Grade 5! Really? That's surprising to me as these bolts take a lot if abuse and are a critical fastener. I always used grade 8. Now I use ARP bolts on the shocks because they're purdy and strong.

 

My OG bolts have 3 hash marks, so they are Grade 5.

John

 

If I am remembering correctly, grade 5 are better at side loading loads and grade 8 were for straight loads. Grade 5 for suspension and grade 8 for something like head bolts. Going off books I read 50 years ago. Cannot quote the verbiage used in those books (no longer have them) so I am sure someone will correct me if I am incorrect.

 

Interesting. I was always told grade 8 was manditory for car suspension. Grade 8 has a much higher tensile strength and due to the hardening process is less likely to bend as oppose to break, but the point of breakage is significantly higher than grade 5. I will say this. My 2003 came with stainless bolts (not stock obviously), which are grade 5, on the lower suspention mounting points and when I changed shocks the left side bolt was bent pretty good when I removed it, which is why I went to grade 8 initially.

 

Thanks guys,

This bike here is a 1991 XLH1200. It has been thru 3 previous owners before me, 2 of which had not put many miles nor any real maintenance on the bike. It's in fairly decent shape with only 11K miles, just trying to tie up all the loose ends and get it road ready. I've been going over the bike trying to make sure I find all the issues and errors before I get it on the road.

I'll swap the two, hopefully this will give me the correct clearance. I'm going to order new bolts, I hope that those two part numbers are the correct, i'll verify before I buy them.

 

Thanks for the input, would you by chance know where I'd be able to find grade 8 hardware for the rear lower shocks on a 1991 XLH 1200? I'd much rather throw some beefier hardware on it if I have to replace it.

 

EDIT*

Thanks for the input, would you by chance know where I'd be able to find grade 8 hardware for the rear lower shocks on a 1991 XLH 1200? I'd much rather throw some beefier hardware on it if I have to replace it.

 

You are correct, grade 5 has a greater shear strength than grade 8 which has a higher tensile strength.

Lower shock absorbers require a higher shear strength, that is why H-D specify grade 5 bolts.

 

Your local hardware store should be able to supply you with bolts for your lower shock mounts.

If your local hardware store doesn't have them, your local H-D dealership should be able to supply them.

The 1991 lower shock bolts are the same part number as those on the 2003 Sportster.

 

Ace Hardware is my go to place for all kinds of bolts and fasteners.

I just measured my 1991, the right side is 2 3/8". The reason it is 1/8" longer than the left is to account for the thickness of the chain guard mount. The other side is 2 1/4".

RRR is completely correct about the specs.

John