I've used those shafts with no issues before. Now I gotta ask are you 100% sure you got the assembly sequence correct ? Sometimes the spacer that goes against the narrow end of the shaft against the wear shoulder will develop a slight indentation from over torquing, with new good things can get a little tight. Flip the spacer over and try again.

Also make double sure the big end shims are in the right place, put them by the thick spacer can lock things up.

When I was messing with the J & P part I was following the factory manual.

After all this I am starting to be interested in the S&S 2 part boxes. I know they are a little expensive but I'm thinking of the long run cost and convenience. Anybody have experience with them?

Got them on my 93" shovel with roller rocker arms, so far so good. Clean tight and you can't see the seam if you take the time to get it all on and torqued correctly. HAven't had them apart again yet so can't say from there.

I'd just double check to make sure it all went together in correct order before you spend $$$$, easy to get it wrong even for us been there done that guys.

The new eastern parts will work but I have already been replacing so much on this rebuild.... the only thing left that is original are the cases and rocker boxes. I put a bottom end put together by a well known shovel guy in my area into the cases then added new S&S 80" cylinders, pistons, S&S heads, new Andrews cam..... I'll keep my original beat up rocker boxes for another day. I worked a crap load of OT the past few weeks and I've been thinking of blowing it on the fancy S&S boxes/arms. I like their design idea. It makes sense.

Here is where I am:
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...8e6317be26.jpg

What cam & lifters you going to run ?

Andrews AB and JIMS powerglide tappets

Jims are the shit, zero issues with those in an 88" I ran for several years with a Vthunder cam and ran it hard. Never floated or clattered on me.

Nice! That news gives me a lot to look forward to. I am very excited to be close to finishing this project. I have had pleanty of shade tree auto mechanic experience but this has been my first Harley Davidson. Ever since I was a kid I wanted a shovelhead era Harley. I've had a few older Japanese bikes when I was young (didn't have any money then, still don't have much now). Bought this bike just before turning 40. I'm lucky to have an old Harley mechanic to guide me through the process over the last several months. I was able to ride the bike for about 6 months before realizing my motor had issues. A loose bottom end led to a loose wrist pin which ended up trashing my front cylinder. I just said eff it and dove right in with the factory "bible" at my side and my friend to show me he ropes.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...8a423f24b0.pngTaken just before realizing I had a bad cylinder....
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...88c2ae8588.jpgThe scarring from the loose wrist pin... pretty deep grooves.

Suggestion...straight pipes may sound loud but they do nothing for torque and power. You need some back pressure.