This is an abbreviated build thread, the rest is on the 'other' shovelhead forum.

I have some questions for the experts here, you guys are great!



Here is where I am today, working on the tranny:



The main shaft looks bad:



Question #1: What are my options? (I have a new Jims bushing set.)

I see new aftermarket ones on ebay from $5 to $50 - what brands are good or stay away from?

 

Question #2, the main bearing rubs on the 1-2 gearset if its pushed towards it, is that normal? It seem OK if I pull it away from the gearset. There is also this weird damage:

 

I could duplicate the whole build thread here if there is interest.

 

the main bearing is toast as it has side to side play - SKF bearing is what I use various countrys making them but NO china bearing you already see what happens when you use one of them

you could ream the bushing on the small side so the mainshaft is re used. Harley shaft like that one they all do that, its from the pull on the gear sprocket that wallows out the bushing - andrews is the only shaft we use if the one I have is worn out - the balsa wood china shafts wear out in 18 months ask me how I know that -

 

I'd love to see the build thread. Or just post a link here. I'm restoring a 1980 FXS so I'm sure I could learn from you.

 

I have heard that the 1st gear the was offered by HD had a groove or no grove and that that grove actually designated what gear ratio it was... I can't say what it is but I have read that some where.. Maybe some one will chime in to clarify....

 

They frown on direct links to the other forum but you can find it here:

shovelhead [dot] us [slash] forum [slash] showthread.php?t=188455

I won't be moving quickly, so be patient...

Yes for the ratchet top trannys: no groove was for the FLs and 71/72 FX, the 73-79 FXs had a groove, and were a different ratio.

 

Thanks. To me, HDforums is my primary place to go. So no worries about cheapening the brand or anything! Ha ha. I've found that other one doesn't register new members. So I can't read it over there anyway.

 

i had joined the shovehead forum way back and after I was a long time member and have done for many years answer questions

I was attacked by at least 10 of the we know more then you bunch, so I left - were some of the guys very knowledgeable yes - but its a pissing contest about who thinks they know more then the other guy for the most part, and some of what is bantered around is not true and incorrect - just so you know

 

Linky no work for me. I would like to see it as one of my favorite bikes was a 79 FXS-80, black in color. Bought it off of my buddy who was the original owner when alcohol got in the way of his life in 1985. Mike