Quetion about lowering front end.

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Feb 7, 2010 | 05:58 PM

oneway

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 9

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Quetion about lowering front end.

I am going to lower my front end and would like to know if just replacing the dampeners with arlen ness's shorter ones is as good as using a drop in progressive kit. I already have the sliders completely toe down due to getting some powdercoating done.

Feb 7, 2010 | 06:13 PM

BLKnCHRME09Deluxe

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 2,864

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From: kansas city,mo

Progressive= nice ride
Ness dampners= crap ride
read read read..... https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...kit-blows.html

Feb 7, 2010 | 06:30 PM

DR. V-TWIN

Former Sponsor

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 19,364

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From: Los Angeles, CA

^agreed. You might want to consider putting some race tech gold valves in it for an even better ride.

Feb 7, 2010 | 07:38 PM

back again

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: May 2005

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From: Georgia

Quote:

Originally Posted by DR. V-TWIN

^agreed. You might want to consider putting some race tech gold valves in it for an even better ride.

ditto on the valves.I did it in progression,springs first pretty nice improvement over stock.Still had the spring ride though.Gold valves next real good ride after trying all the settings.Front end glides over things now without the spring feel.Pricey at 150 but well worth the ride and control gained imho.

Feb 7, 2010 | 07:47 PM

FastHarley

Former Sponsor

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 5,360

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From: Davie, FL

On a Softail, just purchase shorter fork tubes. Make sure the sliders do not hit the triple tree. Only time you change the stroke your ride will suffer severely, that is, unless you do not ride it. Shorter fork tubes, and purchase the Gold Valves with springs for your weight. Same stroke, lower triple tree in relation to the forks (frame is lowered closer to the axle). You will have to watch 2 things, fender hitting bottom of triple tree and sliders hitting the bottom triple tree under full stroke.

I just did a set on one of our members Baggers which is much more involved. He took it for a ride today and will post soon with photos.

Feb 7, 2010 | 07:53 PM

caletcb

Tourer

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 373

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From: Alabama

what weight oil yall use

Feb 7, 2010 | 10:07 PM

20FXST06

Road Captain

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 602

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From: Maryland via NC

I used the Ness short dampers. 2" drop, used HD racing fork oil. It don't ride like a Cadillac for sure. Hey but what do I know, I rode a Ironhorse rigid for seven years!! Come to think of it, it does sorta ride like a Cadillac.