Shock spring compressor....anyone???

[John Schmidt]

Trying to compress the shocks to replace the HD springs with Std., but not having much luck. I can come close, but can't seem to get enough tension off the keeper so I can remove the top cup and the spring. Has anyone ever done it and what method did you use? I have a set of spring compressors for automotive struts, but they're much too big for this job. I looked around town but haven't found any tool store that has anything but automotive stuff.

[Ricky-D]

To which shock absorbers are you referring?

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[Cliff]

I have the spring/shock compressor sold by progressive, used it on my 440's.  I now have works.

[John Schmidt]

I have HD 12" Progressive 412's on the Valk. I have about 700 miles on them, the HD springs are too harsh a ride for my taste so want to change over the Std. springs. Guess I could get the compressor from Progressive, just thought someone on here may have a "homebrewed" method like we often do in other areas we talk about.

[Bugslayer]

I have HD 12" Progressive 412's on the Valk. I have about 700 miles on them, the HD springs are too harsh a ride for my taste so want to change over the Std. springs. Guess I could get the compressor from Progressive, just thought someone on here may have a "homebrewed" method like we often do in other areas we talk about.

Have you tried changing the shocks with the bike on a lift? I've taken my shocks off several times (while removing the rear wheel), and I've never had to compress the shock. Just a thought.

[John Schmidt]

I don't have a problem changing the shocks, they come off real easy. It's the springs on the shocks I'm talking about. Altogether a different story, changing the springs on the shocks. I finally ran across a post on a VTX1800 site where the guy made a tool similar to the Progressive tool...except his cost less than $5 and a couple hours of his time. Over the next couple days I'll be pulling together the scrap metal needed to make one, I have plenty of time.

[HayHauler]

I sent in my 440 shocks to Progressive and they swapped the light duty for the HD springs for $15 per shock and they provided the springs.  They kept my light duty springs and returned them to me with the HD's.  I had to pay shipping both ways, but it was worth it for me and I didn't have to compress the springs myself.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[John Schmidt]

They offered me the same deal, with shipping I'd have close to $50 invested in just a spring change. Being the cheapskate that I am, I'll put together the homemade unit I mentioned above.  

It works exactly like their $36 unit.

[Bugslayer]

I don't have a problem changing the shocks, they come off real easy. It's the springs on the shocks I'm talking about. Altogether a different story, changing the springs on the shocks. I finally ran across a post on a VTX1800 site where the guy made a tool similar to the Progressive tool...except his cost less than $5 and a couple hours of his time. Over the next couple days I'll be pulling together the scrap metal needed to make one, I have plenty of time.

My bad... I misunderstood your problem.
Good luck with your project.