Always ask the experts before.....
I found one of my stock shocks on my 2000STC caked with dried fluid, the other was clean. Decided shocks may need replacement.
My question to the experts.......having only ever replaced shocks and fork springs on the Sporty, I have no experience replacing Softail shocks. I have a HD rolling jack with tie down points as well as a scissor jack. Can this upgrade be safely accomplished with the lifting capabilities I have. Service Manual says "suitable lift"
The Progressives are on their way!

 

The Progressive shocks remove and install the same as the OEM shocks so just refer to the maintenance manual and you’ll be fine.

 

Thanks Bluraven......yes everything is easier using the SM. Some you tubes take off the rear tire, Service Manual says nothing about tire removal.
Thanks for your reply

 

I did mine on an 09' using a red craftsman jack. Did it without removing the rear tire.
Was a pretty easy job.

 

Thanks Stinger.....I get satisfaction from doing my own work. I get confidence from posts like yours

 

How are you going to torque the rear of the shocks. The service manual says to torque the bolts to 115 to 120 ft lbs

 

Hopefully my Indy that did my cam chest allows me to borrow his Snap-On adapter. If not I have to torque it the way we did it in the 60's.....short 3/4" box wrench and dead blow hammer with threadlock. Not the best but gets it done.

 

Yes, both jacks will make it easy. I just used a box end wrench for the rear bolts.

 

You don’t need to takeoff the rear tire and as far as torque is concerned just snug them down and then after a few miles of riding double check to make sure they are still snug.

Even though I didn’t have a problem getting the nuts to break loose I have read where others have had issues so my recommendation is to go in the day before you’re going to do the shock swap and spray everything down with WD-40 or some other form of lubricant.

This is an easy job that you likely will not have any issues with as long as you have basic mechanical skills.

Lastly don’t get discouraged if you don’t get immediate results as far as shock improvement over OEM.
It takes a little tweaking to fine-tune the shocks to your liking.

Also I found my 422 RAP‘s to actually perform better after a couple thousand miles on them so I believe there is a break in period.

 

Thanks Bluraven
The more posts I read the easier the shock upgrade is becoming. My skills allowed me to do wheel removal, brake pads and bleeding, floating rotor install and a bunch of other stuff.
As far as being equal to OEM, my reasoning for upgrading is that I saw the one shock leaking. Good time for new 422's. Not sure I will feel the difference in suspensions, we shall see.
I have always believed that when you stop moving the body surrenders. Been moving 75 years and plan on keeping it that way. My Softail is therapy to keep me going.