I just had the HD forwards installed on my '09 FXDC and I kept the mid pegs
so that I can switch around on longer rides. WTH, they're already in place,
why not leave 'em?

 

All forwards will set your pegs up in the same place. I know, I've researched this quite thoroughly. Mini-floor-boards might help some as will stirrups. You can affect your your ability to reach them with your seat. A low profile seat lowers you (which may help) and a reach seat pushes you forward (almost certainly will help.) If they don't get you quite close enough, Accutronix makes things called "Kick-Back Adapter Plates" which bolt to your frame then you install the forwards to the plates. They are made just for the purpose of helping shorter riders reach their forwards, but if you use them you'll almost certainly have to mod (shorten) your brake rod and quite possibly your shift linkage.

 

The shift linkage will not have to be modded, just the brake rod. This is a set I made.

 

What guage steel did you use for those?

 

1/4" steel plate.