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?

The kit I was going to buy is here: https://www.denniskirk.com/burly-bra...prd/H58013.sku

But it looks like there may be something similar already installed.

Hopefully someone can help me piece this together...

 

Stock shocks leave a lot to be desired.

Most people go with Progressive 422 shocks. I am the odd man out because I have had bad luck with them.

I have Works Performance light duty shocks. They are expensive. They ride great. They are rebuildable.

Just about any aftermarket shock is adjustable and if the shocks you have are original, they are tired and worn out anyway.

 

I checked the Progressive site - as I've got them on my FLHX - but they don't have anything listed as fitting an 84 FXST. The 422's are only applicable for 1989-2017 per their site.

 

Works says 1984-1999 is the same

http://www.worksperformance.com/pdf/...ide/harley.pdf

http://www.worksperformance.com/html/home.html

Much much better than progressive.

 

Don't really need the best here - this is not a bike that's going to get a lot of long riding. I'm really just looking to get the desired ride height (drop) without spending a fortune.

 

Here are the progressive shocks for your bike. They are 412's instead of 422's.


https://www.denniskirk.com/progressi...prd/584233.sku

Since you are researching etc. this is a useful link for looking up OEM parts with pictures.

http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche.....asp?make=hdmc

 

84-88 full size shocks are different...if you use 89-up on an 84 they will hit the transmission mount, and have been known to break the mounting bolts. Works shocks will work because they are smaller diameter and do not hit. NOBODY makes 84-88 full size shocks anymore.


If you need cheap shocks ultima makes some small diameter shocks that work...but are non adjustable as far as pre-load...but you can adjust the ride height. Not the best shocks...but work OK if you are not doing a lot of 2-up riding.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ultima-Chrom...ZXaaJ4&vxp=mtr

 

So what about the Progressive 412's I linked to?

 

They are not made for soft tails... Road kings, Dyna's etc.... The Ultima is about the only choice considering the price. Not the greatest shock and not even sure if you can find them any more... You can check on the Jireh Cycles website.... here's the link
http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb.dll?parta~partsort

 

Been through this myself with my 86. If i had the money I would be running Works shocks as well.

The shocks you have are generic aftermarket shocks with lowering links on them. If you thread out the top eye it will lower the bike.

ive found that the spring bodies on those style shocks are a little smaller and don't give any trouble as long as you aren't riding a lot of 2 up. But it is still possible for them to hit and shear the shock bolts.

From advice here I extended my bottom out stops by an inch so it contacts them before the trans mount and that solved my problem.

The setup I'm currently running is those style chrome spring bodies modified to fit on a set of 2010 softails shocks......