Ordered DK comfort lift-how to disconnect the OEM pre load adjustment from the shock

[dhimsey]

2020 tri glide. Waiting for the comfort lift kit. I have watched a lot of the videos and feel I could do it.

I see the disconnect for the pump under the seat, but I don’t see how to disconnect the hose/valve from the shock. Is it reachable w/o removing the body. If anyone knows of a video on this, I’d appreciate the reference.

thanks to all,

dave

[nucseal]

2020 tri glide. Waiting for the comfort lift kit. I have watched a lot of the videos and feel I could do it.

I see the disconnect for the pump under the seat, but I don’t see how to disconnect the hose/valve from the shock. Is it reachable w/o removing the body. If anyone knows of a video on this, I’d appreciate the reference.

thanks to all,

dave

My opinion is to take the body off. It makes everything so much simpler. Plus, it was hard as hell to try and loosen the top bolts on the shocks. Which made my frustration hit it peak and I decided to remove the body. After removal, it took approximately one hour to do the installation, because everything is exposed and put adequate pressure to break them loose.

[dhimsey]

Thanks. I had an app’t at the dealer to do it, and they said they would remove the body. I thought I might be able to do it w/o removing the body.

I might stick with the original plan then, as I am not comfortable removing the body.

dave

[nucseal]

Thanks. I had an app’t at the dealer to do it, and they said they would remove the body. I thought I might be able to do it w/o removing the body.

I might stick with the original plan then, as I am not comfortable removing the body.

dave

You need a friend to lift the body. Its only 8 bolts/nuts and disconnecting two connections and its off. Pretty easy. It was my first time as well. I just looked at the service and video on Youtube. Its real easy to take off and put back on.

[Longbeard71]

Are you doing just the lift kit? You do not have to remove the shocks. Just jack up and place jackstands under the cross brace in front of axles. You will only need to remove the bottom bolts in the shock.

[ol' school]

David, I would call Kevin at DK Customs and talk with him before starting your project. Their products are pretty much DIY.

[molokaimike]

What Clay said is correct, you do not need to remove the body to install the lift kit. Once you get it up on jack stands just remove the wheel and everything is exposed and accessible. I did it on my 2020TG by myself.

[dhimsey]

What Clay said is correct, you do not need to remove the body to install the lift kit. Once you get it up on jack stands just remove the wheel and everything is exposed and accessible. I did it on my 2020TG by myself.

sorry, I forgot to mention that I’m doing the convertible lift kit, including the 14 inch shocks

[Longbeard71]

It will be the same just adding removing the top bolts on the shocks. It is not that hard to get to it does take a little bit of time. There id not much room to turn the wrench. There is no need to remove the body to do this unless you just want to.

[nucseal]

Removing the body make it so much easier. Plus at least on my 20 Tri you had to be the HULK to remove top bolts. With the small space, you just don't have all the leverage to break the top bolts free, You always can give it a try with the body on and see if you can break those bolts loose.

[DK Custom Products]

2020 tri glide. Waiting for the comfort lift kit. I have watched a lot of the videos and feel I could do it.

I see the disconnect for the pump under the seat, but I don’t see how to disconnect the hose/valve from the shock. Is it reachable w/o removing the body. If anyone knows of a video on this, I’d appreciate the reference.

thanks to all,

dave

Sorry, just saw this post.

It is easier to remove the body so that you can see what is what more easily, and so you don't have to reach up into a small space, but it is definitely doable with the body on. I've done it dozens and dozens, maybe hundreds of times.

Regarding disconnecting the hoses. We thought they would leak really bad, but they don't. Here is what we have done twice and it worked well and was easy.

1. Unload the adjuster under the seat, turning it counter-clockwise as far as it will go.

2. Un-bolt the adjuster from the frame, but leave it sitting there.

3. Remove the top and bottom bolts holding the shock to the Trike.

4. That shock is still connected to the adjuster by the hose, but can be moved down a bit for easier access to the hose at the top of the shock. At this time unbolt the hose from the top of the shock. Keeping the shock upright as you move it out from under the Trike. Pull the freed hose up to near the connector (use a shop rag to keep any little dribbles from falling on the Trike).

5. Repeat #4 above on the other shock.

Hope this helps.

Enjoy your improved ride, and always feel free to call, email or text.

Kevin

[Batman825]

I did a video on removing the body and posted it on YouTube. I can remove the body and Tour Pak in less than 15 minutes.

[dhimsey]

Sorry, just saw this

It is easier to remove the body so that you can see what is what more easily, and so you don't have to reach up into a small space, but it is definitely doable with the body on. I've done it dozens and dozens, maybe hundreds of times.

Regarding disconnecting the hoses. We thought they would leak really bad, but they don't. Here is what we have done twice and it worked well and was easy.

1. Unload the adjuster under the seat, turning it counter-clockwise as far as it will go.

2. Un-bolt the adjuster from the frame, but leave it sitting there.

3. Remove the top and bottom bolts holding the shock to the Trike.

4. That shock is still connected to the adjuster by the hose, but can be moved down a bit for easier access to the hose at the top of the shock. At this time unbolt the hose from the top of the shock. Keeping the shock upright as you move it out from under the Trike. Pull the freed hose up to near the connector (use a shop rag to keep any little dribbles from falling on the Trike).

5. Repeat #4 above on the other shock.

Hope this helps.

Enjoy your improved ride, and always feel free to call, email or text.

Kevin

So, I received he package from DK Customs -comfort lift kit and shocks. I read the instructions and they said you don’t have to take the body off. I had watched the video several times.

I couldn’t just look at the parts and wait two months for the dealer appointment to install them.

I think mechanically, but am not a good wrencher. But, I put my big boy pants on, and went o the garage, and started the process.

It took the better part of 4 hours (no beers) and the install is done. The worse part was removing the parking brake-I can’t even guess the ft lb torque they had on them!

Love the feeling of accomplishment.

I can’t tell you how it works, since my back is now killing me and will take several days before I can try it.

My wife says I still think I’m 50, and my mind says that, but at 67 I should probably leave these kind of jobs to the pro’s.

post.

Now, just looking at the bike with the new install and not getting to ride it is killing me! But I will be on it before I would have otherwise.

More to come...Dave

[Jack Klarich]

Good on you for getting the job done

[ROAD DOG]

So, I received he package from DK Customs -comfort lift kit and shocks. I read the instructions and they said you don’t have to take the body off. I had watched the video several times.

I couldn’t just look at the parts and wait two months for the dealer appointment to install them.

I think mechanically, but am not a good wrencher. But, I put my big boy pants on, and went o the garage, and started the process.

It took the better part of 4 hours (no beers) and the install is done. The worse part was removing the parking brake-I can’t even guess the ft lb torque they had on them!

Love the feeling of accomplishment.

I can’t tell you how it works, since my back is now killing me and will take several days before I can try it.

My wife says I still think I’m 50, and my mind says that, but at 67 I should probably leave these kind of jobs to the pro’s.

post.

Now, just looking at the bike with the new install and not getting to ride it is killing me! But I will be on it before I would have otherwise.

More to come...Dave

Go ride you will forget about your back ! good Job

[Fearless]

Congratulations I'm 69 and still get myself into projects like that. I am self reliant and feel I can do most service and upgrades as needed. But I don't touch motors past oil changes and spark plugs. Ride safe Fred

[Trampas]

So, I received he package from DK Customs -comfort lift kit and shocks. I read the instructions and they said you don’t have to take the body off. I had watched the video several times.

I couldn’t just look at the parts and wait two months for the dealer appointment to install them.

I think mechanically, but am not a good wrencher. But, I put my big boy pants on, and went o the garage, and started the process.

It took the better part of 4 hours (no beers) and the install is done. The worse part was removing the parking brake-I can’t even guess the ft lb torque they had on them!

Love the feeling of accomplishment.

I can’t tell you how it works, since my back is now killing me and will take several days before I can try it.

My wife says I still think I’m 50, and my mind says that, but at 67 I should probably leave these kind of jobs to the pro’s.

post.

Now, just looking at the bike with the new install and not getting to ride it is killing me! But I will be on it before I would have otherwise.

More to come...Dave

Good for you, you saved quite a bit of money for doing it yourself and the satisfaction is a big plus in my book. I put a lift kit on my 2018 and I'm 73, it just a little longer to get up off the cement floor than it used to,

All for now Trampas

[dhimsey]

So, I received he package from DK Customs -comfort lift kit and shocks. I read the instructions and they said you don’t have to take the body off. I had watched the video several times.

I couldn’t just look at the parts and wait two months for the dealer appointment to install them.

I think mechanically, but am not a good wrencher. But, I put my big boy pants on, and went o the garage, and started the process.

It took the better part of 4 hours (no beers) and the install is done. The worse part was removing the parking brake-I can’t even guess the ft lb torque they had on them!

Love the feeling of accomplishment.

I can’t tell you how it works, since my back is now killing me and will take several days before I can try it.

My wife says I still think I’m 50, and my mind says that, but at 67 I should probably leave these kind of jobs to the pro’s.

post.

Now, just looking at the bike with the new install and not getting to ride it is killing me! But I will be on it before I would have otherwise.

More to come...Dave

So, after a week, I am able to get on the trike. Put 140 miles on it. Country, sweepers, highway, bumpy, smooth, and any variety I could find. My favorite rides are back roads and scenic roads at 40-50 mph.

What a different experience!

For sure, the suspension is smoother, takes the bumps better, seems more “in control”, and seems like it eats up the small bumps. Terrific, I would say a 40% improvement.

What I didn’t expect was the much improved steering. Easier in slow turns, taking off from a stop at 90 degree intersections and slow riding. But, the way it lets you hold speed in corners and in sweepers is amazing. I used to have to plan my actions in curves-like a car - slow down cruise thru the curve, and accelerate as you are straightening the wheel. But, I don’t have to think about it near as much any more. More relaxing. Less drift. Probably 40% less upper body effort in steering.

terrific upgrade! Well recommended.

Dave

[Batman825]

What Clay said is correct, you do not need to remove the body to install the lift kit. Once you get it up on jack stands just remove the wheel and everything is exposed and accessible. I did it on my 2020TG by myself.

Molokaimike, This is Batman825. I just saw your message to me and I tried to respond to the message you left me but it wouldn't let me respond. I've never done what you are going to do so it might be fun to do. When are you planning on doing it? What year trike are you doing this to and what is the rear end you are putting on? If it works with my schedule I'll give you a hand. It appears that you can message me so message me your email address and I can contact you.

Bob

[molokaimike]

Hi Bob

I got your message, not sure why you can't respond. I'm putting an Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) kit on my 2020TG. It's made by a company called IMC and they are located right here in Goodyear. This is one of the reason I've chosen them because they are close so if I have any issues I can go there and get them resolved. I've been to their shop and met with the owner who took my back into the shop where they are made and gave me a tour. The unit is very well made and it is beefy looking. I've always thought that an IRTS system would be much better than the solid axle type that Harley uses. I love my trike but can't stand the rough ride in the rear end. I don't think that changing the shock would do anything to help the ride. Thanks for the offer to help, I can always use another set of hands. I've got a trike life table so I don't have to bend over to work on it which will make things easier plus I have the factory service manuals so it should not be hard to remove the factory rear end. I will be picking up the IRS installation manual today so I can read up on it and have my plan of attack laid out. You can reach me at mjgilde@aol.com if you want.

Mike