I have an 09 fatbob that had lowering blocks on it. I decided to take them out. My issue is it appears the previous owner got creative with the lower bolts. I have 1 what I think is stock bolt (torx head) and a couple regular grade 5 bolts. I look over at my 15 street Bob and see there are in fact 2 torx bolts and only the belt side has a nut, the opposite side is threaded into the swingarm.

My issue is the regular grade 5 bolts I have are a little short to use - they are about 1/2" shorter than the torx one and I'd like to get one the proper length. Are grade 5 ok or should I go grade 8? Also, is it correct to not have a nut on the non-belt side?

 

When I put on the Harley bag supports, they came with new grade 8 shock bolts to replace the stock, now to short bolts.

 

Grade 8. No nut on the exhaust side.

 

What type of finish should I look for? Obviously not stainless...?

 

The bolts Harley sent with the bag support kit was a gold color. I put chrome nut covers on the bolt heads to look better.

 

For that size bolt, a grade 5 should do.

 

Chrome plated grade 5 is a great choice.

The shear strength of a 1/2" grade 5 bolt is 24,531 lbs.

You'll never come close to shearing it. The chrome plating resists corrosion and prevents wear.

Grade 8 has about 5,000 more pounds of shear capacity. If you can find a chrome one, it is also good, but overkill.