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What I've done on a few older bikes was to loosen the pinch bolts on the triple tree,stand over the front tire and hold the front tire with one foot on each side,reach over and grab the handlebars and push/pull them the way they need t be moved.[do this with bike on the floor,not on the jack.]
Before tightening the triple clamps, I snug them about halfway, straddle the bike with the front brake applied, push forward to collapse the forks a few times, and then tighten the triple clamps in a figure 8 pattern a few ft lbs at a time. The forks should align with the axle.
Ok I took everyone's advise and they seem lined up pretty good.... I tighten up the pinch bolts a 1/4 turn at a time back and forth. Now I will tighten up the axle bolt..
Two questions
1) Does it matter if I tighten the axle nut in the left sides first or the Two small pinch bolts under the right side?
2) should I use any locktite? Or just stick with the factory specs and torque thrm.. I am worried with how much the Harley rattles that the suckers will get loose overtime
Generally, it's axle nut first, then pinch bolts. I usually don't use Loctite unless the manual calls for it, but if you're worried, use blue. I would just make sure the threads are clean.
I tapped her with a rubber mallet and it seemed to have worked
Not 100% certain about your 96 Fatboy, but on my 04 Road King, the fork leg is not supposed to be flush against the spacer. Not sure why, but your first picture is what it should look like according to my service manual and from looking at my bike.
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