Just do an advanced reply or thread then go to additional options, manage attachments, upload the picture at the top it gives you the option. It will probably only let you upload one at a time due to size I think. Then hit colse window then submit reply..

 

Thanks I will give that a try. I've got some welding rod lying around the garage.

 

Thanks ill give it a try

 

Metal clothes hanger will work too. I think if you don't buy the H-D tool your warranty is voided though...

 

Just a though but if you look at the alignment tolerance, Softail is +/- 1/32 and crudeness of it there is more at issue on alignment. I use a dial caliper to measure off my adjuster bolts to the milled back side of the stops. I installed a lock type nut that is set inside the area between front side of milled stop and end of adjuster to end of stop bolt. Have them both set the same. That way it gives me a reference. Since my engine is fixed, it is more important for a Softail rear wheel be aligned with engine, not pivot arm bearings. The front wheel does the alignment anyway on a two wheel motorcycle. After getting belt tension correct and alignment correct, I always spin wheel and see that belt tracks in center of ear pulley. It can be either side but should not be tight. Harley says somewhere in my manual the side preference but I can not locate it and it may be opposite or different on a Sporty. It is different for a Dyna and the big Cruisers

 

I don't know about softtails but since we are talking about sportsters, in my sportster manual, the procedure I described is the right one. There is no mention of tolerances + or -.

Also, coat hangers are not strong enough for the measurement tool. I tried to make one out of coat hanger and it flexes way too much for an accurate measurement.

 

I agree you need to go by manual. I know on a Dyna they have center plugs that go in center of pivot arms but sill use wire with a pointer. On my Softail the milled stop flats are correct to the pivot arm bores. My pivot arms have different size bolt heads on then with no reference to center. My rear axle is a welded nut head on one side and no center hole in axle on nut side. I truly am at a loss to how you could align a Softail to the pivot arm like a Dyna or your Sporty. Look in your Service manual under specifications and see if there is a tolerance for alignment. Is a Sporty engine fixed? On a Dyna and a Cruiser the swing arm comes off back of engine I thought.

 

I swear your pictures of your broken belt could be of my belt that I had snapped at 8200 miles three days ago. Exact same look of damage. Like you no signs to the pulleys that anything got between them and the belt. Any chance you know the rear axle torque specs

 

I'm at work right now but I think it's 105 ft lbs no more or you can burn up a bearing. I will check my manual when I get home, or someone else can chime in.

 

Finally got my belt installed!!! While I had the rear end all pulled apart I decided to paint a few things and wrap my pipes with the titanium exhaust wrap. I think that stuff looks kick ***. Got rid of those bulky guards, painted the front pulley guard HD wrinkle black, and sanded the rust off of the cheap spacers that Burly supply's for the slammer kit and shot some black on those also. Small stuff but to me it makes all of the difference.

To anyone that wants to wrap your Vance & Hines shortshots staggered, do yourself a favor and get 50 feet. I had to learn the hard way that 25 feet just won't cut it.