OK, So I installed RK 12" air shocks on my 48 about a week ago(part #54661-02A) as describe in this thread:

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...ng-shocks.html

I was pretty impressed with the ride compared to stock but most people who did this talked about the ride now being a "cadillac" and mine was only a Chevy. So, I did some research and found a thread on another forum about changing the oil in the shocks and being that I really didn't know what weight oil or how much oil was in the shocks I bought used off another form member, I thought I'd give it a try. I made a jig to compress the shocks and drained the oil as described in a thread on another forum that can be found here:

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s....php?t=1038905

The thread has another link on page 2 as well.

What I found was surprising. There was only 5-6 ounces of oil in one of the shocks and less than 9 in the other. The oil was very dirty and had some sediment in it. I drained it out completely as described in the above threads and put in new 5wt. Suspension Fluid I bought at the Honda Dealer (made by Showa). I should note that the MOCO says this can't be done but they are wrong. I put 9 ounces in each shock as I wasn't sure of the amount it should have. I know the 13" shocks call for 10 oz. But mine are 12" and I don't know if that matters. I can always add another ounce. Might add that I have Schrader vales in each shock and just took out the air valve to drain and fill. I used a rubber nipple and funnel to fill as shown in pics.

I reinstalled the shocks added "0" air pressure and headed out to find a bumpy road. After 50 miles I can say the ride is much improved after changing the oil. The whole process took less than an hour and the cost was less than $20. Here's a couple pics. The pics were taken post install as I didn't think to take any while doing it-sorry.

 

Very cool. . .glad you were able to get to the Cadillac feeling.

 

Excellent info! Thanks for sharing.

 

Nice!! thanks for the links. i installed mine tonight and I was thinkin of changing oil, You've answered my questions.

 

OK I've drained the oil from the RK Shocks I bought and want to refill them.

I'm using a syringe and some plastic tubing. The fitting has been removed and I have fed the tube into the opening but the oil just drains back out.

What's the best way to force oil back into them again? I have limited tools and frankly don't even have a vice.

 

Click on the second link.

 

Ah good eye Rog I didn't have time earlier to check that. Thanks for pointing that out.