Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

How do I replace Softail shocks???

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 8, 2006 | 08:31 PM
  #1  
WV_Bowhunter's Avatar
WV_Bowhunter
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default How do I replace Softail shocks???

Well, my '98 FLSTC needs its shocks replaced; my Softail is now a hardtail. I found Progressive 413's at a great price and picked-up a set. While waiting for them to arrive, I decided to pull the stockers off and that is my problem. I'm able to get the bolts to turn (slightly) but they have great resistance all the way around. I don’t have a lot of space, so its really hard to turn with stubby wrenches and a pry-bar. Are they just dipped in loktite? -or- am I doing something wrong?

Please shed some light on this!

Thanks,
Chris
 
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2006 | 10:43 PM
  #2  
Shovelhead Bob's Avatar
Shovelhead Bob
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,537
Likes: 21
Default RE: How do I replace Softail shocks???

You don't own a manual do you?

You need a few different wrenches, as well as a screw jack with a platform as well as another jack for the bike.....

The biggest PITA is the mounts to the swingarm, as I use an aircraft grade torque adapter (Spline) to break loose those bolts....

The shock mounts at the frame are another story, as you need to hold the shaft between the shock body and frame, then loosen the nuts on the ends.....

Have Fun.....

 
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2006 | 11:42 PM
  #3  
WV_Bowhunter's Avatar
WV_Bowhunter
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default RE: How do I replace Softail shocks???

It's that obvious???? [] Sorry, I've owned this bike for four years and planned on getting the manual. Now I finally have a serious need for it. Thank you for your help!

Chris
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Grovit
Dyna Glide Models
25
Mar 30, 2015 05:55 PM
billvaughn
Softail Models
6
Jul 21, 2012 07:26 AM
Mr1986FLST
EVO
1
Aug 7, 2010 10:01 PM
Wampuscat
Softail Models
6
Nov 16, 2008 05:20 AM
Psycho Steve
Softail Models
5
Sep 5, 2008 10:08 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:24 PM.

story-0
10 Most Awkward-Looking Motorcycles Ever Built

Slideshow: Not every motorcycle can be a design icon, and these machines prove that bold styling doesn't always age gracefully.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-18 10:29:31


VIEW MORE
story-1
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs

Slideshow: Jason Momoa's latest restoration project blends 1920s Harley-Davidsons with modern electric technology, creating some of the most unusual hybrid motorcycles ever built.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:18:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

Slideshow: Killer Custom's latest build relies on styling changes rather than performance upgrades, giving the cruiser an entirely different personality.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 18:28:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-4
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-5
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-9
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE