Wondering if the F3 rear shock has a schrader valve in the gas chamber. Or is it just a chamber and would have to have a schrader installed?

 

The F3 shock is a high-pressure, closed system. It doesn't have any user-servicable
parts. Re-build should ONLY be attended to by a professional with specialized tools.

It can be extremely dangerous to try venting the gas pressure or attempting any
amatuer modifications. Either, replace if there is an issue or pay a specialist.

Ignore this advice at your own peril.

Be safe, Ern

 

Yeah, I was expecting the resistance to messing with the shock, but I want to take it apart.

I want to lower it by 3/4".

I understand the risks, but I am not really looking to learn how risky it is, I already know. Although I appreciate the concern and information.

I think I paid $30 after shipping for the shock, so I'd rather just buy a different shock than pay someone to do it. I'm not worried about ruining it because $30 is a hit I'm willing to take to be able to mess with it.

I do not plan on risking my life with it, that is why I am here asking the questions.

 

If you're going to do this, be sure to put a clear bag over the gas reservoir. With a drill in the bag at the same time, drill a hole in the center of the aluminum cap with a 7/16 or so drill. The size of the drill isn't critical because you're just putting a hole in the cap to relieve any pressure. Be easy because you don't want to put a hole in the bladder. It's an aluminum cap, so you don't have to use a whole lot of pressure. Once you've broken through cap, push the cap back. There is a retaining clip that has to be removed. Once the clip is out, you can use channel locks to get the cap out. It'll take some working to get the cap off because of an o-ring. Once this is done, you can install a end cap with a schrader valve from Race Tech (RT - Item Info). You'll also need to get another o-ring for the end cap. Install the cap and push it down past the recessed groove and install the retaining clip. You can pull the cap out till it hits the retaining clip. Afterwards, you'll have to pump the reservoir back up to 250 psi.

 

Okay, so the cap is in place because of the pressure, right?

 

Started taking it apart...

 

Some more pics...

Don't use the car to compress the spring, it didn't work as well as I'd thought. I ultimately used hose clamps and that worked very well. Just use a few of them otherwise you will destroy just one by itself.

 

The end cap is held in place by a clip ring, but you can't push the cap back until the pressure has been relieved. Once the gas has been released, you can push the cap back to expose the clip ring. Take out the ring and pull the cap up. It'll stop in the groove for the clip ring due to the o-ring. Just be persistent and continue working the end cap out.

 

Got the end cap out, now trying to get to the inside of the shock. I can't get that piece where the shaft goes in to come off.

 

If you open that up, you're going to have to get new seals and what not. Are you wanting to put in fresh oil? Have you removed the spring?
If so, get a spring compressor. After the spring is removed, there is a little notch at the base of the shock body. Use a small punch and you can work out the base. This part gets REAL messy. Remove the bolt for the gas reservoir and allow the oil to drain. After you've drain as much of the oil as you can, pull up on the piston. It'll take some muscling to get it out, but it'll eventually come out.