I have a simple question. If I buy a lowering kit for the front of my 06 Superglide FDXDI, it looks like just shorter springs. Why can't I just take out the old springs from the top of the forks, cut the springs 1" with a chopsaw (with a stop) and put them back in? Seems simple to me. I am experienced in early auto mechanics (60s cars) and metal fab and have tons of tools.

 

Not sure, The shorter springs might have a different tension value.
Maybe someone else with more knowledge on this will know?

 

i would just cut the metal spacer man much easier

 

The metal spacer? I haven't looked inside but I know what you mean. I installed 6 over tubes and 6 degree trees on my Sporty and they had those water pipe spacers on top of the springs so I am thinking I know what you mean. Do they have similar ones in a stock 06 FXDI? Anyone got a manual handy?

 

yeah man put there not pvc there metal theres a spring then a washer and then the tube cut it down

 

So the spacer is under thespring? On the bottom?

 

If you take off your top fork cap you will have the spacer, then the spring. Watch out.....there is alot of pressure behind that cap when you take it off. Might want to take all the weight off the front end, and still there is pressure.

 

I have the progressive lowering kit in the front of my 07 I tried to lower it with shorter spacer and it changed the preload in the font when i went into a corner the damn thin wobbled realy bad and i bout killed myself.in the kit there are two srings that go into the bottom sliders that keeps the forks fromextending as far thats what lowers it 1 spring 1" 2 springs 2"

 

Shortening the spring or the spacer will not lower the front end. It will decrease spring pre-load and make it softer. Not necessarily a good thing.

Open your manual and take a look at how the front end goes together. To lower it, you'll need to place a spacer deep inside the tube. That's the only correct way to do it. Not technically dificult, but requires some work.

For my bike, I lowered the front by moving the forks 3/4" up higher in triple trees. Simple, easy, free, and still retains full suspension travel.

 

When you cut down a spring you actually increase the spring rate (it stiffens)