wideglide conversion
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 109
Likes: 1
From: MISSISSIPPI
wideglide conversion
hello all. i have another post in the past on this issue but was not totally satisfied. i want to do the conversion on my 05 fxd. thanks for your concern in advance, but rake and trail is not a concern for me. I am thinking of a 3 deg to push out the wheel a little. My only concern is, will it lower my front too much to where I will have to lower the rear? My frame unladen in the front is 6" and the rear is 5.75". Also, raked or not, where can I find the best deals, and what did you learn from the conversion that could benefit me ie. a different headlight, bearing stops, handlbar mounting etc. any advice is appreciated thanks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 1
From: MA
RE: wideglide conversion
I guess I'm not 100% clear on what is considered a wideglide "conversion"
In my mind a conversion means the entire front end is on it's way out, completely replaced with a new one.
Others will just change the trees, keep the tubes, and add spacers here and there.
If you are thinking about this - then you must have a starting point and some starting parts in mind?
Since you asked - here is what I learned:
1) A high quality Torx bit will be requred to loosen the existing trees from the tubes. You'll shred a cheap one in 2 seconds.
2) go 2" over stock length - especially if you bump out the front with some rake (which some argue that you shouldn't do - but that's another thread ), even if you don't add to the rake the extra length does not hurt a bit.
3) The "little" things - stops, spacers, etc. are going to cost 2X what you think.
4) you REALLY need to know what you're buying.
5) You will need a new lower head bearing - old one will not come off the t-stem
6) If friends offer to help - that really means they are out of beer and want to drink yours while they watch you work
In my mind a conversion means the entire front end is on it's way out, completely replaced with a new one.
Others will just change the trees, keep the tubes, and add spacers here and there.
If you are thinking about this - then you must have a starting point and some starting parts in mind?
Since you asked - here is what I learned:
1) A high quality Torx bit will be requred to loosen the existing trees from the tubes. You'll shred a cheap one in 2 seconds.
2) go 2" over stock length - especially if you bump out the front with some rake (which some argue that you shouldn't do - but that's another thread ), even if you don't add to the rake the extra length does not hurt a bit.
3) The "little" things - stops, spacers, etc. are going to cost 2X what you think.
4) you REALLY need to know what you're buying.
5) You will need a new lower head bearing - old one will not come off the t-stem
6) If friends offer to help - that really means they are out of beer and want to drink yours while they watch you work
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