Sears red jack modification
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
Fear mongering? Scaring the crap out of people? Come on.
It has been a long time since I modified mine so I don't remember the bolt size required. But I recall someone in the thread boring out their holes way oversize, which can weaken the walls of the lifting arms.
My word of caution applies also to those who are unnecessarily increasing the cantilever by installing large or multiple spacers with extra-long bolts. Just use your head when making mods and you'll be OK.
It has been a long time since I modified mine so I don't remember the bolt size required. But I recall someone in the thread boring out their holes way oversize, which can weaken the walls of the lifting arms.
My word of caution applies also to those who are unnecessarily increasing the cantilever by installing large or multiple spacers with extra-long bolts. Just use your head when making mods and you'll be OK.
The original bolts are metric and metric bolts cost a lot more if you want to go that way. You can save on nuts and washers by using the original metric ones.
Thread Starter
|
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
Nah, I was looking at a new wide glide but decided to keep my FXDXi at least another season.
After revisiting this thread, I purchased a Sears Jack this week and will do the mod next weekend. Not sure if I'm gonna have issues with my FXDX as it is lowered with Progressive 11" shocks. I'm hoping it won't be a problem as the FXDX starts out with more ground clearance the other dynas. The on-line specs don't really correspond to my real world measurements. Not sure why but on-line says the stock ground clearance is 5.9". When i got down there and measured from the ground to the frame it was 7" and the seat height was 29".
I'm 5' 9" with a 29" inseam and the height was starting to give me problems. I'm a lot older now and had some major surgery the last 3 years. I wasn't feeling comfortable so i was looking to get a lower sitting bike. I really couldn't justify the 17K right now for a new Wideglide so I put about $300 into lowering the FXDX to about the same specs that the new wide glides had. Anyway, I'll do the mod as it's a great one and deal with getting the jack under there with some of the suggestions I've read here.
BTW, I could see and hear your frustration in your second video. All i can say is, to each his own and you shouldn't feel you need to defend your mod. People can do it or not do it any way the wish. You did good. One of the really useful mods I've seen.
After revisiting this thread, I purchased a Sears Jack this week and will do the mod next weekend. Not sure if I'm gonna have issues with my FXDX as it is lowered with Progressive 11" shocks. I'm hoping it won't be a problem as the FXDX starts out with more ground clearance the other dynas. The on-line specs don't really correspond to my real world measurements. Not sure why but on-line says the stock ground clearance is 5.9". When i got down there and measured from the ground to the frame it was 7" and the seat height was 29".
I'm 5' 9" with a 29" inseam and the height was starting to give me problems. I'm a lot older now and had some major surgery the last 3 years. I wasn't feeling comfortable so i was looking to get a lower sitting bike. I really couldn't justify the 17K right now for a new Wideglide so I put about $300 into lowering the FXDX to about the same specs that the new wide glides had. Anyway, I'll do the mod as it's a great one and deal with getting the jack under there with some of the suggestions I've read here.
BTW, I could see and hear your frustration in your second video. All i can say is, to each his own and you shouldn't feel you need to defend your mod. People can do it or not do it any way the wish. You did good. One of the really useful mods I've seen.
As for your bike being lowered, I don't think the jack will work out for you. Probably have to roll the bike up on some wood (2x4 or 2x6) to raise it up enough.
Hope it works out for you, dBone.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,291
Likes: 11
From: The Whale's Vagina
Great mod again SC. My buddy saw mine and asked me to come over next weekend and help him mod his.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 248
Likes: 3
From: NYC
Ok, so, where does the 2x4 go, front or back or both? lol.
Oh and I checked the specs on all the new Dynas and it looks like none will be able to slip this jack under without wood under the wheel as they are all under 5".
Last edited by Ventana; May 20, 2013 at 07:52 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 240
From: On 2 rails...
I would like to do this mod...thx for the tip.
Being frugal (read cheap) I'm wondering if after doing this the jack will still work on a newer (> 09) touring frame?
Or does this mod render the jack useless for anything but my dyna?
Being frugal (read cheap) I'm wondering if after doing this the jack will still work on a newer (> 09) touring frame?
Or does this mod render the jack useless for anything but my dyna?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
Except for cutting out the crossbar, this mod is not permanent and can easily and quickly be undone...
Thread Starter
|
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
I'm fairly certain the mod will only help to make your bagger more stable while on the jack as well.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 240
From: On 2 rails...
That's what I was thinking also...just wanted another opinion. Plus as Skinman says it can be undone...cool. Thx
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 428
Likes: 21
From: Western PA
56 pages about a jack mod?
Must be all the people saying thanks to SC-Longhair. I just did the mod, took less than an hour.
Sears red jack, model 50190
Remove old bolts. (4 new 1/2"x6" bolts, 12 washers, 4 nylock nuts)
Cut parts. (4-1/2" grinder and cut-off saw make it go fast.)
Smooth rough edges. (grinder)
Paint. (optional)
Enlarge holes in lift pad and reassemble. (unibit-style step drill worked great)
Lift bike
Thanks, SC-Longhair.
Must be all the people saying thanks to SC-Longhair. I just did the mod, took less than an hour.
Sears red jack, model 50190
Remove old bolts. (4 new 1/2"x6" bolts, 12 washers, 4 nylock nuts)
Cut parts. (4-1/2" grinder and cut-off saw make it go fast.)
Smooth rough edges. (grinder)
Paint. (optional)
Enlarge holes in lift pad and reassemble. (unibit-style step drill worked great)
Lift bike
Thanks, SC-Longhair.