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GT 380 Shock Absorbers
Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2020 8:02 pm
by grumpy56
Can GT380 shocks be disassembled? Rebuild if needed and re-chromed?
Thanks.
Re: GT 380 Shock Absorbers
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2020 12:21 am
by Alan H
Not completely. You need some spring compressers, then take the collets off and slowly release the compressers. Be very careful as there's a lot of energy in those springs.
TBH though, you're better off with new. You're messing about with very old kit and the damping part is probably shot anyway.
A set of Hagons on my bikes transformed the handling.
Re: GT 380 Shock Absorbers
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2020 8:44 am
by grumpy56
Thanks Alan. I see that some repro units are available. Do you (or anyone else) know what the length of the top cover is on a 1972 version? I see various sizes, but would like to get one that looks like the original 1972 version.
Re: GT 380 Shock Absorbers
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2020 9:27 am
by Alan H
The repro ones on my 550J are 100mm or 4" in old money!
Re: GT 380 Shock Absorbers
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2020 12:51 pm
by grumpy56
Thank you!
Re: GT 380 Shock Absorbers
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2020 5:55 pm
by alanr
be aware when you buy,eye to eye is 11 1/2 inches.I am buying for a GT250 frame which are the same length.a lot are offering 12 inch which are not correct.
Re: GT 380 Shock Absorbers
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2020 8:27 pm
by grumpy56
The ones I was looking at are 12 inches eye to eye.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Suzuki-GT380-N ... 1438.l2649" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Do you have a source for the 11.5 inch?
Re: GT 380 Shock Absorbers
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2020 11:15 pm
by Alan H
Too short, the silencers will ground on bends.
I'll measure the ones on mine, but I think they're 13".
Re: GT 380 Shock Absorbers
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2020 11:43 pm
by alanr
If you measure your old ones to check.l was almost fooled by the 12 inch.l took the 12 inch off my t350 and found too long for the gt250 frame.l have sourced 11 1/2 inch for $100 pair but not with shroud.if the 12 or even12 1/2 fits and you're happy go with it.
Re: GT 380 Shock Absorbers
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2020 12:50 am
by dollydog
gt250 rear shocks are 300mm, which to be pedantic is about 11.8"
cheers, dd.
Re: GT 380 Shock Absorbers
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2020 8:06 am
by grumpy56
Thank you boys. The shocks on my T350 without a shroud are 12 inches. It appears from folks selling used ones on ebay and who provide a tape measure in the that 12 inches appears about right (eye to eye). I suppose I will try that. Lot of stuff to keep this old boy busy since I have nothing else to do!!!!!