was thinking of changing the cam in my 2002 to a gear cam.... i was told the 2002 were the last year with the timken bearing and forged crank..etc.. are the 2002 twin cams more receptive for a geared cam because of this? should crank run out still be checked even on the 02's?

 

I just installed mine w/o checking my runout a year and a half ago at 81,000 miles, ( same crank set up as yours.) Bike's now got 113,000 and runs like a top. And I've never even heard of a early TC having a runout issue, the Timken Lefty bearing is just that good.

Having said all that, for the little effort it takes why not check it? You're gonna' be in there anyway!

 

true... what cam did you end up going with? notice less drag in the drivetrain any?

the main reason is having less down time.. not to open her up check it and then determine what cam design to use and then order... and re-open her back up..etc..

 

My bike came with the 95" Big Bore kit. and with it's higher compression vs the 88" the Andrews 26G were the best choice for me. HP mid 80's, TQ mid 90's and still starts easily and gives 46 mph. ( Same "feel" as before, just way more of it...I love it.)

On an 88" Andrews recommends the 21G.

 

All true but any crank can be tweaked. Check the runout and if less than .003", your good.

 

What is the proper name of the tool to check this? Cost of the tool and places to buy?

 

http://www.feulingparts.com/product....ry2=Crankshaft

 

Handy tool, no doubt, and we have that here to speed things along, but a more versatile tool, that could be use in other applications, is a magnetic base, and a 1" travel dial indicator,(have several of these) readily available from MSC, J & L Industrial Supply or McMaster-Carr.
Scott

 

ALL TC lowerends should be checked,we also use a magnetic base & a .0001 indicator,works just fine,no need for a special tool

 

I use magnetic bases and/or clamp bases, etc. I find the one big thing DIYers do is NOT square up the tip to the shaft. Fueling tool is pricey, but it eliminates all guess work, etc.