86 KXT Build

[phantomtracer]

Unfortunately, I don't have time to rebuild shocks. If you want to try it yourself I would be happy to offer advice.

[phantomtracer]

Here are a few more pics.

[nd4speed]

Hey Phil...I have 3 maybe 4 shocks needing rebuilds. Would it be possible for you to post a list of parts that are needed or what u used for a just a standard rebuild (without the non-serviceable compression portion).

Like u ordered a All Balls seal head? All Balls Shock Seal Head Kit - No. 37-1010 ? Do I just replace the seal head?
Did the kit include the bumper?

Is there seals/orings to replace on the piston(valve stack)?

Does the bladder really need to be replaced? Did you have to grind down the shaft nut?
Did you use OEM replacement nut?

Also there are 2 pits on this shaft up high where bumper would sit, does this make this shaft bad?

It would be great to have this info for the parts swap thread so people can rebuild their shocks.

[phantomtracer]

No problem, Ill post up the info soon.

[barnett468]

Also there are 2 pits on this shaft up high where bumper would sit, does this make this shaft bad?

the shaft bumper will compress around 2/3rds of the way under hard bottoming, therefore, you can simply calculate its compressed height minus the distance the seal lip is below the top of the shock [if it is], then you will know if the pits will go below the seal lip or not.

[phantomtracer]

I'm about to send off items for plating, one question I hope someone can help me with is what color is the original axle, sprocket hub, brake hub and wheel spindles?
It's tough to tell if these parts were silver (zinc) or gold (di-chromate) plated from the factory.
If someone could respond if you know what the original 86 came with.

Thanks.

[nd4speed]

all mine have been silver color

[phantomtracer]

Thanks,
the parts that I have look to be gold in color, I was thinking the 87 version might be different from the 86 in plating. So just to confirm, the axle, wheel spindles, brake caliper bracket, sprocket and brake rotor hubs are silver from the factory?
Anyone dispute this?
I looked at old magazine tests but they do not show a color shot of the rear.
Thanks for the help.

[fieldy]

Bump.The two 86's I am staring at are the silver plating. I however am liking the gold look. I was considering making an 86 look like an 87. I do not know if the 87 was gold adonized. Anyone know about this? Thanks

[christph]

I have an 87 Tecate and none of the parts are gold anodized, i.e., they are all silver. I also have an 84 and some of the parts were anodized gold, e.g., the hubs.

[phantomtracer]

Thanks!
I've been looking at old mags but couldn't tell.
Off to the plater very soon.

[nd4speed]

What weight and kind of shock oil did you use? I found all balls seal heads for $25 shipped and am going to practice rebuilding on the questionable shock I have. Race Tech located by me sells seal heads for $65. My guess is that size of KYB shock has the oem seals (minus the metal head) available so you can just rebuild the OEM head with new seals. Possibly the piston part too?

[phantomtracer]

The seal head contains a bushing, if you rebuild the stock seal head, make sure you replace the bushing, otherwise the seals will wear quickly. I used bell-ray 15w oill, factory recommends 5w-20. I couldn't find that, figured the 15 is probably a good compromise.

[onformula1]

The stock shock fluid is KYB K2C and is rated at 5WT.

Kawasaki was WAY ahead of the rest of the manufacturers in fork & shock fluid technology.

HUGE thank you goes to Ross Maeda of Kayaba!

Honda was using ATF at the time. (Very Bad idea) but they figured it out later.

It is still available and still excellent and pretty expensive about $25.00 to $30.00 bucks per quart.

[nd4speed]

Thanks for the info guys...I was going to look for 7 wt but guess 5 wt is what it calls for....$30 a quart...um wow.