Softail shock bolt

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monkeywrench202
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Posts: 11
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2011 8:44 pm
SELF INTRODUCTION: I was a memeber on the old site, but couldnt log in here. I have a small shop where I do resto/ mods, build complete bikes (6 to date) ground ups. Been working @ Drive train specialists since 02 building custom automotive axles.

Softail shock bolt

Post by monkeywrench202 »

After 4 years of tinkering on a Softail build for longer travel, I finally got her on the road. Put about 100 miles on her last weekend, but found I had broken a rear shock bolt.
sheared it clean off in the swingarm.

Any of you seen this before. The other 3 bolts were still tight and loc-tited. my gut tells me it was a bad bolt, but always like to cover my bases.

It was a blast to ride while it lasted. Smoothest, and plushest Softail I have ever rode. This 114 Demon w/ 2.91 final drive just purrs @ 70 in 5th gear at 2600 rpms.
first 100-115 miles only used 1.1/2 gallons during break in too. Motor pulls well, even though I haven't had it over 3500 rpms yet.

thanks!!
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curt
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SELF INTRODUCTION: hi everyone its me from the old bord hopeing to see everyone come here and all the newcomers . lets make this as good as the old one or even better . lookin foreward to seeing everyones projects continue and ill be continueing mine too
Location: utica new york

Re: Softail shock bolt

Post by curt »

ya ive seen a couple of those they can be a real bitch to get out sometimes i dont kno if its bad bolts or bad design i also wonder if its because one shock is doing more of the work takeing more stress
ever notice when you hit somethin or someone with a hammer you feel instantly better
monkeywrench202
NewB
Posts: 11
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2011 8:44 pm
SELF INTRODUCTION: I was a memeber on the old site, but couldnt log in here. I have a small shop where I do resto/ mods, build complete bikes (6 to date) ground ups. Been working @ Drive train specialists since 02 building custom automotive axles.

Re: Softail shock bolt

Post by monkeywrench202 »

Got the broken bolt out. heated loc-tited area w/ a heatgun, didnt want to screw up the powdercoating.
the other 3 bolts were tight still. re-tapped all the holes, all new bolts, and torqued to 105#.

I did see the shocks were slightly different in length, less than 0.050", but dead-nutz now.

hope to roll tomm!

Thanks!
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