Shotgun ?
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 3
From: North Carolina
I only used the front frame side shock dampeners. 1,700 miles and no issues that I'm aware off. Suppose I could have misunderstood the instructions, dunno.
Now you have me curious. If I don't go on a ride this weekend I'm going to have to put her on the jack and see if I can refresh my memory on why I didn't use the back side.
Now you have me curious. If I don't go on a ride this weekend I'm going to have to put her on the jack and see if I can refresh my memory on why I didn't use the back side.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 5
From: So California
I used both bushings.
You won't need the stock washers on the rear bolts.
I made the mistake of putting them on and the bolts only go in so far.
So I had to remove the bolts to get the washers that made a nice dinging sound bouncing around loose.
You won't need the stock washers on the rear bolts.
I made the mistake of putting them on and the bolts only go in so far.
So I had to remove the bolts to get the washers that made a nice dinging sound bouncing around loose.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 3
From: North Carolina
krakky give it a shot with both front and rear.
Like Kowan said too, I made the same mistake and installed the washers on the back mount and they aren't needed, the rear side bolts that bolt the shock to the swingarm boss, aren't suppose to (and won't) go tight against the shock body on the back mounts. It's designed that way so you don't damage the rear shock bushings is what I was told by JD.
Guess instead of waiting until the weekend, tomorrow night I'm removing those dinging washers and am going to try and install the rear side of the front dampeners. Can't hurt to have them in. I'm thinking I didn't have room for them on the original install, but I may need to raise the swingarm more when you rotate the shock body up.
And yes, you'll use the 2 bolts supplied with the kit for mounting the front.
Like Kowan said too, I made the same mistake and installed the washers on the back mount and they aren't needed, the rear side bolts that bolt the shock to the swingarm boss, aren't suppose to (and won't) go tight against the shock body on the back mounts. It's designed that way so you don't damage the rear shock bushings is what I was told by JD.
Guess instead of waiting until the weekend, tomorrow night I'm removing those dinging washers and am going to try and install the rear side of the front dampeners. Can't hurt to have them in. I'm thinking I didn't have room for them on the original install, but I may need to raise the swingarm more when you rotate the shock body up.
And yes, you'll use the 2 bolts supplied with the kit for mounting the front.
Last edited by NC D'LUXE; Apr 26, 2012 at 10:17 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 3
From: North Carolina
This is copied out of the instructions. I guess I may have overlooked the section that is underlined.
D. Make sure rubber shock dampeners are positioned on front frame mounts. Raise swing arm so that shock body will clear frame as you raise shock body into horizontal position. Now lower swing arm allowing shock body to rest slightly on dampeners. The two supplied 12 millimeter bolts can now be inserted along with the flat and lock washer. Do not lock tite threads. Now torque all 4 fasteners using a ž box end.
D. Make sure rubber shock dampeners are positioned on front frame mounts. Raise swing arm so that shock body will clear frame as you raise shock body into horizontal position. Now lower swing arm allowing shock body to rest slightly on dampeners. The two supplied 12 millimeter bolts can now be inserted along with the flat and lock washer. Do not lock tite threads. Now torque all 4 fasteners using a ž box end.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 3
From: North Carolina
Also, just checked my inbox and another member was asking the same question, and JD called him back and confirmed that yes, use both the front and rear dampeners on the front mount. Sorry for any confusion.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Connecticut
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 684
Likes: 71
From: Illinois
Thanks for the help guys. I am going to give putting them on myself a try sometime in the next couple days. I did the apes myself so I think I can manage the shock.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 3
From: North Carolina
Guess some more frequent pre ride inspections are in order! Yes, both bushings (dampeners) are needed.
Took about 5 minutes after getting her up on the stand to install the backside bushings and the ride feels better (at least in my head it does LOL).
Apparently I bottomed out on the frame rail and never really noticed so I guess that also says something for the ride quality of this shock system.
Took about 5 minutes after getting her up on the stand to install the backside bushings and the ride feels better (at least in my head it does LOL).
Apparently I bottomed out on the frame rail and never really noticed so I guess that also says something for the ride quality of this shock system.
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