T 100 490cc 1968

[dynamic]

any workshop tips on re installing the front fork legs on my 68 T100

 I have compressed the main spring with cable ties and with gaiter and headlamp bracket on I can "manoeuvre" the whole leg just up into

 the underside of the top fork yoke but not just enough to catch the threads with the top nut

do I have to buy the Triumph tool as mentioned in the manual or am I missing the obvious remedy for this re install  situation  ?

all input very gratefully received

[R]

If you have the bottom of the forks cushioned with something soft on the ground (old towel etc),
you can usually push down on the whole bike and jump the forklegs up enough that the thread can be started.
This relies of course that the bike is no longer up on a hoist or milk crate, etc, or that the centrestand is tied off so it can't retract.
Having the bike tied off to something overhead may also be desirable, to prevent it tipping sideways and outta control.

I've also heard of folks using a tie-down ratchet strap, to pull the whole assembly up into the yokes.

It is also possible to make what that special tool may be - all you need is an old top fork nut thread ( cut off the hex), drill it and fit a length of rod to it,
with some form of handle, so it can be screwed into the tube and used to pull them up.
Bumping or ratcheting the tubes up seems easier, unless it doesn't work...

[dynamic]

thanks for the tips R I will put plan B C D & E into action later today   watch this space......

[TGR90B]

I've not done Triumph forks, but the broom handle trick always worked for me.

[dynamic]

I will try the broom handle tip later as my wife is out on it at the moment ………………..

[dynamic]

I now have front forks installed ! I used quantum physics for 24 hours inside the Bosch collider to alter the sliders molecular structure and both legs just slid in like butter !