stock frame. shocks were blown when i bought bike, bought a set of ultimas to try out. Not sure if the shock is this poor of quality but really struggling to get a good ride out of it

 

I just finished installing Ultimas last night. My 87 FXSTC is still on the lift so I can't comment on the ride. I can tell you that the directions I got with the shocks didn't tell me
1. Don't reuse factory washers, only use the spacers supplied.
2. The tranny bolt above the left shock ( it hits the shock body) Must be removed and inverted.
I can't tell by your pictures if you did both ?
I attached a link (I hope) that saved me. Good luck.
http://www.worksperformance.com/pdf/instructions/blacksftail.pdf