RPM Shock install on a 89'/90'

[aviationfred]

For those that own 88'-90' models, and have notice that there is no RPM shock listed for those years. No worries, order the 91'-95' shock. I believe in the RPM parts update thread, it was mentioned that the 91'-95' shock can be used.

The removal of the BMW shock.





The shock sock is not installed so I can fine tune the sag.



The battery box support does not allow clearance for the nitrogen servicing port on the RPM shock. A hole needs to be drilled to allow clearance.
(This is a photo supplied from Randy) Also notice that there are 2 washers used as shims. 2 washers are required on the other side and the same is required for the bottom clevis mount.



Fred

[FJ_Hooligan]

Where is the Shock Sock to preserve that beautiful piece of engineering art?

Order it NOW!

[racerrad8]

Where is the Shock Sock to preserve that beautiful piece of engineering art?

Order it NOW!

The RPM shock sock is included with all RPM shocks, as well as the adjusting wrench.

No need to buy anything additional when you buy RPM FJ designed shocks.

He just is leaving it off to tune the shock in without having to take it off every time.

Randy - RPM

[FJmonkey]

+1 my RPM shock came with the adjusting tool and shock sock. Now I just need to find that damn oil leak so I can fix it and install the shock... I don't want to foul up my new shock.... More to come.... And just what is the new RPM exhaust break in procedures??? Install and ride it like you stole it?

[aviationfred]

The Soupy's links that are in the photo of both shocks would not work. I could not make them short enough.  I will be contacting Soupy's to see if I can get shorter barrels.

I used a set of dog bones that I had fabricated for the BMW shock and cut them to the length I wanted. I used a length of 111mm hole center to hole center.

Fred

[FJmonkey]

The Soupy's links that are in the photo of both shocks would not work. I could not make them short enough.  I will be contacting Soupy's to see if I can get shorter barrels.

I used a set of dog bones that I had fabricated for the BMW shock and cut them to the length I wanted. I used a length of 111mm hole center to hole center.

Fred

Ummm...errr... Publicly needing something shorter tends to be a bad thing... Just saying as I think it... 

Tell us how it works out... Once my oil leak is sorted I need to find the dog bones to fit my ride height... Kookaloo....

[racerrad8]

Tell us how it works out... Once my oil leak is sorted I need to find the dog bones to fit my ride height... Kookaloo....

Monkey,

I have an open lift available Monday to address that oil leak and probably slip that shock on too.

Randy - RPM

[FJmonkey]

Monkey,

I have an open lift available Monday to address that oil leak and probably slip that shock on too.

Randy - RPM

I pulled off the old exhaust (look for a new post on this) and cleaned up the underside. I can see that the front of the motor is dry (not oil cooler fittings), but as soon as you look to the underside its wet with oil, as far up as the drain plug (possible source) . When looking at the old exhaust I can see that #2 pipe has more oil on it where it connects to the collector. So I have more information to work on and a cleaner place to start today. But I may take you up on your offer, it would be cool to visit your shop and get my shock installed. But Monday will not work, I need to order bearings to replace the ones in the used 89' link, figure out the new bolts I need to install the link. Then the last and easy part, measuring and fitting the dog bones and shock.

[movenon]

Mark, I am sure you are on top of this but as a reminder you can put in some wider bearings in the front of the relay arm/link.  Seems to be a high wear area.
Here is a couple of links.  Skymasters has some photos. You have to scroll down for the information.

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=7691.495

Here is a link to a a photo when I did mine.

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=4551
George

[aviationfred]

Mark,

I am sure Randy has all the bearings in stock that you need.

Bearings 93317-42550-00 Two needed for the main swing arm to frame

Bearings 93317-41761-00 Four needed at where the Dog bones attach to the relay link and the swing arm.

Bolts 90101-12673-00 Two needed, one for each dog bone.

Fred

[winddancer]

+1 my RPM shock came with the adjusting tool and shock sock. Now I just need to find that damn oil leak so I can fix it and install the shock... I don't want to foul up my new shock.... More to come.... And just what is the new RPM exhaust break in procedures??? Install and ride it like you stole it?

I just installed the carbon fiber exhaust and it sounds awesome by the way but the break in was 15 min at idle and then 15 min cool down

[FJmonkey]

I figured out by chance that a soft warm up and cool down was the proper break in process. I think like a mechanical engineer, I love this stuff.... Thanks all..... My new RPM exhaust is awesome!!!

[racerrad8]

I figured out by chance that a soft warm up and cool down was the proper break in process. I think like a mechanical engineer, I love this stuff.... Thanks all..... My new RPM exhaust is awesome!!!

Monkey,

The muffler break in instructions should be in the mufflers protective wrapping

Randy  - RPM

[FJmonkey]

Monkey,

The muffler break in instructions should be in the mufflers protective wrapping

Randy  - RPM

I found it, and Fred sent me a PM with a copy attached. I ended up breaking it in properly before I found the instructions. I took the new exhaust for a short ride yesterday. Perhaps a longer ride today. I really like the throaty sound and it is not too loud, just right. Thanks all....

[ribbert]

Fred

Fred (and others). I tried a different rear shock for my trip the other week. The reduced sag on the new shock effectively raised the rear end a little.

I have long realised that when I originally shortened the bones and dropped the front I got a bit lucky and hit a sweet spot. What surprised me when I changed the shock was how it altered the steering.
The sweet spot was gone (or moved) and corners required a bit more input. Now I need slight pressure on the bars for the duration of the corner or to lean my upper body further into the corner to achieve the same thing.
If I leave the shock on I will make slight longer links.

My point is, the effect even a subtle difference in height can have on the steering.

Just something to consider when playing around with all.

Noel