I am going to (maybe) change my lower fork legs and cans on a 2004 FLHT. It has the cartridge in the forks. Does anyone know what specialty tools I will need and any helpful hints or problems to expect while doing this. Thanks for the advice.

 

The toughest part of the job IMO is getting the fork tube caps on and off. There are some pretty inexpensive one man operation kits for this however I have yet to purchase one. Basic hand tools will get the job done. Ohh and you will need a long 6mm allen wrench/allen socket for the left tube.

 

If ya don't mind spending just a lil more, I'd swap the cartridge out for the conventional spring. Many do this to get rid of the cartridge. Minor parts list to complete it also.

 

Good tip.

 

PM UltraKla$$ic... He did the job, and provided a great thread on the how-to when he chromed his lowers...

 

Sledge, only the left fork has the cartridge. Rather than concern myself with the tools necessary for that job, I pulled the forks, carried them to a local HD store, and had them do the 50K mile service. I then reinstalled the forks in my '04 EG.

If you don't already have one, do yourself a favor and buy the HD Service manual for your bike.

Personally, I considered swapping out the parts and installing the Road King left fork, (which others have done), but didn't because I believe there is a reason why HD (went to the expense to) put a different left fork on the EG and RG, than the fairingless RK's in '04.

I also considered swapping out the parts in my forks and replacing them with the '06 version and nixed this idea for cost reasons.

Good luck with your project.

 

I pulled the legs on mine and took them to my local INDY they only charged me an hours labor to change everything, I did a lowering kit and chrome lowers.

 

Can't speak about the cartridge as I have an 06. Built a seal tool out of split pvc pipe. Read the manual and it was easy. My Son-In-Law and I did it in a few hours, just don't forget to re-install the lower drain screw prior to filling up the forks! ;-) Ask me how I know!!! Oh yeah, don't drink beer while doing this! Refer to previous sentence!

 

Do you know what this minor parts list consists of because I would like to ditch the cartridge and put in progressive springs. I ahve been told this can be done and that this cant be done. Thanks

 

Sent ya a PM. And yes you can swap the stock springs out for Progressive springs once you change over the cartridge to conventional.