Can I replace 1 side at a time without having the bike on a jack or will I need something special to swap my shocks out (Fat Bob)? This maybe a dumb question but I have never replaced shocks on anything other than my dirt bike.

 

If the shocks are the same height you should be able to do it one side at a time with out a jack.

If you're raising or lowering you'll need to remove both sides at once and use a lift of some sort to support the frame.

 

i replaced mine, one side at a time, same height as stock, but i still needed a jack.

EDIT: having said that, if you have someone there to help, you can probably get by without one. i did mine alone and needed the jack for positioning while i inserted the bolts...

 

I was able to replace my shocks with dropped struts without a jack. Had a friend help lift/lower the back of the bike. I just got a jack for a little over $100 and feel like its definately worth the investment.

 

When I installed my shocks back in March with the same size as the originals I put a scissor jack from my car under the rear of the frame, it mad the job really easy.

 

+1 went from stock down to 12"

 

http://widgets.harborfreight.com/wsw...1002&hftref=cj 20% off coupon
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= 79.00 + tax
Add some bolts to to move the pads out (SC mod) and you can save yourself some grief and a bad back!

 

+1
Looks like you could do it without a jack, but as soon as that bolt comes out, the rear end drops. Just enough so you can't line up the bolt for the reinstall.

I went and bought a jack while my bike was hanging in limbo.

 

I just did Progressives today. I went from stock to 11's. I used a jack both under the bike and another under the rear wheel to raise and lower it as needed. It was a breeze!

 

Definitely don't need a jack to replace shocks. Should be no longer than a 30 minute job for both sides with no jack.