Drop in Fork kits
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 132
Likes: 67
From: Durant, OK
18 heritage. It seems simple enough, but sometimes the simple things are the hardest.
I just want to hear a first hand experience installing them on a m8 platform
I just want to hear a first hand experience installing them on a m8 platform
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 235
Likes: 202
From: TX
I had a 2015 Fat Boy Lo that I replaced the entire front and rear with the Progressives. You'll want new seals, crush washers, and a fork seal driver. Also, if you don't have a bench vice, it's not going to be fun.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 153
Likes: 65
From: Virginia
I had a fork seal go bad last Fall. I replaced it myself and replaced the springs with some from Progressive. Was it a great upgrade? Not that noticeable to me.
As far as doing it myself, I used a vise on my workbench for some of it. I was able to put the cap back on by hand but it took a lot of leverage to lean on it to get the threads started. I also had to order some tools - I bought a seal driver, a socket for the cap (actually, I had something close), an extended hex socket for the bolt at the bottom, and I needed a large hex socket to remove the axle. Couldn't find any of that locally. I'm sure I ultimately saved money by doing it myself even if I removed the forks and took them to a shop. I also rigged a fork level tool using a food syringe from Walmart and a styrofoam plate. I've done forks before and it isn't that hard but you do need certain tools.
If you need the specific tools I got, I think I posted about that in another thread but I could probably look it up.
As far as doing it myself, I used a vise on my workbench for some of it. I was able to put the cap back on by hand but it took a lot of leverage to lean on it to get the threads started. I also had to order some tools - I bought a seal driver, a socket for the cap (actually, I had something close), an extended hex socket for the bolt at the bottom, and I needed a large hex socket to remove the axle. Couldn't find any of that locally. I'm sure I ultimately saved money by doing it myself even if I removed the forks and took them to a shop. I also rigged a fork level tool using a food syringe from Walmart and a styrofoam plate. I've done forks before and it isn't that hard but you do need certain tools.
If you need the specific tools I got, I think I posted about that in another thread but I could probably look it up.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,668
Likes: 7,257
From: OH
If the OP is only doing the drop in kit ( not the seals) his job will be fairly straight forward compared to # 8
To # 7 above his 18 is a different animal than your 15
Tubes don`t have to come out to remove the cap
To # 7 above his 18 is a different animal than your 15
Tubes don`t have to come out to remove the cap
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 153
Likes: 65
From: Virginia
And, of course, fork oil, socket to remove and replace cap, bandages for hands, soap to wash out my potty mouth throughout the process.