The rears are as they were shipped...they could use about 1 - 1.5 inches more drop in my view. If you're getting a set - make it 2, OK?

So an inch shorter to start? Or maybe slightly softer? Might as well get them exactly like we want...

About an inch is fine and 145 lbs/inch is fine, they are plenty stiff.

Are you running the axle limiting straps? I wonder if we go shorter we might start popping rear springs out of perches on full suspension droop...

If we kept the same length and went with a progressive would we have better results?

I've still go the limiting straps, so it shouldn't be a problem for me...you could always weld on a tab and reattach yours.

I don't think there is much advantage to progressives on the rear - this is only from what I've seen. I'm not worried about the spring rate.

Just heard from the machine shop and my crank finally has a key cut. I'm picking it up tomorrow for a quick rebalance, then building the engine

Hooray!

My machine shop stepped on the gas and got my internals balanced this morning...one day service. On this job, that is a definite plus, not to mention a first

Engine assembly this weekend - install maybe on Monday!!

Fishing Sunday?

Fishing for sure.

Holy shit!

Got the parts back from the balancer...he charged me full price again - so much for cutting me a "deal" due to circumstances. No problem, it's only money. I was starting to total the cost of this mistake - I've got it at around $500 - DAMN-IT. We all had a good laugh at the machine shop. My run of bad luck is becoming legendary in Lethbridge.

Thanks to Greg and Matt for the parts donations. Tomorrow the assembly starts for the "last" time.

I wonder if I can get the miles on this engine before the weather gets any worse?

This is just because of the poorly ground crank, right? That seems high. New crank, conversion gasket set, crank grind & balance... um? $300 maybe? What am I missing? Did they re-balance the pistons? Are you counting shipping to/from JVL?

When they did the balancing, they charged me for the full meal deal again even though they had already done the rods/pistons and flywheel. So that was an additional $210 - and a not so happy customer (my furture work will go elsewhere - he go that message). The reconditioning of the crank (turning the snout and grinding) cost $150, and getting the key cut was $120. Shipping the pistons was a one way cost (JVAB shipped them back at his expense $30). Greg happened to have an extra pan gasket, and I cut my own for the other parts... Now that I think about it, I had to get new rod and main bearings...so there's another $180. Double DAMIT.

Right, missed the snout and the key.

Why the new bearings? Different undersize, or you just polished this one up 'cause it was in decent shape?