Okay the originals where removed last year, put on a set of Ultima adjustable rear shocks@ $119...They ain't worth a damn this year,,,pre-load is adjusted all the way out and my 194 lb butt settles the frame 2" sitting still... Who makes a good shock??? and What is the difference between a 84-88 and 89-1999 Shock,,,they look the same...

Thanks for any help... and I searched and read for hours in the forum before posting.

 

First...are you sure you have the preload adjusted the correct direction? I have seen instructions that say CW increases preload...I have also see instructions that say CCW increases preload... maybe it is a brand thing...might want to experiment a little before you toss em. Can't go wrong with progressive I have had a set for 12 years...As far as the difference between 84-88 and 89-99 shocks, I would like to know that too...but I bet it is the length. The small body adjustable shocks say they will fit 84-99.

 

As stated try turning the adjuster the other direction. Going thru the same issue on my stock softail shocks. Kept telling my friend (that works at a dealership) that it was riding like a rigid, come to find out the last person to adjust them at the dealer turned them out the wrong way and jammed the adjusting plate. They had to pull the shocks off and take them apart to get them to move. Had them set for maximum capacity and my 210 lb butt wouldn't hardly move them, the only suspension I had was the flex in the tire.

Good luck on your search I have heard great things about Progressive 422's and eastern performance has them on their website for around 325.00 last I looked. I was going to those if I had to change out my shocks.

 

Just a set of lowering bolts for your ride run from about $80 to $100. Kinda gives you an idea on the quality of shocks you can expect for $119

My Bud has an 84 Softail and he told me the shocks are more narrow, which is why fitment is an issue. Works makes narrow shocks that will fit and they're adjustable as well. My Bud bought a set recently and he loves them. Not cheap though. Here's their link: http://www.worksperformance.com/html/softail.html

 

Yeah when I first got them I experimented and turned the pre-load cw and it really softend them up, so they're fully ccw now...
These are what I'm running...

The Works shocks might be okay if they're running springs like the LA Choppers shock springs...

 

The instructions say CW to stiffen

http://www.ultimaproducts.com/SoftailShocks.pdf

 

Thanks Tom, we'll give it another try.

 

Well we used the spanner wrench and turned it in Clockwise all the way, lowered the jack and sat on the bike,,,the top half of the rear frame almost hit my oil tank... See on these I think if you turn them cw you're compressing the large spring taking away the load???

Screw it,,,I'm looking for a set of Progressives to fit an '87...

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

After lots of searching I found the difference between 84-88 and 89-99 Softail shocks. The bodies on the 84-88 shocks are one inch shorter...the eye to eye distance is the same. The 89-99 shocks will bolt up, but the body will hit the trans mount before the swingarm reaches the end of travel. The small body shocks will work 84-99, and "Works" is the only brand that makes a decent one. Most company's have quit making the 84-88 version. Here are some 84-88 Progressives on Ebay NIB.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...em=#vi-content

 

LOL,,,Yes I found those and made an offer,,,hopefully they will be here Wednesday.... Thanks for the info on the Body difference on 88 to 89 Shocks.