Progressive springs in Tri-Z forks

[640AK]

I'm installing Progressive Springs in my '86 Z forks. With all of the springs installed and the fork caps off, the springs are just about level with the lip of the inner fork tube when fully extended. When I put the caps on, they compress the springs immediately.

The instructions that came with the Progressive Springs say to add a spacer that is 1.3" long.

In the general instructions, it says that springs should be level with the lip of the inner tube when fully extended.

Is the spacer really needed in this case? Or is it supposed to replace the smaller upper spring?

If anyone has any experience with this, your advice would be appreciated.

Regards,

Mr. BigWheel

[Mosh]

By using spacers you can adjust the dampening of the spring or the rate at which it dampens. The spacers will already have the springs primarily preloaded, which helps the "progressive" rate at which they start to load. As the spring compresses, the rate progressively gets stiffer with every millimeter they get squeezed and get harder so to speak.
That is the best way I can explain it.
You can play around with that spacer to acheive your desired ride in the front end. Imo, they like at least a 1 inch spacer on top of them. It makes them stiffer as you add more spacing. If they are too stiff, you can start trimming the spacer down to soften the ride a little.
The z never was really stout in the front suspension IMO with either year design, so I think you will like them with the spacer if you jump or ride any choppy trails.

When I put them in my 85 I ran 2 inch spacers. It made a world of difference over the stock springs. Like 50% better.
The weight of your fork oil will make a difference too. 10 wt is good for all around riding and a 180# rider with small jumps.
It is all in preference really. they are easy enough to change and adjust so play around with it to get it where you want.
You could even take a few extra different spacers to your next ride and swap them out as you ride in 5 minutes to get it dialed in.

[640AK]

Thanks for the answer Mosh. I like the idea of taking several spacers out for a test ride.

Do the spacers replace the shorter springs (about 2 inches long) or do you still put the short springs on top of the long spring and then the spacer?

Regards,

Mr. BigWheel

[Mosh]

No the only springs you run are what come in the Progressive box. And whatever spacers you use. You will discard your small springs.

[640AK]

Now it makes sense. I could never figure out why there were two sets of springs in the fork anyway.

Thanks.

Mr. BigWheel