The belt to chain drive conversion thread
1) Fast arrival award winner goes to Vulcan Engineering who got the spacer to me in two days! Good tracking info too.
2) Over and above award goes to PBI who sent a beautiful black-zinc 55T flat sprocket, with the best ordering system and tracking notifications ever, then I found the sprocket triple-packed for protection, and the box filled with PBI swag...... hat, decals, etc. Wow, what a pro company.
3) Heartland sent me a pulley/sprocket nut wrench, fast as always.
4) Good guy award goes to Justin from Dynamic Dyna. He called me personally after my order to discuss my parts and send out his thoughts on this conversion. A few notes he stated:
* He prefers to run Aluminum rear sprockets (PBI) as they are lighter and more tame on creating chain stretch & heat. He clearly stated a Alum sprocket needs correct wheel alignment and chain tension to live long and prosper. He noted most worn Alum sprockets are from running the wheel (thus chain) off track or running the chain too tight.
** He noted that on my 2015 FXDL a .500" (1/2) rear spacer is correct, as most of the +06 Dyna use a .500" spacer with a .500" offset front sprocket, but followed that statement with < OF COURSE chain alignment must be verified by the installer.
*** He gave me detailed instructions on how to set the correct chain tension on a Dyna, with the suspension at near full compression (remove 1 shock - weight bike) as that is the tightest point of swingarm travel arc. Good to know!!
After a good amount of detailed discussion with him he then stated he felt comfortable with sending me the parts from his shop. He stated he did not want to send anything incorrect for my conversion. He was very thoughtful.
5) Rest of parts should be here next week, then comes the pics and install notes.
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I pieced it together because I have a cousin in a parts department who gives me dealer cost on everything from Drag. Without the discount the price of the kits is pretty much equal.
I pieced it together because I have a cousin in a parts department who gives me dealer cost on everything from Drag. Without the discount the price of the kits is pretty much equal.
** Please refrain from comments and opinions regarding the merits of belts vs. chains... PLEASE **
I'd like to keep this subject specific to the install of a chain drive setup on a Dyna, regardless of personal preference.
Thanks, Lama
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I went with a Zippers kit to give my tire clearance from the drive belt. I got a very good price with shipping. All I had to do was install it. Everything fit properly and the components were top notch.
I got one of those laser chain alignment tools. Made for no guess work. And ya, the alignment holes on the swing arm were off, way off. Don't use those.
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
I went with a Zippers kit to give my tire clearance from the drive belt. I got a very good price with shipping. All I had to do was install it. Everything fit properly and the components were top notch.
I got one of those laser chain alignment tools. Made for no guess work. And ya, the alignment holes on the swing arm were off, way off. Don't use those.
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