What is this ?? And how do I get it off ?? Perplexed in Arizona..

So I am trying to change my rear shock on the 89. I took the shock off my 87 and this is what the linkage looked like:

The 87 has one bolt through the bottom. Came out easy.

Then we tear the 89 apart to remove the blown shock and replace. Instead of the same linkage, there is a totally different set up and how it is removed is baffling.

Double type linkage. One small bolt on right side that came out but is way too short to do anything. It does easily thread in and out. Double heads on the left side are just what you see above. No way to turn them. The outer "bolt"(?) has a clip, but that doesn't release the bottom of the shock.

Is this some type of lowering link ? How do I release the shock linkage ? This has perplexed two of us. I need my Venture Guru's to help me out.

I need my bike to not look like this ....

Sure looks to me like if you popped that snap ring off in pic 4 and slid the washer off that is behind it you should be able to knock the pin out that the clip is attached to. Then swing the arms down to remove the shock.. It does indeed look like some form of a lowering link, never seen one before on a 1st Gen but have seen some very similar on my dirt bikes..

Might wanna clean the area around the clip real well so you dont drag dirt into needle bearings and all that. Also, be careful what you rap on that pin with so you dont mushroom the end of the shaft..

Thats what I would try next if it were mine...

Then we tear the 89 apart to remove the blown shock and replace. Instead of the same linkage, there is a totally different set up and how it is removed is baffling.

Double type linkage. One small bolt on right side that came out but is way too short to do anything. It does easily thread in and out. Double heads on the left side are just what you see above. No way to turn them. The outer "bolt"(?) has a clip, but that doesn't release the bottom of the shock.

 

Is this some type of lowering link ? How do I release the shock linkage ? This has perplexed two of us. I need my Venture Guru's to help me out.

The Venture rear shock linkage was changed on the 1988 model. What you have on the 1989 is factory for years 1988-1993.

The "one small bolt" screws into internal threads on the pin that goes through the lower shock eye. The pin is then driven out to the left.

Be warned though, that the steel pin is often frozen in the aluminum linkage arm. Also be aware that striking the right side end of the pin may cause damage to the end of the pin, due to the internal threads. Use a well fitted punch to avoid mushrooming the pin. Consider using the small bolt, mostly screwed in, to strike upon.

Heat (from a torch) applied to the aluminum linkage arm may be required. It may also be necessary to remove the entire assembly from the bike and work with a bench vise.

Well I soaked all the nooks and crannies with penetrating oil last night and this morning. Then I went and bought a 5-inch 10mm X1.25 X5 bolt that was a longer version of the bolt I removed.

I then screwed the bolt in as far as I could and then introduced the bolt to Mr. Sledge Hammer. It took some convincing to get the rod to vacate it’s current premises inside the linkage. I only needed to get the rod past the outside of the lower shock mount and not all the way out. The shock was then removed.

The second rod, I used a punch on to start it, and it came out a little easier. You need to clean and lube the middle section of the rod that is exposed so it will slide through easier.

I did find that one side of the bushings were worn and broken, while the other side is in pretty good condition.

Any hints/tips on getting replacement bushings quickly ? I am trying to get the bike bake together for a group ride on Saturday. I know our Stealerships around here take forever to order in parts.