buddy seat spring yoke

[Trogg]

Hi guys
I have bought all the parts to fit the buddy spring assist. But it does not stow correctly. I did buy the earlier spring yoke and have cut it down to length. The length as per Palmer's book. 8 3/4" tall. The spring yoke is a pattern part of 52586-36 which the parts book shows. What have I done wrong?
Paul

[RUBONE]

The bend on your yoke looks wrong. It looks like a 45 yolk, not a Duo-Glide type.
Here is a factory picture of the mounting and parts.

[cdndewey]

The bend on your yoke looks wrong. It looks like a 45 yolk, not a Duo-Glide type.
Here is a factory picture of the mounting and parts.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the 45 yoke was much longer.

[Trogg]

Hi guys
I did say I bought the earlier yoke and shortened it to the size as per Palmers book 8 3/4".
I can sort the bends out but the problem is it is too long to hook into the yoke retainer on the fender.
Can someone measure the length of their yoke. '58 - 64 type.
Also I have to push the seat down to engage in the clips in the buddy seat, so it seems short enough already.
Ta
Paul

[1950EL]

You have to push it down (stretching the springs) then tuck it under the hook. The hook may need bent slightly to retain it in that position.The spring tension keeps it in the hook when not in use.
When you position it in the seat clips you have to push it down as well to get it to line up. The springs are stretched in either case.
Mike

[62monkey]

Ive got the stock 58-64 yoke and 8 3/4 inches is correct

[Trogg]

Thanks for the input guys. I have took got the spring yoke looking the same with the correct bend and shortened to 8 3/4" and things are sitting much better. I had to work the clip to get it to hold the yoke and all seems good.
The seat post I had was set for a rigid frame which pushed the seat too high. I got a set of heavy springs and set them correct for duo-glide and things fit now.
Paul

[Bigincher]

The seat post is the same for either rigid or swingarm frames.

[Trogg]

Hi I agree the seat post is the same, but the position and type of springs are not the same.
The small buffer spring on the rigids is replaced with another 2 3/4" spring which has the effect of lowering the seat height by about 1.25". I found it out in the 58-59 workshop manual. The first 2 years had a spacer and the buffer spring but then went over to just a longer spring.
Took me some head scratching to sort it out though!
Paul

[RUBONE]

Absolutely correct Trogg. A common problem on seat posts is being wrongly configured for application. That creates lots of issues with seat heights, bottoming, and aesthetics.

[Bigincher]

Thanks, Trogg. I've got a handful of seat posts, and one of them I've had for 42 years. The old guy that gave it to me said it came off a '59. It has the short spring above the plunger nut, so all these years I've just incorrectly assumed they're all the same.
I actually put that (rigid style) seat post in my '77 once (with a '59 buddy seat) for a cross-country trip from Washington to Florida. It was super comfortable, and since I had no bottom out or other issues, it didn't even dawn on me that there are two different spring configurations. Now I know, thanks!

[Buddhahoodvatoloco]

Great thread, I am just beginning to restore a pogo stick.
Good to read you figured out the yoke challenge.
Even when they are bone stock, it takes a bit of effort to hook the yoke..

[58demon]

Some photo's of the different post configurations would be great to see if anyone has them.

[Trogg]

A bit late but this is how I understood the set up for seat springs. Comparing rigid to swinging arm, the top of the seat post will sit 1"-2" lower than on the rigid depending on year.
I have heavy duty springs on the lower set and it is just right for me now. (230 pounds and 6'3")
Paul

[Trogg]

Trying to attach now