I would like to lower my Deuce about 2" and am considering drop in
kit from Progressive for front forks and their rear lowering shocks: am I
headed in the right direction or should I be looking to go in another direction?

I'm questioning the front fork solution especially. Another better way to go?

 

it will work, whats the issue you're having?

 

I want to get the bike lower and want to get the handlebars closer to me.
I have a bad back and my riding position is causing me problems. Any recommendation
on the bars.

 

gotta look around, carlini makes some drag bars that have a pullback on them and look good, you can go old school and use some risers with a curve and go drag bar, look at arlen ness's web site and look at his drag bars, any kind of ape will not get you hands back close to you. as far as lowering, what you're talking about will work, there's other ways but they start getting expensive, custom cycle controls makes a fantastic adjustible air shock, look at their website, they have great handlebars too, all hidden everything, also expensive, its all about what you want, and want to spend

 

Getting the bike lower isn't going to do a thing for your riding position, as far as the handle bars go.
But like harleyvharlie said, there are a number of different ways you can go to move the grips back toward you.
Just be careful and READ the fine print, Deuce's ar something of an orphan child when it comes to getting off the shelf parts that fit properly.
Lots of things that fit every other Softail ever made will have fine print under it saying "except Deuce", so be aware of it.
One suggestion I heard, and agree with is that if you don't see your bike specifically listed, like it says 'fits all Softails after such and such year' make sure you double check with the maker before you send any money.
I have similar problem with reach and went with Harley's old Bombay bars, puts the grips lower and gave me a tack housing to boot.




But the damn things cost a bunch if you get them from Harley or a dealer.
I lucked out and found a set on evil-bay for under $100.

 

I had the same back ache problem went with taller/more pull back drag bars was better ....and then went with 14" apes....MUCH better.

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I was looking at some of the Carlini bars.
You have some really nice rides.

 

When I lowered my bike, I put a 5 degree rake triple tree on it to get the bike evened out and it brought the bars closer to me as well. Although that's not what I was looking for, so I put on 8" risers with drag bars, to bring me back to a comfortable riding position.

 

AzDeuce....what did you do with the bars you had on before the ape hangers....I have drag bars on my Deuce....but they are only about 7" of rise...and 2" of pull-back....I too would be more comfortable if mine were a little further back....I had those Bombay bars on the last FXST I had...and I really liked them....but they won't fit a Deuce....although...I think I have seen some adapters that make any bars work on a Deuce...