rear shocks installation tips
I had a nightmare of a time getting the bolts to break loose on mine. I sprayed penetrating oil multiple times over several days. Bike was on my lift table and I could not get them to break free.
My old gear head neighbor lent a hand. We used a torch to apply heat and combined with a 36" breaker bar they finally freed up. Inspection after removing the bolts they showed a ton of surface corrosion. I bought new OEM bolts and applied a thin layer of anti seize when installing the 422's.
I am very pleased with the Progressive 422's w/RAP paired with Monotubes up front.
I will not soon forget laying on my back, under the lift table, bracing my feet against the table deck and pulling on that breaker bar. Maybe not the smartest thing I have done. The bolts on mine were wicked tight.
My old gear head neighbor lent a hand. We used a torch to apply heat and combined with a 36" breaker bar they finally freed up. Inspection after removing the bolts they showed a ton of surface corrosion. I bought new OEM bolts and applied a thin layer of anti seize when installing the 422's.
I am very pleased with the Progressive 422's w/RAP paired with Monotubes up front.
I will not soon forget laying on my back, under the lift table, bracing my feet against the table deck and pulling on that breaker bar. Maybe not the smartest thing I have done. The bolts on mine were wicked tight.
Supporter
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 91
Likes: 49
From: Thames Valley - England
I had a nightmare of a time getting the bolts to break loose on mine. I sprayed penetrating oil multiple times over several days. Bike was on my lift table and I could not get them to break free.
My old gear head neighbor lent a hand. We used a torch to apply heat and combined with a 36" breaker bar they finally freed up. Inspection after removing the bolts they showed a ton of surface corrosion. I bought new OEM bolts and applied a thin layer of anti seize when installing the 422's.
I am very pleased with the Progressive 422's w/RAP paired with Monotubes up front.
I will not soon forget laying on my back, under the lift table, bracing my feet against the table deck and pulling on that breaker bar. Maybe not the smartest thing I have done. The bolts on mine were wicked tight.
My old gear head neighbor lent a hand. We used a torch to apply heat and combined with a 36" breaker bar they finally freed up. Inspection after removing the bolts they showed a ton of surface corrosion. I bought new OEM bolts and applied a thin layer of anti seize when installing the 422's.
I am very pleased with the Progressive 422's w/RAP paired with Monotubes up front.
I will not soon forget laying on my back, under the lift table, bracing my feet against the table deck and pulling on that breaker bar. Maybe not the smartest thing I have done. The bolts on mine were wicked tight.
So how do you find the Progessive with RAP? Are you getting a more comfortable ride?
Did you use Progressive in the forks. Youtube videos claim much better suspension than stock, would be good to hear more unbiased reports.
Mine bottom out on potholes, and the rear suspension feels harsh, so looking at Progressives.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 277
Likes: 31
From: texas
so day one update, took rear wheel off unable to break rear shock bolts loose, applied some heat still will not break loose. Snap on guy doesn't have the tool on any of his trucks. soaked bolts again hopefully better luck in the morning !!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,097
Likes: 13,030
From: Texas, USA
Here are my 3 rear shock installation tips:
1. Removing the old shocks is a bear
2. Installing the new shocks is a piece of cake
3. You can't install the new ones until the old ones are off
Hope this helps.
I installed the Progressive 422s with RAP on my Heritage. It took 2 applications of PB Blaster, heat and an 18" breaker bar to break the shock bolt loose. Maybe my upper body strength just needed improvement ???
The main reason I installed the Progressive 422s is because I wanted to lower the rear of my bike in addition to improving the suspension. I ride two up often so the RAP made it very easy to adjust the preload. Compared to the stock shocks, yes, I like the Progressives more. BUT, for me, it wasn't a night and day improvement. I spent a week adjusting the preload to find my sweet spot. Honestly, with all the hype about the Progressive shocks, I was expecting a bit more. In the end, it did what I expected it to do so it was money well spent. My bike is 2" lower in the rear with a (slightly) better ride.
I did not install the Monotubes up front. I did change to a heavier weight fork oil, though.
1. Removing the old shocks is a bear
2. Installing the new shocks is a piece of cake
3. You can't install the new ones until the old ones are off
Hope this helps.
I installed the Progressive 422s with RAP on my Heritage. It took 2 applications of PB Blaster, heat and an 18" breaker bar to break the shock bolt loose. Maybe my upper body strength just needed improvement ???
So how do you find the Progressive with RAP? Are you getting a more comfortable ride?
Did you use Progressive in the forks. Youtube videos claim much better suspension than stock, would be good to hear more unbiased reports.
Mine bottom out on potholes, and the rear suspension feels harsh, so looking at Progressives.
Did you use Progressive in the forks. Youtube videos claim much better suspension than stock, would be good to hear more unbiased reports.
Mine bottom out on potholes, and the rear suspension feels harsh, so looking at Progressives.
I did not install the Monotubes up front. I did change to a heavier weight fork oil, though.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 277
Likes: 31
From: texas
so here is my update broke rear bolts loose , problem is that will not turn easily, tried heating them up no luck. Afraid the one on the left may have been cross treaded from factory. Will have to put everything back together and bring it to my Harley mechanic. Unfortunately he is now at a shop about 2 hours away , not worried about breaking bolts but worried about rounding the head even with a six point wrench !!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,144
Likes: 11,219
From: San Diego, CA
so here is my update broke rear bolts loose , problem is that will not turn easily, tried heating them up no luck. Afraid the one on the left may have been cross treaded from factory. Will have to put everything back together and bring it to my Harley mechanic. Unfortunately he is now at a shop about 2 hours away , not worried about breaking bolts but worried about rounding the head even with a six point wrench !!!!
It's possible that they are stripped from the factory, but more likely just years of grime in the threads taking their toll.....
Next time, try the method where you break them loose, when it gets real hard to turn, tighten them up again, then spray some Kroil Oil (my favorite penetrating oil) on the threads where you are heading, then loosen again until it gets real tight... repeat as necessary. This back & forth action, with fresh penetrating oil, has worked for me in the past in situations you describe.
Obviously, if they are in fact stripped, it may not work.... but they were threaded on to the bolt at one time, up to the point where you found them...
Please report back what your mechanic finds...
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