Hello all,
I have a 87 FXST and I’ve been banging my head against the wall trying to find rear shocks. Dennis Kirk has a set but the reviews are mixed. Can a newer set be made to work? Replace swing arm? Need help please. I’m a fair mechanic but not a machinist. Thanks

 

You have found the achilles heel of the softails.... they have always had minimal choices in aftermarket shocks. Now the older ones are even harder to find...

I don't know for sure, but in the parts diagrams, your year OEM shocks (54520-86 rightt / 54508-86 left) look to be a bit longer than the the newer shocks 2000+.....

Based on just that diagram, I would think it would take some modification to make them fit...

The softail shocks appear to have changed starting in 2000, both in design and length. But, again, that is just based on a picture and part numbers, not an actual comparison between the two...

I never touched the shocks in my 1989 Heritage, I don't even remember what they looked like.....

Someone with experience handling various years of softail shocks will post up to say for sure.....

IMHO.... I wouldn't buy a set for a newer bikes unless someone posts up that they made them work and how easy/difficult it was....

 

It's not the swingarm you need to be concerned for, its where the shocks mount to the frame under the bike, that's what changed in 2000 I think, not exact on the year but around there.

 

IIRC, the shock design changed in 1989. I believe the shocks for later Evo Softails had the same style mounts, but were larger in diameter, and that is why they don't fit the '86-'88 models. I believe there were modifications to the frame or swingarm to accommodate them. I suspect there is someone here who knows more about Evo Softail shocks than I do.

 

They are specific.. I would try to find a shop that can rebuild what you have.. No one ever really made a decent replacement.. It is about the Diameter..

You can PM @misfitJason .. He has a set for sale at this link...
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo-e...eservoirs.html

 

Thank you for all of the reply’s. I think I will roll the dice and try the set from Dennis Kirk, the neg reviews seem to center around lack of instructions. According to my service manual, the original shocks are unserviceable.

 

Did you ever get a set of shocks for your softail? I am looking for a set for my 84 FXST

 

You may not get a reply. His last activity in the forum was 30 March 2023.

 

yes, and he only had two posts, but I am desperate. Can't find shocks for my 84 FXST

 

This might be what you are looking for, https://www.ebay.com/itm/14513444223...Bk9SR_ji2MraYg