1989 flhtcu swingarm rebuild
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Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Pennsylvania
1989 flhtcu swingarm rebuild
While I have the transmission apart in my bike Id like to replace the swingarm bushings. I found a true-track kit with bronze bushings, custom cycle engineering retrofit kit and a v-twin manufacturing rebuild kit that looks like a cheaper version of the custom cycle engineering kit
wondering if anyone has any experience with these or recommendation on which option would be the best? Ive already replaced the rear air suspension shocks. Thanks!
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: NC USA
I have hands on experience with both the V-Twin kit as well as the CCI which can be bought as Dew Mfg without the axle.
I've also listened to many years of every other trick handling add-ons like the nylon bushings, nylon isolator inserts, quad ball bearing inserts, bolt on braces just to name a few.
Without all that drama, The V-Twin kit is OK, It places the bearings next to the isolators and retains the nylon washers. The inner bushing is next to the housing and does not touch the bearing so you have n open space between the two and I had a bad feeling about that. After 30k miles I had about .060 play at the wheel end. I didn't study it all when I removed all that but it seemed to be bearing play.
Of all the trick mods, a majority of people were always seeking another way, better way. All the folks who used the CCI / Dew Mfg kit all said the same thing - "it's like being on a rail" so that's what I have now with over 40k and it has zero play as does handle like it's on a rail.
Whatever you go with, I highly recommend new OE isolators.
I've also listened to many years of every other trick handling add-ons like the nylon bushings, nylon isolator inserts, quad ball bearing inserts, bolt on braces just to name a few.
Without all that drama, The V-Twin kit is OK, It places the bearings next to the isolators and retains the nylon washers. The inner bushing is next to the housing and does not touch the bearing so you have n open space between the two and I had a bad feeling about that. After 30k miles I had about .060 play at the wheel end. I didn't study it all when I removed all that but it seemed to be bearing play.
Of all the trick mods, a majority of people were always seeking another way, better way. All the folks who used the CCI / Dew Mfg kit all said the same thing - "it's like being on a rail" so that's what I have now with over 40k and it has zero play as does handle like it's on a rail.
Whatever you go with, I highly recommend new OE isolators.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,803
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From: SE Louisiana
I went to a '02-'07 style swingarm and installed the CCI conversion kit with their shaft, and used the Aurora ge25et-2rs sealed bearings way back in '14, still in great shape, don't know the exact mileage, I would guess 60k+.
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Joined: Jun 2012
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From: CT/FL
I am going to improve my 89 with an 04 swingarm and brake caliper. Do you remember all of what was needed for the change? I already know it's not a direct bolt-in. Is it as simple as just put old style bearings into the new arm?
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,803
Likes: 7,829
From: SE Louisiana
I think I used the 2008-2 retrofit kit w/axle, I'm not sure if the bearings are included, they weren't back in '14.(newer swingarm used a 3/4" axle, the old bikes used a 5/8', hence the retrofit kit)
https://customcycleengineering.net/s...-retrofit-kit/
I used the , Aurora GE25ET-2RS PTFE lined sealed bearings, those things are crazy expensive now, no idea why.
I see there's an Aurora GE25ES-2RS, steel on steel, sealed for much less, someone has 3 available on ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/19517171021...Bk9SR5yNjrn2Zg
There's unbranded GE25ES-2RS (chineesium) for cheap there too.
Or the HD bearings 9208.
I used a '06 Street Glide wheel,
70t Rear pulley for a 1 1/8" belt
139t S&S belt (if I'm not mistaken on the tooth count)
stock 1" '02-'06 axle setup
I used a '08+ rear brake caliper mount bracket and Brembo caliper, have to ream bracket from 25mm to 1", way better setup than the '07 and down single piece caliper and mount, still using the stock '90 master cylinder & DOT5 fluid
150 width rear tire (the 1 1/8" belt provides room for the wider tire)
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,154
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From: CT/FL
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