the top.................no special tools needed to swap those.........

If you get deeper into the forks though, you will need a tool like George showed to hold the damper rod while you unscrew the lower bolt that holds it in......................I made my own similar to George's.
On ours, we also need that same tool to unscrew the top caps, as they have a large recessed hex.

[roverfj1200]

If you get deeper into the forks though, you will need a tool like George showed to hold the damper rod while you unscrew the lower bolt that holds it in......................I made my own similar to George's.
On ours, we also need that same tool to unscrew the top caps, as they have a large recessed hex.

I use a broom stick to hole the damper rod in so I can undo the allen bolt.. This is on 88 forks.... Works OK for me.

[movenon]

I'm not sure if the top caps on a '92 are the same as on the '90-earlier models........................I think you just need a wrench or a socket to unscrew them on '91-up. (make sure you have the frame supported, with the front wheel hanging off the floor before you do!)

The spacers and springs should just slide out the top.................no special tools needed to swap those.........

If you get deeper into the forks though, you will need a tool like George showed to hold the damper rod while you unscrew the lower bolt that holds it in......................I made my own similar to George's.
On ours, we also need that same tool to unscrew the top caps, as they have a large recessed hex.

I think you are correct on the 91 and up FJ's Alan. In that case no "special" tools just to change out your springs.  Make sure you support your bike if you pull both springs at the same time.
George

[Tiger]

  To remove/tighten the top caps on my '85, I use a metric hex coupling nut, (they are 50mm or 2" long).

To hold the damper rod while removing the lower Soc' head cap screw, (to do a full strip down...e.g. replace oil seals), I used 2 x metric hex coupling nuts on either end of a length of threaded rod.

I put two layers of heat shrink on the exposed threads to stop any possible damage and make for a wipe clean finish. On the 2 x metric hex coupling nuts I used red Loctite, drilled and used a roll pin in each...VOILA

They make for inexpensive/effective tools...

John.