[ asking in ignorance]
so what happened when it shifted?

 

After riding my Brothers new Wide Glide I noticed my bike vibrated a lot more.
It wasn't anything that just happened all at once.
It slowly developed over time I guess.
If I had gear drive cams I would have known a lot sooner.
I have a new S&S crank now and gear drive cams so I'm good there now.

 

On a stock crank the runout can change from abuse, too much power, too much rear brake, etc. Just because it's good when you checked it doesn't mean it will forever stay that way.

I paid a fair amount of cash to have Darkhorse fix my crank to prevent this, and I still stayed with hydraulic chains. I do think there's an advantage to gears, but I wouldn't run them on a stock late model crank.

Just my non-professional opinion, of course.

 

Cvaria

Not everyone does re-assembly this way but I separate the oil pump from the cam plate every time. This allows you to make sure you get the oil pump mounted on the pinion shaft and the inlet and o ring on properly. You have to align the oil pump anyway so why not have the piece of mind that it's put together right?

 

Cvaria, some good advise here. Using the HD service manual and following it without short cuts is my contribution. If you get into the top side for sure be looking at all possible wear items there.
You got this.
Good luck.
Taggs

 

Well, .... s*** ..? chain looks better then. I didn't know the crank would go moving around. Glad i asked questions.

 

S&S Cycle Winter Power Package 110" Black Big Bore Kit w/ 585 Chain Cams 07-17 p/n 330-0582 ordered. Thank you all!

 

Good choice.

Now...who's doing your heads?

 

trying to avoid that lol

 

What was the crank run-out when you checked it?