rear shocks installation tips
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 277
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From: texas
rear shocks installation tips
Progressive 422 's showed up today getting ready to change out old shocks on my 2015 Fatboy Lo, any tips appreciated . Not sure if I can change them without pulling rear tire off, just going to use my motorcycle jack, hopefully I will have enough clearance to slip old ones out. Bike does have abs so that may be an issue according to service manual .
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: San Diego, CA
Progressive 422 's showed up today getting ready to change out old shocks on my 2015 Fatboy Lo, any tips appreciated . Not sure if I can change them without pulling rear tire off, just going to use my motorcycle jack, hopefully I will have enough clearance to slip old ones out. Bike does have abs so that may be an issue according to service manual.
How does the manual say changing out the shocks may cause an issue with the ABS..???
I don't see how that can happen...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Lititz Pa
Yep your right
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,143
Likes: 11,210
From: San Diego, CA
Thanks, I didn't realize the ABS unit was attached to the shock mounting bolts on an ABS softail...
After looking at the parts diagram, it doesn't look like the ABS would interfere with the shocks/mounts, but I have never worked on an ABS softail.
Do the progressive 422s supply or suggest an ABS bracket and new location? Or do they leave it up to the customer to figure all that out..??
One tip on the shock removal. Most important on the older Softails, it is a good idea to hit the mounting bolts/screws a couple days in advance with penetrating oil a few times. It gives it time to saturate the mounting bolts/nuts. Because of the location at the bottom of the bike, and the restricted access, those bolts can be tough to get off.
Good luck and report back how it all goes....
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: San Ramon, Ca
I've changed shocks a few times on my older Heritage's. It is a P I T A !!
The only trick I remember is, using my lift, I raised the bike up just enough
to take the pressure off the wheel, but not enough so the wheel is hanging.
The only trick I remember is, using my lift, I raised the bike up just enough
to take the pressure off the wheel, but not enough so the wheel is hanging.
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Supporter
Joined: Jul 2025
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From: Thames Valley - England
Also used a trolley jack under the rear wheel to support its weight.
Edit to add video.
Last edited by GreenTea; Jul 26, 2025 at 01:35 AM. Reason: To add video
