First of all, I want to get anyone involved who is interested in or has already performed the Timken Conversion for 2003 or newer big-bore engines. I really think the subject is lacking information. if this conversation fits in a particular place, please point me there. I tried to search for anything detailed about this and got frustrated. So here goes:


In all the posts, and online instructions, no one and I mean no one provides a good step-by-step instruction on the Timken conversion for 03 and newer motors. As someone who has sent off his left half crank case to have it modified with the Jims Timken sleeve and bearing races, I can attest to how loathsome and lacking the install portion of the instructions are. Now that I have a flywheel with an inside Timken bearing (heat seated) and the left side of my crank case done...So what? what's the next step. Is there a blown up schematic showing the parts in order, ie. Race, spacer, washer etc? No. I even read some posts where people make claims about how easy it is. What are the part numbers; what is the order of parts to install next? is there a concern for left to right shift? If so, what compensates for that? All videos on Youtube and via industry sites show the Jims install, but I am ready to put my case back together and before I do that, I want to make sure my bottom end is not going to explode because I missed a washer or forgot to space something properly. What about after I push the sprocket shaft through the left crank half and install the outside bearing? Isn't there an oil retainer and spacer that goes next? I don't know because no one online is showing us. I went to my dealer and got the typical answer about voiding warranty and possible injury to my engine if I didn't follow manufacture specifications. Come on, someone has performed this modification successfully. Plus, I would think that the few companies who offer the Jims conversion process would also show us how to complete the install to promote more business. Darkhorse, Dan Vance, Hammer, Revolution and S&S all fall short of explaining the entire installation process.

 

Didn't watch it all but it did have some good info.

 

Thanks Dirtdobber. I have watched all of these videos and they have valuable information for anyone wanting to do the machine work using the Timken install kit. However neither these videos or any other instruction site goes further than the JIM's tool kit. There are several shops that will do this much for you (from $400-$600). You will send off the left side of your case and when it comes back, the new bushing has been machined in and there are tapered sleeves pressed in for the bearings. What's lacking at this point is a detailed instruction on the installation process from: Placing the inner bearing on the shaft to closing the case up and assembling the outer bearing, thrust washer? spacer? etc. What order of assembly? What actual part numbers? what size spacer? If I look at my manual, I will see the diagram for the factory install showing the order of assembly with the roller bearing. But, this is a conversion process using two Timken bearing and little is found beyond the JIM's tool kit. I know a lot of folks have accomplished this since 2003 and I'm hoping they will share their instruction process.

 

I think there is more to it than just bearing in the left side it must in perfect alignment with the other half of the case. Not to mention the the condition of your crank. Not an expert by any means. I think that the proper equipment needed to accomplish this would make it difficult for the garage builder to do. I would want it done by someone who is proficient in this process. JMO
Russ

 

Russ, you may be correct in your assessment and I should probably find a reputable shop to finish my assembly. However, I already have the case in parts on my bench and I do have all the tools to complete the job. I'm just looking for some assembly help. I was hoping some of those professionals saw my thread and wanted to step in and walk me through it. Or that someone like me has already gone through the process and just like me was frustrated at the lack of information on this upgrade. Assembly of the factory bearings, spacers and races is easy and not overly technical. Plus, before 2002, the Timken bearing was the standard on all motors. H-D decided to save some money and switch to a roller bearing assembly that is much easier to manage in an automated assembly line. The Timken is considered superior in stability and better at handling torque under stress. it's considered essential for anyone building a high end motor. I began with the premise that if I'm going to build a motor from the ground up, I may as well start at the bottom. Thanks for your input.

 

Good luck Buck FW

Sent you a pm

Russ

 

The two diagrams show the difference in the assembly process. There are two Timken bearing versus the one Ina Roller. JIM's sells the entire kit. The one big difference is on the outer sprocket shaft spacer which is shorter for the Timken conversion. A discussion on this topic can be found at: http://harleytechtalk.org/htt/index.php?topic=47181.0