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Ohlins swing arm alignment question

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Old Sep 24, 2016 | 03:06 PM
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Default Ohlins swing arm alignment question



Lost the printed out instructions I had for ohlins swing arm alignment check. Is this procedure from jrI pretty much the correct way of making sure the shocks are sitting perfectly plum?
 
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Old Sep 24, 2016 | 05:03 PM
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The best way IMO is to run down to the local metal supply and buy some 1 x 1 x 12 inch 1018 cold rolled steel bars.. Place I go has them on the shelf. You can pick out the straightest ones off the stack by taking 2 and running against each other a few times while flipping and turning. They are easily within couple thou. With a good drill press, drill holes in the ends at say 11 inches apart. Clamp the 2 bars together and keep em clamped while drilling the holes. This ensures that they are at the same length.

You can simply bolt the struts to the frame and see how they meet up with the swing arm. You can kind of figure out what you need to get things lined at the top. You then attach bars to the swing arm and see if you have a misalignment at the top. Adjust again. Try bolting the bars in place with spacers is a good test. May only be able to do one at a time depending on frame / swingarm alignment and straightness.


There are a bunch of things you can do with the bars.

Here's a pic where I pull the top shock mount in line with a threaded bar and the 2 struts. You might need to check drivetrain alignment after this. In fact it is best to do the alignment first then check after if really ****..


 
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Old Sep 24, 2016 | 05:20 PM
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Hemi1300, that is the same thing Howard tells you to do in his instructions.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2016 | 05:48 PM
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Originally Posted by hemi1300


Lost the printed out instructions I had for ohlins swing arm alignment check. Is this procedure from jrI pretty much the correct way of making sure the shocks are sitting perfectly plum?
That's what I did. Works like a charm!! Go for it...
 
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Old Sep 24, 2016 | 06:46 PM
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Thanks guys, thought this would work like a charm, only needed one thin washer up top on each side to fill the gap. I remember somewhere where folks were talking about using a large caliper and other non sense making it more complicated than it needs to be. Straight edge on the lower shock bolt is quick and easy
 
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Old Sep 24, 2016 | 07:36 PM
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Default No Talent

Originally Posted by Longridertx
Hemi1300, that is the same thing Howard tells you to do in his instructions.
That is because Marcus of JRI had absolutely no talent and plagiarized my directions, the same ones I use since 2006 right here on HDF.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2016 | 07:38 PM
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Originally Posted by hemi1300
Thanks guys, thought this would work like a charm, only needed one thin washer up top on each side to fill the gap. I remember somewhere where folks were talking about using a large caliper and other non sense making it more complicated than it needs to be. Straight edge on the lower shock bolt is quick and easy
Had you received my instructions had you purchased from me you would have known that the back side of the caliper is a straight edge, not so hard. I develop these directions for my own customers so I can feed my children and wife. I hate it when those selfish one way MF think my time is worthless.
 

Last edited by FastHarley; Sep 24, 2016 at 07:41 PM.
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Old Jun 20, 2018 | 06:12 AM
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Howard, where can get I get your mounting/setup instructions?
 
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Old Jun 20, 2018 | 06:12 AM
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Old Jun 20, 2018 | 06:13 AM
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Thanks everyone, for your replies.
 
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