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Front Shocks

M

mguin

New member
I'm looking for "HOW TO..." help for changing out the front shocks. I'm planning on swapping out the stock front shocks on my '09 SE5 with '11 RT shocks/springs. I was hoping I'd find something in the Step by Step but I've tried searching with "Front Shocks" and "Suspension" and haven't had any luck so far. Any HELP is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Bluezr0kr :doorag:
Chandler, AZ
 
Not sure there is a 'step by step' out here.

Pretty much like this:

Jack up spyder from center-- just barely enough to get to the point where the shocks are at full extension.

Remove lower shock bolt, then upper.

Put new shock in - I did top bolt first and bottom bolt second. You might have to adjust the jack up or down a bit to line the hole up.

It can be done without removing the trunk. Removing the front side panels (the ones that surround the fog-lights) gives you better access -

I don't know that anyone has tried the 2011 RT shocks on an RS yet. I did the 2010 ones and like them. The 2011 are much stiffer from what I hear -- not sure if that could be problematic for you.....

Good luck! Post results.:thumbup:
 
If you have a 2009 and can only do one $$$ would you do the 2010 shocks or the Evoluzione sway bar?:dontknow:
 
Firefly said:
Not sure there is a 'step by step' out here.

Pretty much like this:

Jack up spyder from center-- just barely enough to get to the point where the shocks are at full extension.

Remove lower shock bolt, then upper.

Put new shock in - I did top bolt first and bottom bolt second. You might have to adjust the jack up or down a bit to line the hole up.

It can be done without removing the trunk. Removing the front side panels (the ones that surround the fog-lights) gives you better access -

I don't know that anyone has tried the 2011 RT shocks on an RS yet. I did the 2010 ones and like them. The 2011 are much stiffer from what I hear -- not sure if that could be problematic for you.....

Good luck! Post results.:thumbup:
Click to expand...

That's the way I did it on my 2010 RT. There was a piece of bodywork with a very sharp point that was in the way of removing the top bolt on the left side. It was about to poke a hole in my hand so I removed the point with some tin snips. Otherwise, very straightforward and simple.

Cotton
 
Oh, I just remembered. On the RT, after removing both mounting bolts, I had to jack the Spyder up higher to get clearance to get the shock out of the suspension A-arms. Might not be needed on an RS, don't know.

Cotton
 
bikeguy said:
That's the way I did it on my 2010 RT. There was a piece of bodywork with a very sharp point that was in the way of removing the top bolt on the left side. It was about to poke a hole in my hand so I removed the point with some tin snips. Otherwise, very straightforward and simple.

Cotton
Click to expand...
:agree:I did mine on the RT. I also had a problem with that upper bolt. But that's what children are for. I had my son get in there and remove the bolt:D. Worked out fine and my hands are still in one piece.:thumbup:
 
altonk said:
Swaybar first you'll get the most bang for the $
Click to expand...

I'm not so sure about that...I went with the RT shocks/springs first and have felt a huge difference...I do want to get the sway bar sooner or later as I know it will make handling that much better...
 
altonk said:
I did both swaybar then penske shocks and eliminating the roll was the biggest improvement
Click to expand...

Great move...much tighter, I'm sure. I find the RT shocks/springs to make a huge difference...before, there was a definite roll around with sharp turns...now, the bike just sticks more...with the swaybar, I'm sure it will be even a tighter feel...
 
I just consider both as a package. Sway bar definintely impacted the roll situation in a significant way.

The Penske's would be sweet...
 
altonk said:
Penske's make it handle but the ride is more dump truck than buick
Click to expand...

Oh I bet! There is always a trade-off but one I would gladly make. Not everyone, to be sure, but I would. Perhaps one day... :thumbup:

Actually, I bet the rubber helps a bit with that.
 
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