V & H install

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Mar 4, 2021 | 06:03 PM

Silvconv

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Joined: Feb 2021

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From: Socal

V & H install

Picked up some V&H slip ons for 17 flstf. Fitment im told is correct; however in looking at slip on each has 2 brackets, so 4 bolts. Stock muffler has only 1 bracket with 2 bolts. Im assuming one is just not used?
ques 2. Top slip on looks like it’s going to be a mother to install. Any hints? Thanks ahead of time.

Mar 5, 2021 | 04:13 AM

bustergut

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Joined: Sep 2014

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From: Utopia

Stock front (lower) muffler Part 11 has 2 brackets on it, stock rear (upper) muffler Part 12 has 1 bracket on it - each bracket has 2 threaded holes i.e. 6 holes total.

Stock muffler support has 6 holes for mufflers, 6 stock bolts are specified for mufflers. It's tricky to get the muffler bracket holes lined up with the support holes and the bolts screwed in from behind!

Last edited by bustergut; Mar 5, 2021 at 04:36 AM.

Mar 5, 2021 | 08:44 AM

hattitude

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Joined: Sep 2008

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From: San Diego, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silvconv

Picked up some V&H slip ons for 17 flstf. Fitment im told is correct; however in looking at slip on each has 2 brackets, so 4 bolts. Stock muffler has only 1 bracket with 2 bolts. Im assuming one is just not used?
ques 2. Top slip on looks like it’s going to be a mother to install. Any hints? Thanks ahead of time.

In what way will the top muffler be a mother to install...?? No room....?? Doesn't look like it will fit over the head pipe...?? Not lining up....???

Generally speaking, anytime I install mufflers... I remove the old ones, and then loosen any clamps/bolts/brackets that may be securing the head pipe...

I put a little anti seize on the inside of the muffler joint and slide them on... I start all bolts, make sure everything is lined up correctly, and then tighten all bolts from the engine backwards...

Sometimes, I actually have to loosen my header flange bolts too, just to get everything lined up and settled in on the mounts.... I don't like to tighten up any bolts if there is tension, or if I need to push/pull/twist the exhaust, to get the bolts started... I like to, as best as I can, get everything lined up and resting tension free, before tightening bolts...

On an over/under muffler configuration like yours, I would mount the top muffler first, then the bottom. This would give you more room to work the muffler onto the head pipe.... I'd remove them in the reverse order...

On a rare occasion that the muffler is too tight to slip over the header pipe (usually when removing a muffler and reinstalling it) I will use an exhaust pipe expander to ever-so-slightly open the muffler end... being very careful to not overdo it...

Good luck and post a pic of the finished product...

NOTE: Vance & Hines used to have decent install directions, but I haven't used one of their exhausts in awhile.... If you can't tell which mounts/brackets to use... test fit the mufflers, without the brackets first, and it should then be obvious which brackets to use and where everything needs to go...

Last edited by hattitude; Mar 5, 2021 at 08:50 AM.