Drifter 340 Rear Shock Length

[MN_Kawboy]

I'm new and from poking around in here it sounds like I'm not the only one who saved an old Kawasaki from the salvage pile. It's an '80 Drifter 340 and with a little work it's running good and ready for a test ride, but I know all three shocks will need to be replaced - serious shaft rust. One of my front shocks is a Kawasaki part so I can match length off that. But my rear is a Bombardier so I have not idea what the original fit like. Does anyone know what the extended and compressed lengths should be? Is the shock the suspension extension limiter? I ask because the top shock eye was rubbing on the inside of the track at full extension. Also, is there a secret shock source that doesn't appear in a internet search? Any help would be appreciated. More questions to follow. And yes, I'll replace the crank seals if it looks like a keeper.

[moz_21]

Denniskirk.com used to show this info. Maybe they've since removed it.

[Interceptor398]

I'm new and from poking around in here it sounds like I'm not the only one who saved an old Kawasaki from the salvage pile. It's an '80 Drifter 340 and with a little work it's running good and ready for a test ride, but I know all three shocks will need to be replaced - serious shaft rust. One of my front shocks is a Kawasaki part so I can match length off that. But my rear is a Bombardier so I have not idea what the original fit like. Does anyone know what the extended and compressed lengths should be? Is the shock the suspension extension limiter? I ask because the top shock eye was rubbing on the inside of the track at full extension. Also, is there a secret shock source that doesn't appear in a internet search? Any help would be appreciated. More questions to follow. And yes, I'll replace the crank seals if it looks like a keeper.

Welcome to the site!

[BornagianKawi]

From center to center of eyelets, extended 11 3/8, compressed 7 7/8. Inside eye dia. top 7/8, bottom 3/8. Width of eye top 1 1/16, bottom 1 1/16. These are numbers I got off factory shock. Dennis Kirk #10-143 parts unlimited, seems to be working under 2 of mine.

[MN_Kawboy]

Thanks to everyone for the welcome and the help. The Ski-Doo shock is 12” long so a little shorter makes sense to preventing rubbing. It looks like Parts Unlimited is the best/only option, so it's nice to have the source, dimensions, and part number. Again, I really appreciate all the help.

[dr1979-340]

Here are the shocks I've used on my '79 340 restoration:

Rear shock:  Dennis KirK, Parts Unlimited #:  AM55144.  This one is as close as I could find to the original.

Front shock:  Dennis Kirk, Parts Unlimited #:  08-113.  This one is close as well and worked on mine.  Slight modification with some washers if I remember right.

Attached picture shows original shock in background suspension and new AM55144 in foreground.