anything I need to be worried about in changing out the crappy HD stock shift link with a Stainless steel one I just picked up. Looks about the same length without even adjusting the new one.

http://www.dragspecialties.com/fatbo...98?q=DS-375505

it's DS-375505 the slotted one.

anything I need to worry about when installing the new one?

thanks!

 

As long as its designed to work on your model of bike it shouldn't be a problem. A friend of mine tried putting onemade for a Softail on his Wideglide last weekend. Went on with no problem, only trouble was the length of it was way too short and he couldn't shift past first gear.

 

thanks ... took me more time taking the bolts off the original then installing. it was different in that the OEM one has a longer bolt with a rubber bushing type mount. This one just used a metal ball within socket method. its for a softail. I took the OEM one off and made the new one the exact same length. reinstalled and worked great. I am surprised how heavy the stock OEM shift linkage is. the new one is lighter even though its stainless steel and not billet.

 

Great! Glad it worked for you. The stock linkage on the new bikes is much better that what was on the late 90's bikes. These were abject pieces of junk that had a bad habit of breaking at the worst possible moment. Nice looking ride btw,,,,,

 

the thing is the stock one is not even polished or chromed. I noticed the new shift link give me a crisper feel when shifting, and easier to hit neutral. maybe because its stiffer then the OEM one.

 

ahh..the power of a nice heim joint.
Later

 

Remember Harley wants to make money of off after market parts so the shift link levers will never be pretty from the factory.

 

I'm hoping I've beat them at their own game...I bought a cover for the stock shift lever, rather than replacing the whole thing. A lot less expensive, and hopefully will look just as well. (Haven't received it yet...should know by the end of the week...) Good to know the alternatives are worth the bucks though.

 

Just a suggestion, but the chrome linkage covers are cheaper, easier to install, and look great!

You can see mine in this photo.

 

Where did you get that?