IH: Suspension

Rear Shocks & Springs

1957-1985 Shocks / Springs

Complete Rear Shock and Spring Assemblies 1) 2) 3) 4)
YearModelLeftRightStandard/ Option
KH195654500-5654501-56Standard
54500-56A54501-56AUpgrade
XL 8831957-195954500-5654501-56Standard
54500-56A54501-56AUpgrade
54503-5854504-58Option for extra 1“ ground clearance
XLC 883195854503-5854504-58Standard
XLH 8831958-195954500-5654501-56Standard
1958-196654500-56A54501-56AUpgrade
54503-5854504-58Option for extra 1” ground clearance
1967-1971 54501-67 (2) Low road clearance
XLH 10001972 54501-67 (2) Low road clearance
1973-1974 54504-73 (2) High road clearance
1967-1974 54490-78 (2) Optional retro-fit to '78 (Showa)
w/ Conversion Kit (2)- (54529-76)
1975-Early 1977 54504-75 (2) Standard
54490-78 (2) Optional retro-fit to '78 (Showa)
Late 1977-1978 54490-78 (2) (Showa) Standard
Early 1979 5) 54528-77 12.7“ (2) Standard
Late 1979 6) 54565-79 13.5” (2) Standard
Late 1979-1981 7) 54568-79B 12.5“ (2) Standard
1982-1985 8) 54568-82 (2) Standard
XLCH 8831958-1966 54503-58 (2) Standard
1967-1971 54490-78 (2) Optional retro-fit to '78 (Showa)
w/ Conversion Kit (2)- (54529-76)
XLCH 10001972-1974 54490-78 (2) Optional retro-fit to '78 (Showa)
w/ Conversion Kit (2)- (54529-76)
1973-1974 54504-73 (2) High road clearance
1975-Early 1977 54504-75 (2) Standard
54490-78 (2) Optional retro-fit to '78 (Showa)
Late 1977-1978 54490-78 (2) (Showa) Standard
Early 1979 9) 54528-77 12.7” (2) Standard
Late 1979 10) 54565-79 13.5“ (2) Standard
Late 1979 11) 54568-79B 12.5” (2) Standard
XLS 1000Late 1978 12) 54528-77 12.7“ (2) Standard
Early 1979 13) 54565-79 13.5” (2) Standard
Late 1979 14) 54470-79 (2) (Black) Standard
Late 1979-1981 15) 54568-79B 12.5“ (2) Standard
1982-1985 16) 54568-82 (2) Standard
XLX-61 10001983-1985 17) 54568-82 (2) Standard

Shock Conversion Kit 54529-76

  • Basically, a new stud kit (one for each side) was needed to retro-fit '67-'74 shocks to the new '78 Showa shock assembly including;
    • Upper and lower studs, washers and an outer bolt cover.

Rear Shock Inspection

Mounting Bushings

  • The condition of the rear shock absorber upper and lower mounting bushings should be checked at least every 5,000 miles since excessive looseness of the bushings could affect proper shock absorber function. 18)
    • Check for looseness by raising and supporting the rear of the motorcycle (taking the weight off shocks). Twist the shocks while making sure the shock eyes move only the limited amount allowed by normal rubber flexing.
    • If the rubber bushing is loose in any shock eye, remove shock upper and lower mounting bolts (one side at a time). Remove rubber bushings and inspect for a worn or distorted condition.
    • Replace both upper and lower bushings. Tighten mounting bolts to 20 ft-lbs torque. Repeat procedure for other side.
    • Note that replacement of all 4 bushings is recommended if any needs replacement.


1)
1952-1959 HD Spare Parts Catalog for all Sportsters and K Models pg 50-53
2)
1953-1963 HD Sportster and K Model Parts catalog pg 58
3)
1954-1978 HD Sportster Parts Catalog (99451-78B pgs 129, 131
4) , 5) , 6) , 9) , 10) , 13) , 14)
1979 HD Sportster Parts Catalog pg 57
7) , 8) , 11) , 12) , 15) , 16) , 17)
1979-1985 HD Sportster Parts Catalog pg 95
18)
HD Service Bulletin #M-764 dated December 21, 1979
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