Front susp?? Mine sucks
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 159
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From: Orlando
Front susp?? Mine sucks
I have progressive front spring replacements not the drop ins. And I am only getting and inch or so travel out of the front susp it rides like a tank. So I am wondering if anyone else is experiencing this same problem. What is a good front suspension spring that will give me a 1" drop and not ride like ****. If it rode half as good as stock I would be happy.
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Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Ft. Worth, TX
Longer or shorter? Sounds like shorter and you didn't put the spacers in because you have no travel on your suspension.
Measure the length of the springs you took out. Measure the length of the springs you put in. You may have been given some spacer material that looks like heavy duty PVC pipe and four washers. You want to cut the PVC pipe so it almost makes up the difference between the two spings and the addition of two washers and the PVC pipe plus new springs equals your old spring length. This will get you started. Change the fork oil while you are doing this. Make sure your fork oil level is at the correct height! This is VERY important!
Put new springs in tube followed by one washer then install spacer then the final washer on top of that.
Search for "setting rider sag" and take your measurements. Of course if you are lowering you lose fork travel and your spacer will be shorter.
Measure the length of the springs you took out. Measure the length of the springs you put in. You may have been given some spacer material that looks like heavy duty PVC pipe and four washers. You want to cut the PVC pipe so it almost makes up the difference between the two spings and the addition of two washers and the PVC pipe plus new springs equals your old spring length. This will get you started. Change the fork oil while you are doing this. Make sure your fork oil level is at the correct height! This is VERY important!
Put new springs in tube followed by one washer then install spacer then the final washer on top of that.
Search for "setting rider sag" and take your measurements. Of course if you are lowering you lose fork travel and your spacer will be shorter.
Last edited by Juan L; Jan 27, 2013 at 08:28 PM.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Orlando
Awesome although I'm a dummy when it comes to front suspension. I will have to find a write up on pulling the front springs! Do I have to pull the sliders off or is all this done from the top
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 107,687
Likes: 20,116
From: Ft. Worth, TX
Do you have a service manual? I am not sure how much it is different than a Road King but if I were you I would have it up on a jack to make it easier. One little bit of advice....
Don't half-*** forks...it will come back to bite you and the results could be disastrous.
Don't half-*** forks...it will come back to bite you and the results could be disastrous.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Orlando
I don't have anything from when they are installed. Where could I get the washers? Should I just order new front springs to get that stuff. Also when he installed them he gave me stock springs and 2 metal tubes that he took out about a foot long.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 159
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From: Orlando
I have a lift in the garage. One thing I don't wanna do is half *** it.