Harley Lowrider ST Shock Install

In this video, Steve Knoble walks us through the process of removing and replacing a Milwaukee Eight Softail shock on the Lowrider ST. Replacement of the Softail shock has everything to do with function and little to nothing to do with appearance. The Milwaukee Eight Softail shock is mostly hidden beneath the rider’s seat.

The stock Softail shock may work well for most riders but depending on rider weight or riding style, the stock rear shock may be inadequate. The performance shock that Steve is installing enables the rider to adjust preload as well as rebound / dampening. This upgrade is not incredibly difficult to complete. However, it is more involved than most simple bolt on components. Only general hand tools are needed which should include torx bits, and a torque wrench.

Steve has the motorcycle secured to the table lift with ratchet straps. A scissor jack or flat jack is used in order to relieve the vehicle weight off of the rear wheel. The rear of the motorcycle should be lifted until the rear wheel can be turned, but turned with resistance. Never attempt to remove rear shock hardware without the weight of the motorcycle relieved at the rear wheel.

Once set up, there are a handful of steps to follow:

– Remove the seat
– Cut ty-wraps as needed. Replace any ty-wraps that are removed before completion.
– Remove the hydraulic preload adjuster with a T-27 torx bit.
– Remove the frame crossmember with a 7/16″ socket for the 2 screws.
– Loosen, but don’t remove, the front Softail shock bolt with a 3/4″ socket.
– Loosen, but don’t remove, the rear pinch bolt with a 1/4″ allen.
– Use a T-50 torx bit to remove the rear, or lower, shock bolt.
– Completely remove the front Softail shock bolt.
– Remove the front seat mount in order to have clearance to move Softail shock out & in.

Softail shock replacement is in reverse. Raising or lowering the flat jack will aid in shock mounting hardware alignment.

Related:
Twin Cam Softail Shocks