softail rear shocks?

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Nov 15, 2008 | 05:16 PM

Wampuscat

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Cruiser

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softail rear shocks?

Any of you changed your shocks on a softail before? The LBS wants 4 hrs labor for the job and I'm a do it and learn guy so I hate paying when I don't have to. I have a '94 Heritage and can get shocks for $150 at J&P so I'm set there. Any tips on the job besides read the manual? It says I need a Snap-On adapter for the torque wrench to be accurate. I've done a lot of wrenching and right or wrong have never used a torque wrench yet.

Nov 15, 2008 | 05:17 PM

mojojones

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2007

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From: North Carolina

I put Progressive 422's on mine and it took about an hour, including adjustment.

Nov 15, 2008 | 05:32 PM

5speedblu

Road Captain

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 534

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From: Good Old "New England"

get a torque wrench if you plan to do anything.
there is tight & there is to tight, a torque wrench will allow you to tighten a bolt to its max b/4/you break it and it will lessen the chance it will come loose.
as far as changing your shocks it is easy, use loc-tite & a torque wrench and follow the manual you will be fine. good luck.

Nov 15, 2008 | 07:51 PM

Buddha4

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Joined: Oct 2006

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Unless you have a wheel chock and a jack it will be a little harder for you to stabilize the bike. one the bike is up it should not take even close to the 4 hours the dealer quoted you. Prior to taking the shocks off mine (03) I had a spare set of rubber bushings. I'm glad since one set had developed cracks after 30K.

Nov 15, 2008 | 08:42 PM

*NIGHT TRAIN*

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 7,217

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From: Southern Ohio

4 Hours?? My dealer, who I know and trust, changed the shocks on mine...they had me out in less than an hour and charged me $45...

Nov 16, 2008 | 01:34 AM

story808

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2007

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From: Hawaii

You can do it yourself... You won't need the torque wench for that job... But having one for alot of other mods is a must. Why take the chance of breaking off bolts and studs, better safe then sorry, right?

Nov 16, 2008 | 05:20 AM

Trailfndr

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 2,755

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From: Commerce, Mich.

Just finished a lowering kit on the wifes Softail. Took the shocks out, added the lowering kit, and re-installed all in about 1 1/2 hours. NEVER taken them out before. If I can do it, YOU can too.