Hi all, I'm rebuilding the forks on a '75 FXE I picked up with 4" over tubes already in it. I noticed there weren't any damper springs on the damper tube, which has been on every other harley front end I've had, though they were all newer. I pulled the internals out of another 35mm front end I have and there were no damper springs on that either, but the manual seems to show them.



There is considerable up and down play in the assembly, even with 4" spacers sitting on top of the springs. I would say with the caps on there is still a couple inches between them and the top of the spacer.

So, can anyone tell me if these front ends are supposed to have a spring on the damper tube/rod?

Also, what is the best way to take up the remaining space in these 35mm front ends? Longer springs or cut a longer spacer, enough to get appropriate tension? Or both? Thanks much.

For reference, this was all that was in the tubes.

 

your picture has no ruler next to the pieces so its almost impossible to see what you see

from your picture I see an 8 inch over tube next to a 4 inch over spring extension next to a stock length tube maybe and in the mix a longer then stock anulator / and spring

a 36 inch wooden rule laying flat next to that stuff would be a big help in seeing what your seeing

 

I'm not an authority, but every damper rod fork I ever rebuilt had a top out spring on the damper rod. I don't see one in that picture.

 

And... I have never found one in a Kayaba nor early Showa Front end... from the MoCo
Something I have not seen in fact until about '84 or so...
In fact the early Showa Big Glide front end don't got 'em either...
The Parts Fiche is Not a true reference to Parts from old Equipment... if ya look it contains common parts from many [almost the same] year models.

An Original Parts Manual will show you what you are looking at...

BTW PVC Spacers will get where ya need to be... ie, quite a Bit of Preload Pressure on the Springs..
One Spacer... Not 2 or 3.... Just in case it comes up..
Also rebound springs are OK to add... I do it all the time... In fact.. that's how I lower a Front end... Don't "buy" nuthin.... COB

 

One thing I like about you Racepres is that you ma make me do my homework...... I did look it up in my FSM and yes the FX models did not have a damper spring (odd) Only the FL's did.. thanks buddy....

 

I agree, there are a few around here that have taught me some good stuff.

 

 

^^^ Only problem is... as I said... The Fiche is different, as it shows Only... [Only,] the latest version... Not always what ya Find inside your Version...
Don't worry over it.. If ya want a Rebound spring... put one in... The MoCo did... Later On!!!!
I have a Couple without... I do Not feel Slighted at all....
Now... For the Spacers needed for longer Tubes.... Just cut some PVC to space the Springs such that the Spacers are jst a Bit longer than flush with the top of the tube... and Stuff 'er Up!!!! It should be a Bit of a Chore to Cap the Tube...[Pre-Load]

 

correct what we find in un open forks years back was no small spring - what Harley added is in later publications of parts books, sometimes you can see when a part starts in production by the last 2 numbers as that is the first year the part was made