Lowering 84 Softail
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,590
Likes: 3,361
From: Cental, MI
They are called Stroke collars
not exactly what I used... but...like I said... PITA, tho Functional... If [big word] if you get the right size
not exactly what I used... but...like I said... PITA, tho Functional... If [big word] if you get the right size
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,590
Likes: 3,361
From: Cental, MI
They are called Stroke collars
not exactly what I used... but...like I said... PITA, tho Functional... If [big word] if you get the right size
BTW if the end of your shock is threaded/removeable, a heavy, washer is a plus!!!
not exactly what I used... but...like I said... PITA, tho Functional... If [big word] if you get the right size
BTW if the end of your shock is threaded/removeable, a heavy, washer is a plus!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,473
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
Surprised to find there is only one replacement shock available for the older Softails. I've got my '87 sitting on my lift waiting to be gone through. Replacing some worn Progressives is on the list. It isn't a primary rider any more, so not in a hurry to do anything. Even been toying with the idea of replacing the shocks with struts of the length that will get a straight line from the rear portion of the backbone to the axle plate, and fitting a flat fender to the swingarm, to give it the look of the old rigid frames. Figured someone somewhere has done it, but haven't found anything.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,473
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
LOL, that's one reason why my '87 isn't the primary rider. When the original shocks went bad it was like riding a pogo-bike. But even small bumps would cause the bike to bottom out, and then one of the shocks broke at the front mounting hole. It hit the blacktop, dug in, and caused the back end to do a little jump. I thought I hit something, slowed down, and it did it again. Pulled over and called the more gooder half to bring the special wrench I made for the shocks. That was the catalyst to get new shocks. I rode a rigid for about 10 years. Trick was to run the rear tire at 15-20 psi.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,590
Likes: 3,361
From: Cental, MI
But, it appears we are back to "New Shocks" so I'm gonna pay attention here as my Eldest owns an Early Softail.. Maybe I can learn something!
lets start with who offers a Fair Quality Replacement??
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
To the best of my knowledge, nobody...all the big names quit making them years ago...J&P has a cheap set they claim that will fit...but also says "replaces OEM 54508-89A"...which doesn't fit..
Works used to make a quality small diameter shock that fit...but they closed when the owner died...I think the son reopened the business ...but they no long make softail shocks at all...
You are left with the small diameter Chinese shock that is sold under a couple of different names..and almost worthless for 2-up riding...
I have heard of people using the 89 up shock without issues...so it may just be an issue with the 84-85 4 speed softails...
Works used to make a quality small diameter shock that fit...but they closed when the owner died...I think the son reopened the business ...but they no long make softail shocks at all...
You are left with the small diameter Chinese shock that is sold under a couple of different names..and almost worthless for 2-up riding...
I have heard of people using the 89 up shock without issues...so it may just be an issue with the 84-85 4 speed softails...
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 309
Likes: 78
From: AZ
https://www.arhcustom.com/product/fo...l-models/40803
Used them on my 84 FXST. Need a high pressure pump or nitrogen to adjust.
Used them on my 84 FXST. Need a high pressure pump or nitrogen to adjust.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,473
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
https://www.arhcustom.com/product/fo...l-models/40803
Used them on my 84 FXST. Need a high pressure pump or nitrogen to adjust.
Used them on my 84 FXST. Need a high pressure pump or nitrogen to adjust.
Remember when just about every HD part could be adapted to just about every HD of similar build? Front and rear wheels the same, swap them to get more miles out of the tires. Swap FL/FX shocks to the XL bikes to lower them a bit. And on and on... Even used to be a book - What Fits What - to make it easier. Oh well, I'm a geezer and that was defined in a recent crossword puzzle as a cantankerous old goat! Progress!
