Heim Joint Shift Linkage

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Feb 18, 2010 | 11:59 PM

#11

cmcsns

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 793

Likes: 4

From: Beverly Hills, Fl. Swimmin pools. Movie stars

Got mine at True Value, about $6 each and work just fine. Wire wheel and some wrinkle black paint, looks as good as those $50 ones!

Feb 19, 2010 | 02:18 AM

#12

Mike

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 6,786

Likes: 40

From: Centralia, Wa

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scubadog

Ok, I know this subject has been beat to death but here goes.
I definitely want to replace my shift linkage with the heim joints and don't give a ratts *** about the fancy HD versions. I’ve searched and read the many threads and posts but still want to make sure that I buy the exact parts that I need. I’m not looking for the fancy HD $149 chrome shift rods. I just want the best supplier and option for exactly what and where to get this simple $15 to $20 solution to an obvious HD deficiency in the shift linkage. I am a fully admitted idiot and need the Forest Gump version of exactly where and what to buy. What I would really like is a one stop complete kit that includes everything I need including fastners and instructions. I'd pay a fair price for that and i think many others would. Thanks.

You're making it way too difficult. It's a 10 minute job. You need a couple of 1/2 open end wrenches. Take off the old linkage. Measure the distance from one end of the linkage to the other. Remove the old linkage ends, and replace with the heim joints. Screw them both all the way onto the rod. (without the jam nuts) Re-measure, and if it's close to the same length, re-install on your bike. (if it's too short, you can put one or both of the jam nuts back on)

go to ebay and search for "harley heim" or "harley rod end" or "harley shift linkage". just take a minute. You need 2 heim joints, 5/16-24 RH female. You can source the fasteners at your hardware store. The bolts are also 5/16-24. Use 1 1/4 bolts, and put a 1/8 nylon spacer between the heim joint and the trans lever. You don't need a nut on the trans end, the lever is threaded. On forward end, you need some type of nut. Lots of guys use a nylock.

here's an ebay link that has the rod ends, and the bolts to install:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Heim-...Q5fAccessories

If you still think you need a kit with instructions, you're going to end up paying a bunch of money for one of those fancy chromed ones.

Or you can do it for about 10-15 bucks, using the ebay heim joints.

Last edited by Mike; Feb 19, 2010 at 02:20 AM.

Feb 19, 2010 | 06:46 AM

#13

bagga

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 3,673

Likes: 606

From:

i was at a tru value hardware store last week, they had some there. i didn't look at the price tho. i doubt they would be more than 5 or 6 bucks.

Feb 19, 2010 | 11:27 AM

#14

Clint55

Road Warrior

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 1,955

Likes: 7

From: The Great Northwest

Like the Boogaloo Dude said. Not much to it really. His link has everything you need but the nylon spacer for $9 delivered. Think I'll get one of these sets for the tool-kit for when the "other" guys linkage breaks.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Heim-...Q5fAccessories

Feb 19, 2010 | 11:55 AM

#15

2011 Road Glide Ultra

Road Warrior

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 1,352

Likes: 7

From: Keene, CA

Thanks for the link, guys - just ordered two.

Feb 19, 2010 | 06:08 PM

#16

smithbrl

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 1,692

Likes: 22

From: Denham Springs, La

I got a set from boogaloodude's link. Delivery was quick. Product looks good. The only thing I did was cut down the bolts so they didn't stick out the back side. I'm very pleased with them and hopefully I won't have to replace them any time soon.

Feb 19, 2010 | 06:59 PM

#17

Pine Tree

MODERATOR

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 4,108

Likes: 1,964

From: New England

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scubadog

...I’m not looking for the fancy HD $149 chrome shift rods....I am a fully admitted idiot and need the Forest Gump version of exactly where and what to buy...

The “Forest Gump” comment tells me a lot.

Save yourself the time, expense, and aggravation…just buy the HD “round” linkage for about $75 and be done with it.

Feb 19, 2010 | 07:25 PM

#18

Clint55

Road Warrior

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 1,955

Likes: 7

From: The Great Northwest

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pine Tree

The “Forest Gump” comment tells me a lot.

Save yourself the time, expense, and aggravation…just buy the HD “round” linkage for about $75 and be done with it.

Time = 15 minutes. Expense = $9.00 total delivered Aggravation = Zero

If you like the HD round version, might as well get this one for $50, includes a chrome cover for the tranny lever.

http://www.landmarkmfg.com/Linkage_Round.html

Whatever you decide Forest, this is easier than running a shrimp'n boat. Actually, it's easier than running!