more questions: driveshaft / middle drive

[beechfront]

i have the rear end all torn apart for the first time - now i have yet more questions.

1. the final drive unit has a slight leak - nothing major. The book says if it is leaking to take it in for service. is this necessary?

2. as i said, so far this is the farthest apart i've had the bike. i want to be certain everything is good from the engine back. i am to the point of sliding the rubber boot back to remove the four bolts which secure the drive shaft to the middle gear housing. here is where i have stopped as i'm not sure how to get the bolts off as the driveshaft turns freely. my first thought was to put it in gear but was leery of this as i don't want to damage anything. my question here is how do i proceed and if it is even necessary?

3. the rear shocks seem to be leaking. there is a thin film of oil/dirt on the inner side. is there any way to tell if these need replaced? if so, where would i find the parts? new? old?

4. will i gain anything by removing the rear swing arm?



i apologize again for all of the questions. thanks in advance for any help offered.


Cory

[sixtysix]

I can answer one Question.......iff the rear shocks are leaking than they are bad. You must replace them with new, they can't be rebuilt, and used ones are 20+ years old and most likely in just as bad of shape. Shocks can be had form Progressive Suspension, Hagon or even cheapies from JC Whitney. I have a set of Koni's they were $300 and worth every dime of it, but Koni no longer makes bike shocks. I think the JC whitneys are like $60, the Hagons like $150 and progressives $200-$250. Add a set of Progressive front springs ($70) to complete the job.

Ok 2 Questions....The only reasons I would take off the drive shaft is 1) engine replacement 2) bad u joint. I usually shove a 2x4 through the wheel to remove the nuts you speak of, but it sounds like the wheel is already off.