I'm looking to lower my '84 Softail, and I've found some conflicting information, so I'm hoping to get some clarification. First off, the manual states that the 84-88 shocks have a remote reservoir and are not adjustable. That's not what came out of my bike, so maybe something was changed along the way. Here's what I pulled out:
First thing I notice is that there is no lock nut on the threaded shaft going into the shock body. Also, this doesn't look like the pictures of the 89+ shock in the manual, which I thought it might be.
I'm wondering if someone might be able to identify this. Is it maybe a later model shock with a lowering adjuster already installed on it?
Those have the adjustable kit installed. You have to count threads or turns when lowering. Dropped my old softy 1 1/2 . The kit was only 100$ and had to be pressed in the stock shock.
So given that the generic shocks I have are adjustable, are they ok to keep using? I definitely don't want to run into the issue of the shock bottoming out and breaking the transmission mount. If they are better, I don't mind spending the $110 for those Ultima shocks, but if what I have are fine, I'd just as soon stick with that.
Also, no two-up riding on this bike - solo seat only.
So given that the generic shocks I have are adjustable, are they ok to keep using? I definitely don't want to run into the issue of the shock bottoming out and breaking the transmission mount. If they are better, I don't mind spending the $110 for those Ultima shocks, but if what I have are fine, I'd just as soon stick with that.
Also, no two-up riding on this bike - solo seat only.
If they worked before you took them off they should work when you put them back on.
I'm a big fan of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".
I'm concerned about the clearance on these shocks. I don't know if they do actually "work" as I've not had the bike running. Based on the comments earlier, I'm concerned that upon compression the left side shock could hit the transmission plate.
I'm concerned about the clearance on these shocks. I don't know if they do actually "work" as I've not had the bike running. Based on the comments earlier, I'm concerned that upon compression the left side shock could hit the transmission plate.
If you want you can measure the diameter of those shocks and I will measure the diameter of the newer shocks and we can compare.
01-17-2017, 06:39 AM
