Two questions

[gww25]

Heres a snapshot of the top tree parts, Two different styles of lock nuts are shown, one uses a tabbed washer.

[gww25]

The big thing on the far left is a combo dust sheild/adjuster nut that goes right on top of the bearing if you want to use it as it saves some space in the stack.

[curt]

i think bitterend uses 5/8 in plate for their springers thats y only 1 inch of threads do a good trial fit useing the diagram gary posted with the dust shield incorporated into the lower nut . if its not enough thread left then youll have to add some threads then when everything fits weld the stem to the bottom tree the jam nut just locks the stem the threads hold it so even if you dont weld it perfect it should be enough to keep it from backing out of course i would try and get it welded by someone that knows how to weld stainless to regular steel as a first choice

[Cycle-psycho]

Thanks guys. I will do a trial fit when I get home with the parts I have. What I am reading in all of this is that the hole in the top tree that the stem will go through should probably be counterbored from the top and the bottom to accomodate the nuts. If I counterbored it 1/4" on both sides, that might do it.
As for the bottom tree to stem connection, I am thinking about drilling in a dowel into the stem from the backside and welding it in the tree. That way I dont have to try to weld stainless to steel and I would know the stem wont turn, does that sound like it would work?