Hello all, I'm wanting to change out my fork slider tubes for a set that is around 2" longer. Seems I read on here of someone doing this but I cant find it now.
I have a nightster and I'm thinking that the custom has longer slider tubes but I'm not certain.
Does anybody have specs or info about this?
Also, was wondering how tough a task this would be and if anybody had any suggestions.
I'm pretty mechanically inclined and have a fair selection of tools, so i'm thinking it should not be too difficult. Thanks for any input.

 

I know you can swap out front ends for one off a Dyna, but I don't think that's what you're after.

I'll definitely be following this thread - I need to lift my front end to match my rear.

 

Just a bump. I know someone out there has knowledge on this so I'm wanting to keep it up for a few days.. Anybody???

 

You wont want to change out your sliders. You need new fork tubes. That runs about $200+ depending on wat you get. Also seals. But you could take the forks off the bike yourself. An save some money from an indy doing that. You'll have to get an indy to switch out the tubes and reseal them. If im thinking right my indy said you need a press to do this. thats about $150-200 labor. So all together your looking at around $500 for forks, seals, 2 hours labor "he said it takes about an hour apiece". Best thing to do is shop around for the cheapest labor. But for forks check out american classic motors ebay store an the custom chrome book. Both places have great deals and most of there forks go from 2over to 8over.

 

Changing the sliders/tubes is not a big deal and you can do it yourself if you have a jack and a few tools. A short piece of 2" PVC pipe is all that's needed to seat the seals. Try the "Search" button, the procedure has been written up several times.

 

I'm the one that went 2" over.

I bought new upper tubes,Damping tubes and progressives. All parts from a sporty custom. it was about 200.00, but well worth it.

I did the work myself, it was about a 3 hour job.

 

I went with 10" over tubes.

 

Mark g, Thanks for the reply.
Did you get your parts for this new from the dealer?
Also, is this all that is needed? New upper tubes,Damping tubes and progressive springs?
Appreciate any help.

 

Yep, got it from the local dealer. You will also need Fork seasl and fork oil. I like to replace the bolt in the bottom slider that go's into the dampening tube. The head get's funky real easy. A impact gun is the best way to get them out also.

It's a easy job with a service manual. Sportster forks are the most basic of design.

Good Luck, you'll love the end resault.

 

Done it many times. TIP: To remove the sliders take the whole tube off the bike and turn it upside down and shake it over the lawn after removing all the bolts, etc. The manual says to slide the lower leg off. GOOD LUCK ! Since the tube is WAY heavier than the leg it is easier to do it my way. There is a tool to install the seals or use water pipe like he said. DO NOT TRY A SCREWDRIVER, BOARD, WHATEVER.