i am getting ready to replace the lower fork sliders on my 07 bb3 with a set off a nightster, so i can have the black lower legs and the fork boots. but thought i would ask before starting. i have read the service manual and am curious if instead of basically removing and disassembling the entire fork as it says. can i just jack the bike up and pull the caliper wheel and fender. then unbolt the damper from the bottom of the lower leg and slide it off and reinstall the new one? also do i really need the special tool it calls for? i only ask since as an auto tech i already know that there are a lot of cases where special tols are called for but not required for the job.

 

wow , nobody has an answer here. come on guys gimmie a helping hand. i would rather not go into this blind.

 

Why not just powder coat yours & put boots on when you put it back together?

 

well i was gonna do that. the only reason i am doing itthe way that i am is i bought a set of black lower legs for 30 dollars that have nothing wrong with them. having mine powder coated would cost at least that much and result in down time waiting for the parts to come back

 

Man I'm sorry...I misread your first post. What does the "special" tool accomodate? I too am an auto tech (custom frame, steering & suspension) and know that there are many applications where a specialty tool is unnecessary, but damn nice in most occassions. It's also usually something that you will do on a rare frequency and buying a tool for just one job doesn't make sense. Maybe a dealership or independent shop will loan or rent you the tool?