My 2008 Shock Relocators Install

[JerryB]

Hi folks,

This probably won't be of much help to too many of you out there in SpyderLand, but it is a couple of photos of my install of PitBull Shock Relocators on my '08 that I did today.

After dilly-dallying around for too many months, last week I finally called PitBull to order a set of their Shock Relocators ( more than one person on here told me that they felt that they made a substantial difference in handling ). PitBull informed me that they only had one set left and that they were not sure if they were acceptable to sell. I talked to them again this past Tuesday & they said that they were in perfect condition; so I bought them.

I used this video for install instructions:

They make it look very easy; much easier than it went for me. But, then again, they have probably installed more than one set of these.

I did not remove the frunk as that is a lot of work and they say that it is not necessary. While it is not necessary, it would have made it quite a bit easier.

Also Gene De Laney ( Chupaca on here ) told me about removing some 'finned device' that would make it easier. This 'thing' is on the left side of the Spyder and it is right behind the upper shock bolt. I think it is a 'must' to get it out of the way. I was only able to remove one of its mounting bolts but that was enough for me to swing it out of the way so I could get the relocator bolts in.

Here is a photo of the panels that I removed on the right side:



And here is the right side relocator installed:



All told, it took me about 2 1/2 hrs to do this job from start to finish. Some of this was spent reviewing the YouTube install video, some removing things that I had already installed because there is an order to how things go together ( you DIY-selfers know what I am talking about ). Oh, and trying to find a band-aid for a small cut that I got when wrenching things back together.

Jobs like this are what gives me a lot of self-satisfaction. I'm old guy and it's nice to know that I can still do this type of stuff.

Jerry Baumchen

PS) Last year I bought this little guy at a Sears store. It is absolutely great for removing/installing the Torx bolts on a Spyder; I highly recommend this little guy:





I don't remember what it cost but it was not much. And it comes with a charger to keep it ready & going.

PPS) Band-aids will not stick to sweaty hands; but electrical tape will hold a band-aid in place, 2 - 3 wraps and you're good to go.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

NICE JOB

Jerry,in the bottom pic you show ....the upper most HOLE ( of three possible ) on my brackets.....is right at the curve of the black frame..... this is 4 inches from the OEM original shock position ..... and Yes that's why there would be some trimming of plastic necessary , but not much...... and since you would leave the Bracket on FOREVER .....the trimming wouldn't matter......just sayin...........Mike :thumbup:...........................PS you will like what it does in the handling dept. :yes::yes::yes:

 

[Chupaca]

Well done...

Congtats....see it was not all that hard. But the big thing is what difference did you feel in the handling...??? I finally found a good deal on Fox podium shocks which is the icing on the cake. Glad you got it done...:2thumbs:

 

[JerryB]

Hi Gene,

Re: ....see it was not all that hard.

Well, when I was busting my knuckles and trying to control my language, I probably did think it was kind of hard. :yikes:

And, your advice was a great help; as always.

I am probably not that good of a ryder/driver to know how much change I will notice. However, as a Mech. Engr. and simple geometry, it has to help. It does raise the angle of the shock absorber making it do it's job better. And, if nothing else, it now brings my Spyder up to nearly 100% of the geometry of the later models. I doubt that BRP would have changed the shock angle if they did not think that it was an improvement.

Hmmmmmm, so what can I do next? :shocked:

Jerry Baumchen

PS) My local SRA chapter has a 100+ mile ride this coming Tuesday that I plan on going on. If I don't end up on the side of the road with a busted suspension, I'll retighten everything after that ride.

 

[oldgoat]

Well done

I also have an electric screwdriver like yours that I use to remove the panel Torx bolts. I love it.

 

[Bob Denman]

...Hmmmmmm, so what can I do next? :shocked:...

That's easy: ride it!! :2thumbs: