Compress forks?

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Apr 25, 2013 | 08:03 PM

jrat69

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From: Indiana

Compress forks?

Getting my lowers powder coated now, and then will be installing the lowered monotubes. How hard is it to compress the springs when reassembling? I have seen post of home made compressors made from 2x4, and some say they use a ratchet strap, others say just apply moderate pressure with their hand. If it is that hard to compress should I take them to a local Indy to have that done? No one has posted any pictures of how any of the home compressions tools work.

Apr 25, 2013 | 08:18 PM

Harleycruiser

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From: North Florida

Not touring, but how I do it.

Apr 25, 2013 | 08:20 PM

Joe12RK

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From: CT/FL

I just put the upper nut in the upper triple clamp and then slid the tube thru the lower triple clamp and pressed up and screwed it in. Had to remove "coke cans" to give myself hand room. I didn't take pictures, sorry.

Apr 25, 2013 | 08:28 PM

senna

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From: San Jose

Depending on how much you lower it, it'easier. I recently put 2" lower mono tubes on and there is hardly any load on the springs at all. As a mater of fact, it kind of hard to torque the lower 6mm alen bolts due to the fact there is not much load on them.

Apr 25, 2013 | 08:50 PM

sanman4ever

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From: Rhode Island

I was a major PITA on my Street Glide....went with this.

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Apr 25, 2013 | 09:04 PM

Scootr

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From: Milwaukee, WI

I just did the install on my Ultra yesterday. I installed the standard height monotubes so I don't know how much difference there is between the two. It was easy and just pressure with the palm of my hand was enough. Over all install took longer than I thought at about 5 hours start to finish. That was the first time I tore the front end apart though. I'm sure I could do it in 3 next time. .02

Edit: Took it for a test run today and it feels good! I'm still hoping I did everything right but so far so good!

Apr 25, 2013 | 09:35 PM

senna

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From: San Jose

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scootr

I took stock height mono tubes out to install the lowered ones, it is about the same effort for both but on the lowered ones you have less spring travel before the threads start.