Heim Joint Question
 

There are numerous threads suggesting the replacement of the stock ball & socket joint ends on the shifter linkage with RH 5/16 - 24 female rod end connectors. What I haven't been able to find in all of these threads is the size of the bolts needed to attach the rod end connectors to the shift lever and transmission lever. Since the transmission lever is threaded, bolt size, length, and thread-pitch is important. If the bolt should be a 5/16-24, then what length is needed? If it's something else, please advise. Are the front and rear bolts the same length? I plan to use a acorn nut for the front lever bolt, like comes in the HD shifter linkage upgrades. That make the length of the front bolt critical also.

I purposely didn't say "Heim joint" in this post simply because we are talking about rod end connectors. Heim is just one company among many who manufacture rod end connectors. I'll be using Hillman rod end connectors.

I'd like to get all of the parts needed to make this change so I don't have any bike down time. Thanks in advance

Thanks for the reply. I'll post the bolt size listed in the "ebay kit" here in this thread so someone in the future can do a search and find the answer in the forum. That link will be broken sooner or later.

(2) 5/16-24 x 1-1/4 bolts
(1) 5/16-24 nut

RWT,

Where did you buy those Hillman Rod Ends?

Thanks

Maybe this will help.
http://www.midwestcontrol.com/part.php?id=301

The Hillman rod ends were purchased at Ace Hardware.

ace harleyware rocks
 

when I got my 2005 electraglide the arm and rod were held together with a shoe-string. (came apart at 8k in Nebraska...)

first thing I fixed even though the og owner told me not to take it off.
he got way more miles out of the string than the joint!...

I bought 2 ace hardware stainless joints. almost positive they were Hillman. I am using the original rod I covered it in heat shrink. (I live in a rusty environment.)
looked awesome for a long time. till I scored on a twisted stainless indian rod that I had to shorten and reweld.

the threads line right up it was easy.
maybe there was a year change?

why can you just retap the threads on your rod to suit?

I have more ace fasteners on my bike than HD fasteners
my 2012 bike has 14 completely rusted to death nuts so far and it is still 2011....

Wow already rusting......thats crazy!

Thanks, didn't think Ace carried stuff like that.

Stopped in to my dealer a couple of days ago looking for Heim Joints, I figured they would carry them, not a chance.

Check McMaster-Carr.com