Question on changing Fat Boy mufflers
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 64
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From: North Carolina
Question on changing Fat Boy mufflers
Based on the excellent input I received from all of you on mufflers, I have a new set of Rush slip-ons with the slash-down tips and 1.75" baffles on the way !!!
First of all, thanks to everyone to provided input - it was a big help.
This is a 2008 Fat Boy - I was looking at the muffler mounting this morning to see what it'll take to do this muffler swap. The muffler clamps are right there and should be no issue. It looks like I can probably do this without removing the heat shields from the front pipes (could be wrong there).
I'm also assuming "slip-on" refers to the new mufflers and the old ones won't just "slip off" - I'm guessing some persuasion is going to be required to break them loose from the front pipes, once unbolted (could be wrong there too...).
My question - the 2 bolts that hold each muffler to the support bracket - from what I see, there's very little clearance to get at those bolts to remove them. There in there at an angle, not sure if that helps or hurts yet... Is there any tricks anyone can share to getting these bolts out?
For example - I just don't see how a rachet can fit in there due to the limited clearance - box end wreches my only option? Would an angled box-end wrench be better? Am I better to get the top muffler off first to help gain access to the bolts on the bottom muffler?
Any tips that anyone has learned would be most appreciated.
I can't wait to get these bad boys on there !!!
Thanks,
Jack
First of all, thanks to everyone to provided input - it was a big help.
This is a 2008 Fat Boy - I was looking at the muffler mounting this morning to see what it'll take to do this muffler swap. The muffler clamps are right there and should be no issue. It looks like I can probably do this without removing the heat shields from the front pipes (could be wrong there).
I'm also assuming "slip-on" refers to the new mufflers and the old ones won't just "slip off" - I'm guessing some persuasion is going to be required to break them loose from the front pipes, once unbolted (could be wrong there too...).
My question - the 2 bolts that hold each muffler to the support bracket - from what I see, there's very little clearance to get at those bolts to remove them. There in there at an angle, not sure if that helps or hurts yet... Is there any tricks anyone can share to getting these bolts out?
For example - I just don't see how a rachet can fit in there due to the limited clearance - box end wreches my only option? Would an angled box-end wrench be better? Am I better to get the top muffler off first to help gain access to the bolts on the bottom muffler?
Any tips that anyone has learned would be most appreciated.
I can't wait to get these bad boys on there !!!
Thanks,
Jack
You don't have to take off the heatshield. Loosen your clamp by removing the clamp bolt and take out the two bracket screws holding the muffler on. Take your hands and push down on the muffler then up and then wiggle off. Repeat with the other muffler. You're just spreading the opening flange where the clamp is.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 2
From: Gastonia, NC
That's right. Just do the easiest one to get to first and that will clear the way for the other one. Be careful when moving the old muffler back and forth. Be gentle and you'll see it walking off the pipe. The new ones will slip right on. Hope you like the new Rush's. I'm running the same baffle and am totally satisfied.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 4,677
Likes: 141
From: haverhill mass
Based on the excellent input I received from all of you on mufflers, I have a new set of Rush slip-ons with the slash-down tips and 1.75" baffles on the way !!!
First of all, thanks to everyone to provided input - it was a big help.
This is a 2008 Fat Boy - I was looking at the muffler mounting this morning to see what it'll take to do this muffler swap. The muffler clamps are right there and should be no issue. It looks like I can probably do this without removing the heat shields from the front pipes (could be wrong there).
I'm also assuming "slip-on" refers to the new mufflers and the old ones won't just "slip off" - I'm guessing some persuasion is going to be required to break them loose from the front pipes, once unbolted (could be wrong there too...).
My question - the 2 bolts that hold each muffler to the support bracket - from what I see, there's very little clearance to get at those bolts to remove them. There in there at an angle, not sure if that helps or hurts yet... Is there any tricks anyone can share to getting these bolts out?
For example - I just don't see how a rachet can fit in there due to the limited clearance - box end wreches my only option? Would an angled box-end wrench be better? Am I better to get the top muffler off first to help gain access to the bolts on the bottom muffler?
Any tips that anyone has learned would be most appreciated.
I can't wait to get these bad boys on there !!!
Thanks,
Jack
First of all, thanks to everyone to provided input - it was a big help.
This is a 2008 Fat Boy - I was looking at the muffler mounting this morning to see what it'll take to do this muffler swap. The muffler clamps are right there and should be no issue. It looks like I can probably do this without removing the heat shields from the front pipes (could be wrong there).
I'm also assuming "slip-on" refers to the new mufflers and the old ones won't just "slip off" - I'm guessing some persuasion is going to be required to break them loose from the front pipes, once unbolted (could be wrong there too...).
My question - the 2 bolts that hold each muffler to the support bracket - from what I see, there's very little clearance to get at those bolts to remove them. There in there at an angle, not sure if that helps or hurts yet... Is there any tricks anyone can share to getting these bolts out?
For example - I just don't see how a rachet can fit in there due to the limited clearance - box end wreches my only option? Would an angled box-end wrench be better? Am I better to get the top muffler off first to help gain access to the bolts on the bottom muffler?
Any tips that anyone has learned would be most appreciated.
I can't wait to get these bad boys on there !!!
Thanks,
Jack
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 12
I have the same mufflers on my bike. A small box end is about the only wat to get those little bolts out. It's a pain in the azz, but possible. I used the stock heat shields on the rush mufflers so I took them off. As far as taking the muffs off the head pipes. WD40. Again....WD40.... makes the come right off.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,257
Likes: 6
From: Leander Texas
open end wrench
, also heat the engine a little and the pipes come off easy and i used the stock heat shields too
, also heat the engine a little and the pipes come off easy and i used the stock heat shields too
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 4,677
Likes: 141
From: haverhill mass
my dealer wants 45.00 to put my slip on mufflers on. i can see the 4 bolts are a pain in the *** lol....
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Joined: Nov 2009
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From: North Carolina
Thanks...
Hey thanks guys. Glad to hear I'm not the only one who sees these little bolts as a pain...
I like the idea of the 1/4" breaker bar with a socket -- I would've never come up with that one... I like the WD-40 suggestion too.
I've also got a set of racheting box-end wrenches, so between it all, I should be able to get 'em out.
I really appreciate the replies and the creative thinking !! The slip-ons are scheduled to arrive late this week. Hopefully I'll have a picture or two posted before the weekend is up !!
Jack
I like the idea of the 1/4" breaker bar with a socket -- I would've never come up with that one... I like the WD-40 suggestion too.
I've also got a set of racheting box-end wrenches, so between it all, I should be able to get 'em out.
I really appreciate the replies and the creative thinking !! The slip-ons are scheduled to arrive late this week. Hopefully I'll have a picture or two posted before the weekend is up !!
Jack
I swapped the mufflers on my Heritage tonight...
20 minute job, the only tough part is lining the holes back up on the mounting bracket.
Check the ends of the mufflers for burrs, and the end of the headpipe for burrs, if they have some, a file and some PB Blaster will save you some headache.
20 minute job, the only tough part is lining the holes back up on the mounting bracket.
Check the ends of the mufflers for burrs, and the end of the headpipe for burrs, if they have some, a file and some PB Blaster will save you some headache.