Lowering question
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 3
From: NC
RE: Lowering question
So I started a thread here in the softail section about differences between the 422 and the 413 progressive shocks as I wanted to get some more feedback and just see if the expense is really worth the ride improvement.. Apparantly those shocks are significantly better than the OEMs.. But I'm also seeing here that just that $100 kit is satisfactory. hmmm Dang and I thought seats were going to be a tough decision. 
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
RE: Lowering question
after reading the discussions here i ordered one of the burnout cycles kits... have to pick it up today or tomorrow at the post office but im all stoked..
ordered it on friday and got the note from the post office tuesday and didnt pay the extra either
as soon as i get it ill try to get the instructions up here
ordered it on friday and got the note from the post office tuesday and didnt pay the extra either
as soon as i get it ill try to get the instructions up here
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,925
Likes: 5
From:
RE: Lowering question
I didn't save the instructions, but it was so basic. Jack the bike up so the rear tire is off the ground, remove both shocks, remove the washers and bushings.
Use lock-tight on the threads of the shock absorber shaft (you will have to supply your own), thread the extensions on, install the new bushings and washers.
Ok, so here it got tricky, the shock will no longer fit because it is too long, so slide a block (I used a 4x4) under the rear wheel and slowly lower the jack untill you have enough room to install the shock-stud end first. Locktight the original rear bolts in, install the outer washer/bushings and adjust the nuts on the new shaft to the height to want.
The bolts that hold the rear of the shocks in were super tight, a good 3/4" wrench and mallet worked well to loosen, I also needed to hold onto the shock shaft (forgot what size wrench, maybe 5/8?) while trying to loosen the old stud nuts.
All in all, if you have a decent tool set, no specialty tools are required.
Hope this helps.
Use lock-tight on the threads of the shock absorber shaft (you will have to supply your own), thread the extensions on, install the new bushings and washers.
Ok, so here it got tricky, the shock will no longer fit because it is too long, so slide a block (I used a 4x4) under the rear wheel and slowly lower the jack untill you have enough room to install the shock-stud end first. Locktight the original rear bolts in, install the outer washer/bushings and adjust the nuts on the new shaft to the height to want.
The bolts that hold the rear of the shocks in were super tight, a good 3/4" wrench and mallet worked well to loosen, I also needed to hold onto the shock shaft (forgot what size wrench, maybe 5/8?) while trying to loosen the old stud nuts.
All in all, if you have a decent tool set, no specialty tools are required.
Hope this helps.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 3
From: NC
RE: Lowering question
Holy cow! I think because it sounds and appears so easy I'm second guessing that there's some gremlin that'll bite me. Nothing with these bikes is ever easy. hehehe
Now I'm playing the ebay game trying to get a hold of some shocks. Just a lowering kit would suffice, but I'm thinking if I can upgrade the ride, might as well.. If I don't score a set of progressives or other of same or better quality, I'll just do the kit.
Loctite question.. Red or Blue?
Thanks for the info. I get home at night and juggle two kids and always forget to dig into the svc manual.
Now I'm playing the ebay game trying to get a hold of some shocks. Just a lowering kit would suffice, but I'm thinking if I can upgrade the ride, might as well.. If I don't score a set of progressives or other of same or better quality, I'll just do the kit.
Loctite question.. Red or Blue?
Thanks for the info. I get home at night and juggle two kids and always forget to dig into the svc manual.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 503
Likes: 2
From: Dallas, Tx
RE: Lowering question
Blue is for something that you may want to remove later, Red is for things you never plan to remove.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
RE: Lowering question
well, got the part and the instructions, it really is as simple as theyre saying. its really just a spacer to push back the rear wheel making it closer to the fender and just bolts on each side... very simple. i can see the only difficult part being getting the rear tire up to reassemble the shock once the spacer is on. i read in an earlier post about lowering the jack with a board under the tire, lifting it, i think ill try that.
havent had a chance yet, had some rare days off and decided to spend them riding instead of working more
havent had a chance yet, had some rare days off and decided to spend them riding instead of working more