Drop the shocks, (Softail/Night Train)
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,070
Likes: 74
From: Los Angeles
Drop the shocks, (Softail/Night Train)
Well I'm going ahead with tapping and using an oversized plug in the gearbox but think in order to do a good job that I should drop the shocks, (Softail/Night Train) is this a difficult job? Can you simply drop the front or rear without completely removing? Is there room if your bike is on a jack? Any tips would be appreciated.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,971
Likes: 901
From: Omaha
Well I'm going ahead with tapping and using an oversized plug in the gearbox but think in order to do a good job that I should drop the shocks, (Softail/Night Train) is this a difficult job? Can you simply drop the front or rear without completely removing? Is there room if your bike is on a jack? Any tips would be appreciated.
If you have a standard type jack you will not be able to drop the shocks while the bike is on the jack.
It doesn't sound as if you've got a maintenance manual.
You should buy one it will detail this procedure and it's the best tool to have.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 228
Likes: 41
From: Kent, England
As above, plus strap the bike down or have someone steady the bike whilst loosening the nuts when it's on the lift.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 228
Likes: 41
From: Kent, England
I worked on mine over 6 years ago and can't remember to be honest as they had to come off completely anyway.
My gut feeling is that they won't drop from just one end.
If it were me I'd use an extended tap wrench and leave the shocks in situ.
My gut feeling is that they won't drop from just one end.
If it were me I'd use an extended tap wrench and leave the shocks in situ.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,070
Likes: 74
From: Los Angeles
EDIT: Nevermind, looks like Walmart has em for $23!
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hanson-21...&wl13=&veh=sem
Last edited by rquest; Apr 15, 2017 at 04:33 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 402
From: Australia
YES> You can remove the front bolts and let the shocks swing down on the back bolts. You might need a second jack under the rear wheel to help taking the weight off the suspension. Take your time. You'll get it sorted.
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 228
Likes: 41
From: Kent, England
Just another thought for you,
Have you got the Taps?
Don't be tempted by the cheaper carbon steel sets that are out there, they're only fit for diy repairs such as cleaning up damaged threads and using one for this particular job could end in tears if it snaps or jams tight!
Buy or borrow an industrial grade set of HSS taps consisting of a taper, 2nd and plug tap.
Also aluminium needs a thin lubricant, don't google it, you'll be overwhelmed!
For this job, a very light oil or paraffin will work a treat.
Hope you don't mind this post but I don't know your background/experience and only want to help.
Gary
Have you got the Taps?
Don't be tempted by the cheaper carbon steel sets that are out there, they're only fit for diy repairs such as cleaning up damaged threads and using one for this particular job could end in tears if it snaps or jams tight!
Buy or borrow an industrial grade set of HSS taps consisting of a taper, 2nd and plug tap.
Also aluminium needs a thin lubricant, don't google it, you'll be overwhelmed!
For this job, a very light oil or paraffin will work a treat.
Hope you don't mind this post but I don't know your background/experience and only want to help.
Gary
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5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Elizabethtown KY
You should be able to, the rear should turn freely enough for you to get in to the drain plug. May have to use a jack on the back tire to manipulate the bolts enough to clear the frame.
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