Pro Action Rear Shock Intall Today With Lots Of Pic's On 2017 Tri Glide

[rhino 2]

There was a mention of some one cutting off the threads on the shock bolts to make clearance to get the bolts out. I don't know about the USA but in Canada there is a safety law that at least three threads must extend out of any nut. I worked in the oil patch for ten years putting pipe lines together. If the inspector saw there were less than three threads showing you were gone no ifs ans or buts. I guess it has something to do with the stretching and shrinking of bolts and nuts from temp changes

I dont know if thats the law in the States, But common sense says it is wise to follow that rule,
I know i do...

[DK Custom Products]

There was a mention of some one cutting off the threads on the shock bolts to make clearance to get the bolts out. I don't know about the USA but in Canada there is a safety law that at least three threads must extend out of any nut. I worked in the oil patch for ten years putting pipe lines together. If the inspector saw there were less than three threads showing you were gone no ifs ans or buts. I guess it has something to do with the stretching and shrinking of bolts and nuts from temp changes

I dont know if thats the law in the States, But common sense says it is wise to follow that rule,
I know i do...

We've never cut a bolt during installation, nor do we recommend it in our instructions.

That said, there more than a few bolts on HD's that come from the factory with no/or less than 3 threads sticking out the end.

Kevin

[1dn5up]

Please note that during my installation, no nuts, bolts or screws were hurt in the process.

[rhino 2]

Please note that during my installation, no nuts, bolts or screws were hurt in the process.

How bout knuckles , Any knuckles hurt in the process.......

[DK Custom Products]

Please note that during my installation, no nuts, bolts or screws were hurt in the process.

How bout knuckles , Any knuckles hurt in the process.......

Yep! More than a few, several times!

Kevin

[Bill G]

There was a mention of some one cutting off the threads on the shock bolts to make clearance to get the bolts out. I don't know about the USA but in Canada there is a safety law that at least three threads must extend out of any nut. I worked in the oil patch for ten years putting pipe lines together. If the inspector saw there were less than three threads showing you were gone no ifs ans or buts. I guess it has something to do with the stretching and shrinking of bolts and nuts from temp changes

Gerald I have worked in the power industry for a major oil company for 30+ years and there are some OSHA rules concerning thread length on flanges on piping. You are correct about the thread thing and yes it has to do with temp and stretching.

I trimmed the threads in my posting by a couple of threads and you know I would do it again. The factory bolts are two damn long and hit the frame before they clear the last threads in the bracket the nuts are welded on the outside of the brackets. ( it's a pain in the a##). As Kevin said they don't say to do this nor did I ever mention or suggest they did. Kevin also mentioned there are plenty of bolts on Harley's not long enough or just long enough and there are quite a few that are just plain to long. One of my gripes with Harley to be honest with you.

I have worked on turbine engines for years and there a little more complicated than Harley's. So I am fine with what I did. The great thing about forums is you can bet someone will arm chair quarter back what ever you do.

As you can see there are still threads showing the bolts are to long from the factory in my opinion.


Ride Safe,
Bill G

[DK Custom Products]

Gerald I have worked in the power industry for a major oil company for 30+ years and there are some OSHA rules concerning thread length on flanges on piping. You are correct about the thread thing and yes it has to do with temp and stretching.

I trimmed the threads in my posting by a couple of threads and you know I would do it again. The factory bolts are two damn long and hit the frame before they clear the last threads in the bracket the nuts are welded on the outside of the brackets. ( it's a pain in the a##). As Kevin said they don't say to do this nor did I ever mention or suggest they did. Kevin also mentioned there are plenty of bolts on Harley's not long enough or just long enough and there are quite a few that are just plain to long. One of my gripes with Harley to be honest with you.

I have worked on turbine engines for years and there a little more complicated than Harley's. So I am fine with what I did. The great thing about forums is you can bet someone will arm chair quarter back what ever you do.

As you can see there are still threads showing the bolts are to long from the factory in my opinion.


Ride Safe,
Bill G

It is a bit silly how long they are. We just loosen the shock bracket to give it some play to get the shock bolt out.

We purchase thousands of bolts every month to use in our different parts kits that we manufacture. There are standards bolt lengths, and it is much more expensive to get a non-standard bolt length, for us.

But I would think HD buys enough bolts that they could get a non-standard length bolt for no additional cost...maybe not??? It might just be a cost saving measure for them.

Kevin

[Bill G]

It is a bit silly how long they are. We just loosen the shock bracket to give it some play to get the shock bolt out.

We purchase thousands of bolts every month to use in our different parts kits that we manufacture. There are standards bolt lengths, and it is much more expensive to get a non-standard bolt length, for us.

But I would think HD buys enough bolts that they could get a non-standard length bolt for no additional cost...maybe not??? It might just be a cost saving measure for them.

Kevin

I totally agree Kevin.. I understand the bolt length standards and cost. I loosened the brackets as you stated on the last few bracket installs I have done. I just decided to correct the bolt length this time. Also as you stated you would think Harley would be able to do better on something like bolt length that are not ridiculous in length for the application.

Take Care My Friend,
Bill G

[1dn5up]

Sneeked out for a 30mile ride, noticed imeadiatley the bump rebound is a lot smoother. The problem now that the roads are wavey or some what not too smoothe or flat, they are just plane shot, Got to check the bumpstop and see if the spring setting is ok.

Handlebars feel good. Went on a nice twisty river road, handles great, steering was easier due to the 2" pullback. Sat back into the seat and did not lean forward.BTW, chased a new 2 wheeled Indian in the twisties. He was surprised I stayed with him. The Indian was blue and cream. A real sweet ride.

[Fozworth]

"I have worked on turbine engines for years and there a little more complicated than Harley's."

Natural Gas guy here Bill. GE Frame 3 industrial Turbines. Oldies but goodies.

[Bill G]

"I have worked on turbine engines for years and there a little more complicated than Harley's."

Natural Gas guy here Bill. GE Frame 3 industrial Turbines. Oldies but goodies.

Yes natural gas... LM 2500 Aero engines with HRSG units attached with duct burners to pump up the heat output above the exhaust temp to make high pressure steam for me. (Lots of it to produce heavy crude oil) plus we make all our own power to run the hole oilfield. We sell very little to the grid maybe a MW or two per day.


Take Care,
Bill G

[1dn5up]

After my short put on Wednesday, I removed the wheels and checked the shock bumper location as per manufacturer, they were with in the 1/4" as recommended on both sides. Changed the clickers from 5 to 2. To see what rebound is after that. More snow on the way, might be a while

[Khinson]

Do you like them or don't like them for the money.

Today I jacked up the 2017 Tri Glide and installed my new Pro Action rear shocks from DK Customs. I just went through the fender wells, really no big deal to do.

A few things I will list to help other with this task.

#1 Lift trike and place on jack stands remove tires and wheels. Place strap around grip and front brake lever holding front brake on and chalk front tire. (See Pic's)

#2 The bottom shock bolts are a hair to long in my opinion (see pic's). I first noticed this on my 2015 Freewheeler when I installed the Comfort Lift. Before starting the shock removal I trimmed about 3 threads of the end of the lower shock bolts before removing them with my thin blade trimmer. Let me explain why I did this. The head of the bolt when backed out all the way hits the frame and the shock dose not want to come out (also will scratch the heck out of the frame). With 3 threads removed it will rock right out of the lower shock mount bracket after the top shock bolt is removed. NOTE with the 3 threads removed the bolt it just comes clear of the threads in the lower shock bracket and the head rest right at the frame and as stated will rock right out after the top shock bolt is removed.

NOTE on the left side to trim the 3 threads of the lower shock bolt if one decides to do this you need to remove and pull the emergency brake cables over out of the way (see pic's).

#3 The right side shock went on easy and threaded right on to the shock mounting brackets top and bottom.

The left shock did not. I had to put a little pressure down ward on the swingarm by placing a padded short bar or long screwdriver between the frame and bottom shock bracket and pull down a little to get the shock bolt straight so it would thread into the lower shock bracket.(I think this was because the drive belt held a little upward tension on the left side). It did not take much effort at all for the bolt to line up.

Then I painted the ends of the bolts where they had been trimmed the 3 threads removed so there would be no rust issues.

It is rainy today so I will give a ride report later.

Ride Safe All,
Bill G

[Bill G]

Do you like them or don't like them for the money.

Excellent shocks well built. With that said you have to get them diled in. Adjusted correct for your situation as said our shocks came in with the spring rate good but needed some dampening adjustment. Some time and test riding and all is good.. These shocks are way better than stock and better than or as good as any out there in this price range. We are happy with them so far. Of course like anything time will tell on the long term performance. I suspect all will be good here as these shocks are made well in the USA.

Ride Safe,
Bill G

[DK Custom Products]

Excellent shocks well built. With that said you have to get them diled in. Adjusted correct for your situation as said our shocks came in with the spring rate good but needed some dampening adjustment. Some time and test riding and all is good.. These shocks are way better than stock and better than or as good as any out there in this price range. We are happy with them so far. Of course like anything time will tell on the long term performance. I suspect all will be good here as these shocks are made well in the USA.

Ride Safe,
Bill G

We tested shocks all the way up into the $1500+ range. It does take about $1500 to get a slightly better ride than you can out of these shocks.

Here's a little REPORT that we did on our testing.

Kevin

[1dn5up]

After my short put on Wednesday, I removed the wheels and checked the shock bumper location as per manufacturer, they were with in the 1/4" as recommended on both sides. Changed the clickers from 5 to 2. To see what rebound is after that. More snow on the way, might be a while

Went for a ride after the weather delay. Not too pleased with the rebound part. Turned the dampers all the way down, not a noticeable change. Also feels a definite jumpyness on bumps, uneven roads.

Wondering, being I ride 1up, if the spring weight is too stiff

Need to add some passenger poundage, then come to an answer.

[Bill G]

Went for a ride after the weather delay. Not too pleased with the rebound part. Turned the dampers all the way down, not a noticeable change. Also feels a definite jumpyness on bumps, uneven roads.

Wondering, being I ride 1up, if the spring weight is too stiff

Need to add some passenger poundage, then come to an answer.

I think you need to back your spring rate down two turns a side on each side and set your clickers at 3 and ride until you find the sweet spot. If the first time they are still to stiff back down each side one more turn and ride again.

Our 2017 Tri glide with a lift and Pro Action shocks rides like a Cadillac after proper set up. Something is not set up right.

Ride Safe,

Bill G

[PosseRider]

I would not hesitate to buy these shocks again !! Trike now rides 300% better. Dialing in is the key. I was lucky, bought mine from the manufacturer in Pa. & he & his wife were almost identical weights as us. He set mine like his, & we have no need to change. My wife was first to say how great it is riding now. Just back from a little 150 mile ride & we are so happy with the results.

[MDF48]

I received my DK Pro Action shocks and comfort lift combo yesterday. They really seem to be very high quality. However, I have a question for you. All the pictures and videos I have seen show these shocks with the Compression ring on top of the spring and the stop plate at the bottom to be Red. Mine are Black. Is this just a manufacturing change? I guess the black would be a little cheaper than the red to produce?



Doesn't really matter to me, just want to make sure these are the correct models for my 2016 TGU.

[Gray Biker]

Mine were black too. Matches my black bike