ragtop69gs Posted March 10, 2013 #1 Posted March 10, 2013 I'm going to lower the front end today. I don't have any hex sockets for re-torquing the tree clamp bolts, I'm going to go buy some today, does anyone know what size the clamping bolts are? Want to be sure I have the correct sizes on hand for re-assembly.
djh3 Posted March 10, 2013 #2 Posted March 10, 2013 I went out to garage and figured I'd check it out. Shoot forgot all that stuff is covered up. I want to say 6mm. The upper bolt torque is 7.2ft lb and the lower bolts are 14 ft lb. Have you downloaded a copy of the shop manual from here? I recomend buying a set of the allen head sockets from sears or Lowes or Home Depot or even the auto parts stores have "gaurenteed" tools now that are decent. Something like this. http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/product-info/en/US/grn/2061/image/2/$15 at autozone. Or sears same kind of set for $30.
Mike G in SC Posted March 10, 2013 #3 Posted March 10, 2013 I would say just buy the full set of metrics 9 piece and you should get it. That runs from 1.5 to 10mm. Stick with a good brand so they can take the torque to loosen. (If you are buying a set, I like the ones that are balled on the long end. Just preference.)
ragtop69gs Posted March 10, 2013 Author #4 Posted March 10, 2013 Just got back, all tools in hand, 2 sets that cover 3mm-17mm. I have the FSM so here we go, wish me luck
Mike G in SC Posted March 10, 2013 #5 Posted March 10, 2013 Just got back, all tools in hand, 2 sets that cover 3mm-17mm. I have the FSM so here we go, wish me luck Geeze,,, you're covered! If you get stuck, look under the member/vendor forum for Wild Bill. He knows that stuff.
StarFan Posted March 10, 2013 #6 Posted March 10, 2013 When you have lowered the front be very careful having air in the forks at all times and check the pressure regularly. A Venture with a lowered front 1 1/2 inch can damage your front fender if the forks are not fully inflated. If you hit a bump very hard or you go rather fast over a speed bump the bolts under the driving lights can hit the fender and put two dents on the top (see attached picture). I would not take the chance lowering the front anymore than one inch (max).
ragtop69gs Posted March 10, 2013 Author #7 Posted March 10, 2013 I'm only lowering 3/4-7/8. Top clamp bolts are loose but I can't get it to come up and off time to get out the BFH & beat on it
djh3 Posted March 10, 2013 #8 Posted March 10, 2013 You have read the write up on the process I hope. Covering the tank with a blanket or towel is a must. If I could have figured out how to get the tank off I would have done that. Also I found that to get the forks more even and not fight them as much removing the front tire worked well. I did mine 7/8". I forgot to put the chrome covers back on the first time also.
ragtop69gs Posted March 10, 2013 Author #9 Posted March 10, 2013 Just checked top neck bearing, still had grease on it but I added a bit more. Retorque neck then reassemble. Piece of cake.
wes0778 Posted March 10, 2013 #10 Posted March 10, 2013 I'm only lowering 3/4-7/8. Top clamp bolts are loose but I can't get it to come up and off time to get out the BFH & beat on it Yep THOR and a BFH was required for lowering mine!!! :cool10:
WildBill1 Posted March 10, 2013 #11 Posted March 10, 2013 I'm only lowering 3/4-7/8. Top clamp bolts are loose but I can't get it to come up and off time to get out the BFH & beat on it Just got in from a ride and read your post. Removeing the front wheel helps silding the forks up considerable, you shouldn't need the BFH taking apart or reassemblinmg the triple tree cap. Don't get aggravated take a break and keep checking for both alignment and moved distance dimension. And as a reminder don't forget to restall the two dust covers. I'm sure you will like the lower front handling. Bill,
ragtop69gs Posted March 10, 2013 Author #12 Posted March 10, 2013 Got er done. I didn't need the BFH after all, seems there's 2 screws going to the top clamp from the inner fairing stay that nobody ever mentioned except in my phone conversation with Randy (RickardRacing), once those were removed it came apart with just a few taps. Thanks Randy. I ended up going 1" , it feels better sitting on it, a ride after the salt is washed off the roads will tell the story. 3 1/2 hours start to finish, with a few phone call breaks. The hardest part of the job was getting out there to do it .
rickardracing Posted March 11, 2013 #13 Posted March 11, 2013 Amazing how much easier it is when you remove those two screws. Mine did not have screws going inti the top tree. My brother in-laws Midnight Venture did. Glad it worked out for you Jay. I wish I was not busy at home, I would have rode out and gave you a hand. Randy
ragtop69gs Posted March 11, 2013 Author #14 Posted March 11, 2013 Help is always appreciated even when not needed. The door is always open
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