Shock mounting question

[2datrl]

I'm installing KYB Viper take off shocks in my Venom.
Bruce at Pioneer rebuilt them etc. and sent some yamaha spacers and a bushing for the rear shock.
2 questions. 1 why do I need the spacers, it seems that everything, so far is the same, so I'm just reusing the bushings and spacers (plastic washers) from the old shocks. and 2. On the front track shock, with the spring "up" as the factory shock was, I beleive that I am going to have a clearance problem with the shaft once the suspension comes into play. Any problem mounting this in the spring down postion?
Thanks,
2datrl

 

[Old Thumper]

I just put a set of Viper shocks in my 98 V-Max 700 XT. I found the same thing with the front shock - the viper shock would only fit in the opposite position from the stock shock. If you completely back off the spring adjustment collars then you can cycle the shock through it's full travel range without fighting the spring, and check for clearance.

 

[2datrl]

I did answer my own question on the extra bushing and spacers, used them all. But now I'm wondering the same thing on the rear shock as well, as far as "backwards" mounting.
I thought that the Venom and Viper were the same skids, perhaps not...
2datrl

 

[98srx6]

The viper skid and venom skid are the same. The shock mounts the exact same way in both.

 

[2datrl]

cool. I'll finish her up tomorrow and start the studding.. 2datrl

 

[yamaholic22]

The rear shock should be mounted with the adjuster threads towards the rear. The center shock (unless something weird is going on) should be mounted with the threads on the top side, shaft on the bottom. Let us know if for some reason you have clearance issues with the shocks in these positions.

 

[2datrl]

I'll try to check tonight
2datrl

 

[2datrl]

This arrangement works just fine. The Yamaha parts diagrams show the center shock in the opposite position. 2datrl.