I'm in the process of installing a Progressive lowering kit on the front end of my 2000 Road King Classic. I have both fork tubes out laying on the bench. I'm having a little difficulty removing the cap screws that go up vertically on the bottom of the lower sliders. The manual say to use a air impact to loosen these. I'm at a stop right now as I have an air impact wrench, but no extended 6mm hex socket that will reach the one side. I'll get one today. My question is what are those caps screws connected to? I'm looking at the parts blowup but can't really tell by that. I'm hesitating to turn them with a normal ratchet since I don't really understand how this thing is assembled and don't want to do any damage. If someone has done this job could you please explain this to me? TIA, Roy

 

They screw right into the bottom of the damper assembly that is inside the lower. You can't hurt THAT but those screws are brass and the heads will strip easily. Make sure you have a good sharp allen and the air impact is so they'll break free cleanly.

 

Also, consider replacing with new ones (and new crush washers for sure) if they are even a little bit dinged up.

 

this is for a 2009 SG but I can't imagine it's that different. The 6mm screw is attached to the damper tube and there is an "oil lock" at the end of the tube (cylinder in 2nd pic). Here are a few pics I took during disassembly, I didn't use an impact wrench at all.

 

I took a 6mm allen and epoxy welded it into a socket to make one

You can also use this method if you don't have an impact

 

Stro, OK, I got one apart. Now I can see why the air impact was needed. I will take your advice and replace the screws and crush washers. I need to go pick up new seals so I'm hoping I can get them all at the same time. Thanks for the quick reply. Some times a little explanation is all a person needs. I'm in no hurry with this due to cold weather and didn't want to foul something up. Thanks again, Roy

 

Dawg and X1, Thanks for the pics. Looks like this has a happy ending. I don't think mine was coming apart without the impact. I might just chop off a hex key and put it in a 6mm socket. It'll save me a trip into town although I have felt the need for some extended hex sockets. Love those new tools. Thanks guys, Roy

 

Dawg, is that a screwdriver you're using to hold the fork? Good info, as I'm doing this very soon myself.

 

Yes, flatblade through the caliper mounting hole to hold it from turning