If I did something wrong with the install, please advise bc I am all ears and open for suggestions if I installed the ohlins incorrectly. But I installed exactly per ohlins instructions and called them to confirm that rub marks on the plastic collar is completely normal, and that is the sole purpose of that plastic collar

 

Sent you a pm.

 

You are checking this without the shock on. Straight edge from bolt hole to bolt hole and adjust as needed.

 

The mere mention of Ohlins and the obsessive compulsiveness abounds.

 

Depending on the springs I put on, mine did this too. Same story from Ohlins, too. From every check I can do, there are no alignment issues like some of the folks here are discussing.

But ... I don't really like it, so I just take a little time after mounting the shocks to center the spring around the shock body, top and bottom. Just look at the gap between the spring and shock, all around, and push the spring where it seats to make it as uniform as possible.

This seemed to get rid of the scraping for me, and surprisingly it stays put over a lot of miles.

Good luck.

 

What you have on your shocks is not normal. Unfortunately, Ohlin's instructions are not good. Although they provide you extra spacers, you should only install what is necessary after you go through the alignment process. I purchased my Ohlins from Howard (3-3 on Howard's website and Ohlins model is 159), so I received his alignment instructions. Alignment check is necessary before installing the shocks.

I can't post Howard's instructions here, because i don't want to violate any copy right he has. I hope Buell95 has reached out to you, and hopefully he is sharing his alignment steps with you. If not, pm me.

 

One other concern I have, are u supposed to loosen and tighten the nylon screw when adjusting preload? Tried to loosen the screw a bit to adjust the preload collar but the screw didn't want to budge and I didn't want to force it and break it clean in half

 

It's a nylon adjuster. The owners manual states the following:
5 Mechanical Adjuster
Unlock the nylon screw on the spring adjuster with a screwdriver (5A). Use tool (03199-01) and turn the spring adjuster clockwise to increase the preload (5B), turn counter clockwise to decrease it.

 

This is my installed HD159's after 60 miles. Coil clearance all the way around the housing is approx. 1/8 inch. NO rubbing of any kind on my '04 Road King.

 

I hate you. One thing I did notice while adjusting the pre load is the spring will move around a bit and one side may be up against the plastic collar. A quick eyeball after adjusting and pulling the spring over seems to pop it into into place where it's centered around the shock body. Even if I had a small gap from top to bottom and the shocks weren't sitting perfectly level, I wouldn't think that would cause the spring to shift over and rub against the body