Motorcycle Repair: hi michael- i have a question..., bolt holes, shock assembly

Question
hi michael-
i have a question about my 83 yamaha xt monoshocker.
after taking the motor off, when i put it back
on, i couldnt make the rear swingarm bolt up.
It seems like the monoshock needs to be compressed.The local yamaha shop says to just
support the bike, pick up the back wheel and slide the great big bolt back in,but the bolt holes in the swingarm are a good 2 1/2 inches from the hole through the motor. This one bolt is keeping me from riding. Help.
Dan Brownell
danbrownbear@aol.com

Answer
Dan,
 Try removing the shock assembly from the swing arm then moving the pivot end of it into place w/ the case and the frame and slide the bolt through.  Now you can deal w/ reattaching the lower end of the shock assembly to the swing arm.  You may have to keep the chain and other brake linkage off so you can pivot the arm down low enough to manuver the lower end of the shock in.

Mike