While riding today my SHIFT LINKAGE for my forward controls broke. I know I will need to replace it but in the meantime I fixed it with tywrap and wiring. I've been looking on the net for models and kinds and have to admit that I am pretty confused.

Mine is the BALL AND SOCKET type. At either end of the rod there is a BALL/SOCKET combo with a bolt and nut. But on the net I see that there is a ROD with threads at either end which you have to purchase ROD ENDS for.
My questions are: 1. Which one is the BEST between BALL AND SOCKET and or Threaded ROD END. 2. How do I know which one will fit on my bike. I have measured from center of BALL AND SOCKET to the other BALL AND SOCKET which gives me 13 1/4 center to center, if I purchase a threaded rod which length do I have to purchase to make sure it will fit.


Thanks again people for all your help.

 

Check out this thread.

 

I will use a copy of a picture from BoomerBob's thread to try to explain what I think you should do:



I know the rod in this image is for a fwd ctrl and your's has mid ctrl.

My advice:
buy two of the ball joints as to be found in BoomerBob's thread; there are more Dyna riders in the forum who changed to this type of shifter linkage..



Measure A to B on your bike and buy a S/S rod and have the ends threaded (same thread as joints) for about 1,5 - 2 inch.

Now complete the joints and the rod (do not forget to add a securing nut at both ends) and try it on your bike.

If the rod is to long try to adjust it by turning it into the joints.

If it is still too long you simply start slicing of the rod bit by bit (use a dremel tool or hacksaw) until you have the right lenght.

 

Thanks alot!!!

 

I changed mine on my 05 wide glide because I hated the look of the stock zinc coated one.
As he says, get 2 heim joints (one for each end) and buy a 12 inch chrome linkage on Ebay.
I found one that was 1/2 inch in diameter which is larger than stock because it I thought it looked beefier look than the thin ones that came with the bike. As it turned out, the heim joints were also about 1/2 inch on the ends so that it looked clean all across.

 

Looks good and solid, bbq..Love the chrome acorn nuts as well!

 

Re: Acorns,
Oh yeah, I forgot about those. Thanks for pointing those out.

 

I bought the HD Twisted linkage on Ebay for $70 I think it was. I see the same one on Ebay now for $49 and $5.35 shipping from Sun Harley Davidson
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Harle...Q5fAccessories

33818-06 fits 06 and up Dynas with forward controls. It is a very nice piece and fits perfect.
33818-98A fits 93-05 Dynas with HD forward controls
I see the one you need which is the 33818-98A on Ebay also but it is $108.95 and $11.00 shipping
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dyna-...Q5fAccessories


Here it is on my bike...

 

Thanks for making this much more comprehensible. Wonder why Harley didn't put GOOD linkages in the first place. GEEZ!!!

Thanks again everyone, I think that I'll get my favorite machinist to make myself one following your specs.