Mulholand Rear Shocks

I just bought a set of Mulholand's. Can the springs be taken off so I can have them powder coated? If so how? I want to clean them up for my 77 1000 LTD

Usually, you just compress the spring and the silver ring at the top will slide down slightly then slide off the shaft completely because it has a cutout in the ring.

I use a contraption I rigged up for compressing the spring, but you can buy them too. Sometimes, if the springs are soft enough, you can compress them enough by hand.

Either way, set the preload to the minimum setting before trying to remove it. It makes it much easier.

i would mount them and try them out first.
are the eals still good?
The gas/oil, may have leaked out years ago?? make sure the springs are the right wieght by seting the sag . if u cannot get the proper sag level u will need new springs of a dif wieght.
good luck, have fun, keep it twisted.

Loudhvx, that compressor is great.

I bought a set of spring compressors on ebay to do mine. $25 + shipping:

We cut a notch in an old lawnmower blade. One person slips it into the spring and presses down while the other person removes the clip. Pat. Pending

Locozuna wrote:

We cut a notch in an old lawnmower blade. One person slips it into the spring and presses down while the other person removes the clip. Pat. Pending

Hmmmmmm, a lawn mower blade that pops off under spring pressure and go flying around the room. Sounds interesting.... :blink:

Bluemeanie wrote:

Locozuna wrote:

We cut a notch in an old lawnmower blade. One person slips it into the spring and presses down while the other person removes the clip. Pat. Pending

Hmmmmmm, a lawn mower blade that pops off under spring pressure and go flying around the room. Sounds interesting.... :blink:

Flying lawnmower blades does sound interesting! Maybe in the next Saw movie. Truth is it's not too hard to compress the springs. I was a little surprised at first. At least on the Mulholand shocks. With both hands on the blade all you really have to do is make sure you have a stable base for the shock to sit in. Then put your weight to it. The other person just removes the clip and it's done. Same to reinstall the clip. If you keep both hands on the blade there is not much chance of a flying blade. Used it 3 or 4 times. Made the tool in about 2 minutes and used it for the same. Not for everyone and understand the apprehension. Blade sits there for 364.5 of the 365 days a year. I guess if I was a shop or did it more I could justify making a super duper spring compressor or buying one. If I was that concerned about it I guess I'd take it to a shop and slip the guy a couple bucks. Flying Lawnmower Blades Batman!!! As Bluemeanie rightly points out it is not something to take for granted because it is dangerous. Anytime you have something compressed there is danger. Be careful with any compression device!!!

carl......i rekon ....mmmm...bisquits and mustard....




this is one more trick/tricks i've learned on this awesome kzr sight...thanks guys...always wondered about those magical cut outs and how a guy could access the springs and re-paint bodies and springs.....next???...what is the best coating that'l stick with the action they will be doing???

Don't like heating up springs so I'm not crazy on powder coating. Whatever you paint make sure the paint for the springs is not too brittle. The shock body is less of a problem.

Actually, with due respect to loco, an old boomerang is better than a lawnmower blade, because if it flies loose, it just comes back.

Meanwhile, with spring preload set in lightest position, clamp shock upright with bottom eye in vise, use grip and arm strength to push down and compress the spring enough to remove the top retainer clip.

Can do it solo, but easier with an assistant.

Good Luck!

[Click on image to enlarge view.]




Edited -- to add image and suggest using lightest spring preload setting.

Patton wrote:

Actually, with due respect to loco, an old boomerang is better than a lawnmower blade, because if it flies loose, it just comes back.

Meanwhile, clamp shock upright with bottom eye in vise, use grip and arm strength to push down and compress the spring enough to remove the top retainer clip.

Can do it solo, but easier with an assistant.

Good Luck!

Nothing wrong with a better mousetrap. But if style counts (and it does) I suggest a baterang. Best part is it's right there in your utility belt when you need it.