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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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...

 

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?

 

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.