has anyone ever changed shocks without a jack? I have the stock shocks on my fat bob and have burly slammers. is it possible to just un bolt them and take them off and lift up on the struts to put the bolt back in on the new shocks?

 

I've done it with a car jack before. Just make sur you do one side at a time. Don't take ff both shocks first.

 

I threw a set a JRI's on my scoot, I used a jack as it is real important to make sure the shocks are lined up as straight as possible so they don't bind.
Plus you need to lift the rear tire off the ground so you can take the initial measurement for setting the SAG on the shock

 

I just put a set of Progressive 444s on my wide glide, without a jack. Left it on the kickstand, unbolted one side and used a ratchet strap hooked to the rafters and to my QD side plate bolt. Picked up the back just enough to take weight off the shocks, and they came right off.

 

+1 on the car jack... just take it slowly

 

I got me a pallet jack to lift my bike with. Made a couple of frame rail supports from some hard wood. Slide the pallet jack under and crank her up, no sweat.

 

I have done it with a friend. I lift, he takes a shock off. I would highly discourage this practice though. I'm surprised you don't have a friend that has a jack.

 

Even you swap one shock at a time, you still need a jack due to different length. If they are exact same length eye to eye, you might be ok.