Adjustment of Low Profile shocks on Heritage
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 202
Likes: 19
From: Atlanta
You have linked the instructions for a lowering kit, which is not the same as the low profile shock absorbers.
If the accessory low profile shock absorbers are the same as factory deluxe shock absorbers and are mounted with the same hardware, I don’t see how you are going to adjust them higher.
Let us know how it works out...
If the accessory low profile shock absorbers are the same as factory deluxe shock absorbers and are mounted with the same hardware, I don’t see how you are going to adjust them higher.
Let us know how it works out...
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 13
From: NWFL
Super 38, so right. Someone else asked about that kit so I posted the instructions for it and pasted the wrong link in this thread. Here's the link for the low profile shocks in case anyone wants them. https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....ocument/116019
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 13
From: NWFL
Need some help golfblues!! Today I got around to trying to adjust the height on the low profile shocks. How in the world did you get the nut to tighten down as far as you did in the pic you attached? I held the shaft with a 9/16" wrench and turned the flange nut. About a half turn was all I could get before the torque required to move the nut got really high! I removed the flange nut, outer washer and grommet, and there is plenty of thread to provide for adjustment. Is it really going to take a lot of torque to move the nut further down the shaft, or is there something I'm missing? HELP! i have the bike up on a block so the rear wheel is as low as it will go. The instructions for installing the shocks gives a torque range for the flange nut of 32-39 ft-lbs. I have to use much more than that the rotate the nut. Your suggestions? Thanks Pics attached of original position of flange nuts and the bike on block.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,741
Likes: 1,598
From: Danbury CT
Don't forget you have the low profile shocks so you only have one inch of adjustment. My shocks are normal profile and they have 2 inches of adjustment so I would have a lot more thread showing. Do you have the rear wheel as far down as possible or do you have it up into the fender. It should be hanging down with a support under it at the ride height you want and you should be able to tighten it from there
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 13
From: NWFL
A LEARNING EXPERIENCE!!! This morning I used golfblues info (thanks golfblues) and use a jack under the rear wheel to raise and lower the wheel. Without the flange nut, metal covering for the bushing and the rubber bushing, the shock shafts moved forward with the wheel lowered and in when raising the wheel. The flange nut would go on the shaft a long way without the metal cover and rubber bushing. However, once I put the bushing and cover back on, the flange nut would only go to the original position on the shaft (or maybe just a little beyond that ). The way the shaft is made, the inner bushing metal cap is prevented from going any further by an increase in the shaft's diameter ( this increase is where the flat cutouts are for a wrench to hold the shaft ). Once the metal cap and bushing are on the shaft on both ends the flange nut will only tighten so far (that is, back to the original position) because there is no room for any slack. The 2 metal caps, bushing, nut and mounting bracket take up all of the space on the shaft except for the 1/4" that originally protruded past the flange nut.
Looks like the only way to lengthen the shaft would be to loosen the large lock nut holding the preload adjustment plate and backout the shaft a few turns. You could then rotate the flange nut further onto shock shaft. Since I don't know how the shaft is mounted in the shock I don't think I try this.
Attached is a diagram of the shock mounting
Looks like the only way to lengthen the shaft would be to loosen the large lock nut holding the preload adjustment plate and backout the shaft a few turns. You could then rotate the flange nut further onto shock shaft. Since I don't know how the shaft is mounted in the shock I don't think I try this.
Attached is a diagram of the shock mounting
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,741
Likes: 1,598
From: Danbury CT
Do not back out the preload nut. The shocks you have her only meant to have one inch in total travel. 5/16" on the nut equals one inch in ride height. If you want higher I suggest you try to find stock Heritage shocks as they have 2-inch adjustment.
The 5/16 equaling 1 inch is from Progressive 422 shocks but I'm sure they will the same
The 5/16 equaling 1 inch is from Progressive 422 shocks but I'm sure they will the same
Last edited by golfblues; May 18, 2017 at 04:27 PM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post