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Progressive Drop In Kit Install - Step By Step

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Old Mar 17, 2011 | 02:29 PM
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Default Progressive Drop In Kit Install - Step By Step

Well, this was something that kind of intimidated me at first. The idea of taking my frontend apart was a little worrisome. However, after diving into it, it really was easy and I learned a lot.

I used the progressive drop-in kit and lowered the frontend 2". I love the new feel and how the bike handles. The looks are great too...

I had to unwire my turnsignals because they are mounted on my FL forks. I removed the headlight and fork tins. I also layed the handle bars back on on the tank but this is not necessary.



The fork caps can be accessed and removed without removing the bars. Once the caps are removed, the pinch bolts can be loosened and the fork tubes will slide right out. I removed the wheel, front fender, brake caliper, etc. and removed each tube individually. However, you can leave all that on and just slowly raise the bike on the lift, and the tubes will slide through the tree and allow you to take off the cap holding the fork spring. The cap is under pressure from the spring so be careful. Once you access the tube, remove the stock spring, replace fork oil with heavy fork oil (previously drained obviously) and put in the progressive kit which includes a big spring, smaller compensator spring, and 2 brass washers, and a PVC spacer that you will cut to fit for your particular model per the instructions.



Here are some showing me accessing the tubes without removing the bars:




Adding another ounce of fork oil. FL's need 12.9 ounces:


The spacer needed to be cut to 3" to equal a 2" drop.

After cutting the spacer, put the cap back on, slide the tubes back in place, tighten down the fork cap and pinch bolts, then put all your tins, headlight, light bar, etc. back on.

I learned a lot and really like the results. Good Luck!
 
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Old Mar 17, 2011 | 02:32 PM
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Nice write up, Toby. Your bike is looking great!
 
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Old Mar 17, 2011 | 03:11 PM
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Good Job Toby... I knew you were gonna be good with it, just a lot of little things to take off yeah... I bet it looks better and more even flow.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2011 | 03:20 PM
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I have our shop mechanic doing my bike as we speak. I am only going to lower it 1" and am putting in the intiminators as well. Thanks for the write up.

Drew
 
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Old Mar 17, 2011 | 04:27 PM
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After installing my new 422's and tires I'm thinking about this as well. It would be a pure aesthetic thing as the handling on my bike is just fine.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2011 | 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted by JY Kelly
After installing my new 422's and tires I'm thinking about this as well. It would be a pure aesthetic thing as the handling on my bike is just fine.
It's a much easier install on an FX front end as well. It really is a "drop in install" for your bike JY Kelley. I am a alittle concerned about how the bike is going to handle and if i am going to be scraping parts a lot easier like my floorboards, but I finally decided to go for it.

The intiminators are supposed to drastically improve the handling.

Drew
 
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Old Mar 17, 2011 | 05:05 PM
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The intiminators are supposed to drastically improve the handling

What are "intiminators" again?
 
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Old Mar 17, 2011 | 05:11 PM
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Here ya go.
http://www.intiminators.com/harley-davidson.php

Drew
 
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Old Mar 17, 2011 | 05:44 PM
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Good wrenching. Thanks for the pics. You are now certified to tear into the cam chest and rip those jugs off!
 
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Old Mar 17, 2011 | 05:45 PM
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Nice write up, your bike looks very cool lowered
 
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