Question About Changing Rear Shocks
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Outstanding HDF Member
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From: Central Jersey
Question About Changing Rear Shocks
I'm going to replace my stock air shocks with Progressive 440-4002B 13" standard springs. Can I do one shock at a time when doing different lenght shocks, stock is 12 inches? I have a motorcycle jack if needed. If any one has replaced their stock shocks with Progressive 440 13 inches standard springs can you tell me if I use the same bolts and spaces as stock. Is there any advice to make this install trouble-free? I'm 6'0 225lbs, what was your settings that gave you a comfortable ride. I just like to get a good starting point. Thanks in advance for your advice. I have a 08 FLHX.
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From: King George, VA
No, both shocks will need to be pulled off to put the new ones on. The difference in the length will make it very tough to compress the springs on one while installing it.
As far as the mounting hardware, ya need to follow the instructions for the new shocks. Most of the time, its just kinda common sense of what fits. Just make sure they are aligned vertically (sideways wise). Pay close attention to bolt clearence with your rear pulley bolts or brake rotor.
As far as the mounting hardware, ya need to follow the instructions for the new shocks. Most of the time, its just kinda common sense of what fits. Just make sure they are aligned vertically (sideways wise). Pay close attention to bolt clearence with your rear pulley bolts or brake rotor.
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Outstanding HDF Member
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From: Central Jersey
No, both shocks will need to be pulled off to put the new ones on. The difference in the length will make it very tough to compress the springs on one while installing it.
As far as the mounting hardware, ya need to follow the instructions for the new shocks. Most of the time, its just kinda common sense of what fits. Just make sure they are aligned vertically (sideways wise). Pay close attention to bolt clearence with your rear pulley bolts or brake rotor.
As far as the mounting hardware, ya need to follow the instructions for the new shocks. Most of the time, its just kinda common sense of what fits. Just make sure they are aligned vertically (sideways wise). Pay close attention to bolt clearence with your rear pulley bolts or brake rotor.
Place bike on jack, lift slightly to reduce pressure on the swing arm & remove both shocks.
Raise jack as needed allowing the swing arm to drop & install new shocks per instructions. Normally the tire will still be on the floor.
Torque all attachment hardware & check for any clearance issues.
Lower bike & test ride to find the adjustment spot for you.
Thats it.
Raise jack as needed allowing the swing arm to drop & install new shocks per instructions. Normally the tire will still be on the floor.
Torque all attachment hardware & check for any clearance issues.
Lower bike & test ride to find the adjustment spot for you.
Thats it.
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From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
Place bike on jack, lift slightly to reduce pressure on the swing arm & remove both shocks.
Raise jack as needed allowing the swing arm to drop & install new shocks per instructions. Normally the tire will still be on the floor.
Torque all attachment hardware & check for any clearance issues.
Lower bike & test ride to find the adjustment spot for you.
Thats it.
Raise jack as needed allowing the swing arm to drop & install new shocks per instructions. Normally the tire will still be on the floor.
Torque all attachment hardware & check for any clearance issues.
Lower bike & test ride to find the adjustment spot for you.
Thats it.
+1 And be really careful when raising and lowering the bike. It's easy to go to far, especially lowering.
AND.........
Don't forget, the old shocks will have oil in them.... and that oil will come out all over the place if they are turned over. So have a plug ready or a place to put them so they are upright. Try and refrain from asking me how I know this
Last edited by shooter5074; Jan 27, 2012 at 02:19 PM.
+1 And be really careful when raising and lowering the bike. It's easy to go to far, especially lowering.
AND.........
Don't forget, the old shocks will have oil in them.... and that oil will come out all over the place if they are turned over. So have a plug ready or a place to put them so they are upright. Try and refrain from asking me how I know this
AND.........
Don't forget, the old shocks will have oil in them.... and that oil will come out all over the place if they are turned over. So have a plug ready or a place to put them so they are upright. Try and refrain from asking me how I know this
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Eaton, OH
In regards to plugging the hole, I changed the shocks on my bike and plugged the hole to keep the oil in.
I don't remember the exact size but I bought two plastic plugs from my local Ace Hardware to plug the holes that held the air line fittings. I released the air pressure from the lines and then pushed the keepers in to remove all the air lines from the fittings. I then used a wrench to remove the fittings from the shocks and replaced them with the plastic plugs.
I think the plugs were 1/4" NPT or something like that. I bought plastic because I felt they would seal the hole to keep the oil in and minimize risk of damaging the threads. I did wrap the plugs with some Teflon tape prior to putting them in the shock.
Once the plugs were in I just removed the shocks and put them in the box.
As others stated, I used a jack to lift the bike until the rear tire was just off the floor and then removed the four bolts holding them on. I then installed one of the new shocks with one bolt on the bottom and lowered the bike with the jack until I could see the upper mounting hole aligned with the shock. The bolt went in easily. I then did the same thing on the other side and then torqued all four bolts.
Easy to do if you have a jack and take your time. I'm not sure I'd want to try it without a jack.
I don't remember the exact size but I bought two plastic plugs from my local Ace Hardware to plug the holes that held the air line fittings. I released the air pressure from the lines and then pushed the keepers in to remove all the air lines from the fittings. I then used a wrench to remove the fittings from the shocks and replaced them with the plastic plugs.
I think the plugs were 1/4" NPT or something like that. I bought plastic because I felt they would seal the hole to keep the oil in and minimize risk of damaging the threads. I did wrap the plugs with some Teflon tape prior to putting them in the shock.
Once the plugs were in I just removed the shocks and put them in the box.
As others stated, I used a jack to lift the bike until the rear tire was just off the floor and then removed the four bolts holding them on. I then installed one of the new shocks with one bolt on the bottom and lowered the bike with the jack until I could see the upper mounting hole aligned with the shock. The bolt went in easily. I then did the same thing on the other side and then torqued all four bolts.
Easy to do if you have a jack and take your time. I'm not sure I'd want to try it without a jack.
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Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
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From: Central Jersey
Thanks for everyone's advice. I changed them fairly easily using a jack. Just have take a test ride tomorrow. Not sure if I like the look of rear now. The 13 inch 440 raised the back by about a inch....kinda takes the slammed look away. Have to see if the comfort is better than the look. Maybe ill try a set of 12 inch Ohlins....I tried these because I got them from a member on the Forum.
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