Is there an easy way to removing the shocks and putting them back without somebody actually stepping into the disk brake/drum brake area.

I found this to be very hard doing it by yourself.

Sometimes I do not have the privilege of somebody helping me out removing my shocks.

Removing the fork from the shocks I can handle but when its turns to removing that bolt on the bottom somebody has to step on that piece to help it remove.

And the rears are also a pain.

 

Loosening the inner pivot bolts for the lower control arm will allow them to drop easier.
I should warn you (however) that the inner pivot bolt can be problamatic in it's own right.
It often rusts solid to the bushings' inner tube and it literally requires destroying the bolt (heat, smoke, open flame and a LOT of cursing) to get the repair going again.
Other than that, it's either the borrowed leg routine or a pry bar and a prehensile .........****

P

 

I think i have a general idea of the issues you are describing, and in the past if i can remember correctly, i have used a small scissor jack on the lower control arm to wedge and force the arm down when i didnt have anyone to help me.

 

If you can remove the entire fork, why do you still need to step on the lower control arm?

 

I got the answer for you. I took 1 hour laying down, and a bottle of water, to figure this out. You might not like it because of the extra process involved but it made the whole process easier. READY! ... ... ... drop the front sway bar. it is that bit of tension that you are fighting when you try to push everything down to get the fork part out. I got hurt trying to push the brake part down, it slip and I bump my head, thats why I was laying down trying to think. silly me.

 

about the bottom bolt of the fork, there are method. you use a hammer and hit it out from the threaded side, then there are 2 ways (1, you can use a hammer and a big fat round and polished screw driver or 2, use something big as leverage then lay it by the other end of the bolt and pry at the head part to removed the bolt.)

 

I still think that the faster method is having somebody push the LCA down.

 

You have to take the pressure off that lower mounting bolt somehow.

I just do it all myself. Put on leg on the disc or drum and push down and try to loosen that bolt.

 

I shall go ahead and exercise my leg by pumping the stiff clutch pedal. uh...just kidding. nah, seriously its tough.

 

Why don't you lift both front wheels off the ground? The shock fork comes out really easy that way. No need to step on the suspension; just push it down a bit with your hand.