About to self-install Gold Valves (forks - shock next)... any advice for a first timer???

 Hey, all!

I've changed oil and seals before but this is the first time fooling
with the valving stack.  I've watched the Race Tech enclosed video DVD
and I'm ready to go...  but I'm also a bit nervous!  I'm installing
these on my ol' '97 kx250 (I LOVE the 2-smoker) which has KYB
suspension.  

Does anyone have any advice or anything to look for or watch out for?
I'm pretty good, mechanic-wise.  If I'm repairing or altering my car,
bike, etc., I try to think about what has to be done, logically, and
with all the info I have.  And I normally do well.  But so often,
there are little idiosyncrasies that one has to learn my making the
mistake first!  I'm hoping that someone with experience can give me a
"heads-up" before I start!

Thanks for any input!  If worse comes to worse, I'll have to hang my
head and take the forks, in pieces, to the local dealer mechanic. That
would stink!  This can't be that hard and ya gotta learn by doing
sometime!  I just wanna proceed "fully armed"!

Thanks again!

Scott

 

suspension.  

It's all pretty basic stuff when it comes to standard catridge forks.
Just take your time and pay close attention, follow the instructions
and you will be fine.  I just helped revalve an ST1300 a few weeks ago
with a Race Tech kit.

Mike Baxter

 
Yes - assuming the valve design is the same as on my XR400 - the
little brass nuts that hold the valve shims on the compression valves
are rated at some teeny value (like ~3 ft-lbs or less).  Exceed it and
it will strip (and you'll be f**ked).  Use loctite and tread lightly.

JayC