I now want to get rid of that bouncy rear stiffer spring I installed in May. I tested the fronts yesterday, after replacing the stiff ones with the stockers...amazing difference!

So guys... how do I get the rear spring off?
Any problems to be aware of in advance?

Thanks again!

Brian

 

?

 

If it is on an Xplorer, raise the rear by the frame, leaving the swingarm free. Take out the top & bottom shock bolts any way you can. Loosen the preload cam all the way. You may be able to compress the spring by hand enough to get the locks off the top. If not, beg, steal, or borrow a spring compressor if you can. If you can't I have heard some people say a ratcheting tie down will work, but never tried it. The top of the spring is held on by an arrangement similar to what holds springs on a valve in an engine. Once you get the spring tension off of it, it should come apart, letting the spring off over the top. Just be sure to put it back together exactly as it came off.
Farmr

 

Is it possible to just take off the bottom bolt and pull the spring off from the bottom?

Thanks again Farmr123

 

I don't see how. Look carefully at your shock. (I am still assuming you have an Xplorer). There is no way to get the preload cam off the shock body without doing major damage. If you are truly dexteroius, you MIGHT be able to just remove the top bolt, but is much easier to take the whole shock off so you can clamp it in a vise or get a spring compressor on it. Just be sure to only grab the shock on the flat side of the eyes where the bolts go thru so you don't squash anything. The FRONT springs can be changed from the bottom, I am told, but I don't see how the rear could. It really is a straightforward process, the main things are to block your ATV up so it can't fall while you remove the shock, be CAREFUL when you compress the spring, and be sure to assemble the spring retainers just as they came out.
Farmr

 

Yes, it is on my Xplorer. I will attempt the surgery this weekend. Thanks for all the tips!
Knowing my skills...it will probably take me 3 hours!!!