No one really knows why HD put the inferior tie rod end on the shifter rod but they did.

Here's an inexpensive fix for it using heim joints.

Simply go to this site and order 2 of these heim joints. Then go to the hardware store and buy one 5/16 - 24 x 1" bolt and one 5/16 - 24 x 1 1/4" bolt.

Out of pocket costs, not including shipping, is about $12. Cheap insurance for peace of mind on the road. Only takes about 15 minutes to change them out. Be sure to use blue Loctite on the bolts.

This pic is on my Night Train but it worked equally well on my FLHT.

And yes; I know I need to give her a bath.

 

If possible could you pm me with the master carr part # for the joints. Thanks

 

Just click on the link above. If it doesn't work for some reason then the number is 6072K165.

 

BoomerBob
Thanks that's what I needed. Thanks for the help. If your wondering about that picture on my post, that me and my brother, he's the butt ugly one.
Thanks again

 

Thanks. I'm glad it helped. That's a big part of what we do here on HDF. That and swap lies.

 

I'm new to HD with my 2010 FLHX and just curious why the HD rod ends are considered inferior? Thanks

 

They break too easy. Some people get a little heavy footed with their shifting and other times they just break for no good reason and usually when you're out in the middle of nowhere.

If you buy a custom shifter rod at a dealership they usually have these better tie rod ends on them.

 

I blame the heel shifter for a lot of the problems people have with the rear ball joint on the linkage and also the shift lever at the transmission. I think a lot of riders stomp on the heel shifter, and don`t even realize they are doing it.

 

Now that makes total sense to an ole dog like me. I didn't grow up with the heal shift thing, but the jury is still out on my growin up LOL. "Up with the toe and down the toe" is all I know. First thing I got rid of on my new SG is the heal shifter.

 

I tossed my heel shifter from my `89 about 20 years ago, the temptation to stomp on that thing was too great, and it just took up too much room on the floorboard, there was no room for a size 13 Red Wing...