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====== IH: Suspension ======

====== Swingarm (rear fork) Info ======
===== Sub Documents =====
  * [[techtalk:ih:susp03a|1957-1985 Swingarm Pics and Information]]
  * [[techtalk:ih:susp03d|1957-1978 Swingarm Assembly]]
 
A number of 1972 Sportsters were produced from November 1, 1971 to March 29, 1972 without the (3 position) stake operation performed on the rear left side fork bearing lock nut (47514-52). Bearing pre-load (which should be kept at 1-2 pounds) is controlled by the left and right (47515-52) bearing lock nuts. The affected VINs were (3A or 4A) 18748H2 to 33040H2. This safety defect prompted a recall of the affected bikes with the dealer being required to remove the rear fork for inspection and stake any of them that were done previously at a rate of $7 reimbursed labor and handling. ((HD Service Bulletin #636 dated April 27, 1972 pg OC-403)) 

==== Removing the Swingarm ====
  * Follow the procedure in your FSM to remove the swingarm. However, if you can do it without removing the staked nut on the left side is best. It serves to center the swingarm in the frame and you can bung up the threads  on that nut really easily. ((GA_Ironhead https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/47932-steering-head-swingarm-bearings-and-races?t=185355))

====== Swingarm Swaps ======
 
  * Pre-1979, only the 1977 XLCR had the box arm with Disc. ((Monte03 https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/185403-77-swingarm?t=1985335&highlight=swingarm))
  * 1979 - 1981 had the box arm with disc and it will fit pre-79 frames. ((russzx6 https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/185403-77-swingarm?t=1985335&highlight=swingarm))
  * A 79-81 swing arm will bolt on a 72 frame. Things to consider when changing swingarms are master cylinder placement, operation and the fact that the 79-81 swing arm shock mounting will change the angle of your shocks. ((MXHD55U https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/185403-77-swingarm?t=1985335&highlight=swingarm))
  * Consider if you even want a disc on the rear. It won't work any better than the drum, which is already powerful enough to lock up the wheel. Put your effort into improving the front brake if you want to stop better. ((Hopper https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/185403-77-swingarm?t=1985335&highlight=swingarm)) You would do better by adapting a later 39 MM Evo fork for brakes and handling. ((Monte03 https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/185403-77-swingarm?t=1985335&highlight=swingarm))

====== Bearing Change, 1952-1956 K Models / 1957-E1974 XL/XLH/XLCH ======
Bearing Kit (47550-74) (replaced the single bearing part # 47521-52) contains 2 bearings which are 0.100" narrower than the original bearing dims used in Sportsters up to February of 1974. The kit also contains a new pivot bolt nut (47512-74), bearing locknuts (L - 47514-74, R - 47515-74) and an outer spacer (47521-74) - clearanced for the new bearings. ((HD Service Bulletin #688 dated May 12, 1974))

**Caution**: Parts must not be intermixed on a complete rear fork pivot shaft and bearing assembly. Correct bearing clearance and specified fork bearing preload cannot be obtained with intermixed  parts. Correct bearing preload is essential for satisfactory operation and proper motorcycle handling. ((HD Service Bulletin #688 dated May 12, 1974))

====== Pivot Bolt / Nut (1952-1981) ======
=== L1974-1981 Sportster Rear Fork Pivot Bolt Nut 47512-74 ===
|  L1974-1981 Pivot Bolt Nut 47512-74 ((photos courtesy of Ebay seller, Robison Motorcycles [[https://www.ebay.com/str/robisonmotorcycles?_trksid=p2047675.l2563|Link to Ebay Store]] ))  |
|{{:techtalk:ih:susp:1974l-1981_rear_fork_pivot_bolt_nut_47512-74_pic1_by_robisonmotorcycles.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:susp:1974l-1981_rear_fork_pivot_bolt_nut_47512-74_pic2_by_robisonmotorcycles.jpg?direct&300|}}|
====== Bearing Locknuts (1952-1981) ======
=== 1952-1956 K Models and 1957-1981 XL/XLH/XLCH/XLS Bearing Lock Nut Lock Plate ===
|  Locknut Lock Plate (47525-52) ((photo courtesy of Ebay seller, Sum-body's Harley Parts, [[https://www.ebay.com/str/sumbodysharleyparts|Link to Ebay Store]] ))  |
|{{:techtalk:ih:susp:1952-1956_k_models_and_1957-1981_xl-xlh-xlch-xls_bearing_lock_nut_lock_plate_47525-52_by_sum-body1.jpg?direct&300|}}|  

=== 1952-1956 K Models & 1957-E1974 XL/XLH/XLCH ===
|  Left Bearing Lock Nut (47514-52) ((photos courtesy of Deep South Cycles, [[https://www.ebay.com/str/deepsouthcycles?_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2563|Link to Ebay Store]] ))  ||
|{{:techtalk:ih:susp:1952-1974e_rear_fork_left_bearing_lock_nut_47514-52_by_deep_south_cycles_pic1.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:susp:1952-1974e_rear_fork_left_bearing_lock_nut_47514-52_by_deep_south_cycles_pic2.jpg?direct&300|}}|

|  Right Bearing Locknut (47515-52) ((photos courtesy of Ebay seller, Robison Motorcycles [[https://www.ebay.com/str/robisonmotorcycles?_trksid=p2047675.l2563|Link to Ebay Store]] ))  ||
|{{:techtalk:ih:susp:1952-1974e_rear_fork_right_bearing_lock_nut_47515-52_pic1_by_robisonmotorcycles.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:susp:1952-1974e_rear_fork_right_bearing_lock_nut_47515-52_pic2_by_robisonmotorcycles.jpg?direct&300|}}|

=== L1974-1981 XLH/XLCH/XLS ===
|  Left Bearing Locknut (47514-74) ((photos courtesy of Ebay seller, Sum-body's Harley Parts, [[https://www.ebay.com/str/sumbodysharleyparts|Link to Ebay Store]] ))  ||
|{{:techtalk:ih:susp:1974l-1981_xlh-xlch-xls_rear_fork_left_bearing_locknut_47514-74_by_sum-body1_pic1.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:susp:1974l-1981_xlh-xlch-xls_rear_fork_left_bearing_locknut_47514-74_by_sum-body1_pic2.jpg?direct&300|}}|

|  Right Bearing Locknut (47515-74) ((photos courtesy of Ebay seller, Robison Motorcycles [[https://www.ebay.com/str/robisonmotorcycles?_trksid=p2047675.l2563|Link to Ebay Store]] ))  || 
|{{:techtalk:ih:susp:1974l-1981_rear_fork_right_bearing_lock_nut_47515-74_pic1_by_robisonmotorcycles.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:susp:1974l-1981_rear_fork_right_bearing_lock_nut_47515-74_pic2_by_robisonmotorcycles.jpg?direct&300|}}|

====== Parts Lists ======
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===== Swingarms ======

^{{techtalk:miscres:instruction_sheet_header_4.png?nolink&790|}}|||
|**Year Model**|**Swingarm Part** #|**Notes**|
|1952-1956 All K Models|47504-52|Replaced by 47504-52A (1957) ((1957 Spare Parts Catalog for all Sportster and K Models pg 38)), Replaced by 47504-52B (1961) ((1961 HD Parts Catalog Supplement for Sportsters and KH Models))|
|1957-1960 Sportsters|47504-52A ((1957 Spare Parts Catalog for all Sportster and K Models pg 38))|Replaced by 47504-52B (1961) ((1961 HD Parts Catalog Supplement for Sportsters and KH Models))|
|1961-1966 XLCH \\ 1961-1966 XLH|47504-52B ((1961 HD Parts Catalog Supplement for Sportsters and KH Models))|
|1967 XLCH|47503-67 ((1967 HD Sportster and KH Model Parts Catalog pg 50))|Replaced by 47504-56B (1968) ((1968 HD Sportster Parts Catalog Supplement))|
|1968-1969 XLCH|47504-56B ((1968 HD Sportster Parts Catalog Supplement))|  |
|1967-1972 XLH \\ 1970-1972 XLCH|47504-67 ((1970 HD Sportster Parts Catalog pg 49))| Replaced by 47504-67A (by -78A catalog, 1981) ((1954-1978 HD Parts Catalog -78A pg 111))|
|1973 XLH/XLCH|47504-73 ((1973 HD Sportster Parts Catalog Supplement))|Replaced by 47504-67A (1974) ((1974 HD Sportster Parts Catalog Supplement))|
|1974 XLH/XLCH|47504-67A ((1974 HD Sportster Parts Catalog Supplement))|  |
|1975-1976 XLH, XLCH|47504-75 ((1975 and 1976 HD Sportster Parts Catalog Supplements))|  |
|1977-1978 XL, XLCH|47504-76 ((1977 HD Sportster Parts Catalog Supplement))|  |
|1979 XL/XLCH/XLS|47532-79 ((1979 HD Sportster Parts Catalog pg 53))|Square tube, with bearings|
|:::|47549-79 ((1979 HD Sportster Parts Catalog pg 53))|Square tube, without bearings|
|1980-1981 XL/XLS|47532-79A ((1979-1981 HD Sportster Parts Catalog pg 71))|Square tube, with bearings, replaces 1979 swingarm|
|:::|47473-80 ((1979-1981 HD Sportster Parts Catalog pg 71))|Square tube, without bearings, replaces 1979 swingarm|
|1982 XL/XLS|47532-81 ((1979-1985 HD Sportster Parts Catalog pg 89))|Square tube, with bearings|
|1983-1985 XL/XLS/XLX|47532-83 ((1979-1985 HD Sportster Parts Catalog pg 89))|Square tube, with bearings|

===== Swingarm Related Parts Lists =====
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==== Swingarm Bearings / Bushings ====
^{{techtalk:miscres:instruction_sheet_header_4.png?nolink&790|}}|||
|**Year Model**|**Bearing(s)**|**Notes**|
|1952-1956 K Models \\ 1957-E1974 XL/XLH/XLCH|47521-52 (original)|2 required. Timken: Race 17520, Bearing 17580 ((GA_Ironhead https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/88845-guide-to-swingarm-bearing-replacement/page5?t=709634&page=5))|
|:::|Bearing Kit 47550-74 \\ (uses L1974 bearings)|Bearings are shorter than original. \\ Can't mix new parts with original parts \\ [[techtalk:ih:susp03#bearing_change_1952-1956_k_models_1957-e1974_xl_xlh_xlch|Click Here]] for more information  |
|L1974-1981 XLH/XLCH/XLS|47521-74|2 required. Timken: Race 11520, Bearing 11590 ((GA_Ironhead https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/88845-guide-to-swingarm-bearing-replacement/page5?t=709634&page=5))|
|1982-1985 XL/XLS/XLX|47083-81|Left side bushing|
|:::|47082-81|Right side bearing, 2 required. \\ Timken: Race LM11710, Bearing LM11749 ((GA_Ironhead https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/88845-guide-to-swingarm-bearing-replacement/page5?t=709634&page=5))|

==== Bearing Spacers / Shields ====
^{{techtalk:miscres:instruction_sheet_header_4.png?nolink&790|}}|||
|1952-1956 K Models \\ 1957-1981 XL/XLH/XLCH/XLS|Inner Bearing Shield|47519-52|
|:::|Inner Bearing Spacer|47518-52|
|1952-1956 K Models \\ 1957-E1974 XL/XLH/XLCH|Outer Bearing Spacer (R)|47517-52|
|L74-81 XLH/XLCH/XLS|Outer Bearing Spacer (R)|47517-74|

==== Bearing Locknut ====
^{{techtalk:miscres:instruction_sheet_header_4.png?nolink&790|}}|||
|  **Bearing Locknut**  |||
|Year Model|Left|Right|
|**1952-1956 K Models & 1957-E1974 XL/XLH/XLCH**|47514-52|47515-52|
|**L1974-1981 XLH/XLCH/XLS**|47514-74|47515-74|

==== Bearing Locknut Lock-plate (R) ====
^{{techtalk:miscres:instruction_sheet_header_4.png?nolink&790|}}||
|**Bearing Locknut Lock-plate (R)**|Part #|
|52-56 K Models \\ 57-81 XL/XLH/XLCH/XLS|47525-52|
^{{techtalk:miscres:instruction_sheet_header_4.png?nolink&790|}}||
|**(#10)Bearing Retention: \\ Lock-Plate Screw / Washer / Lockwasher (R)**|Part #|
|52-56 K Models \\ 57 Sportster|1187|
|52-56 K Models \\ 57-63 XL/XLH/XLCH|(#10 x 3/8" self tapping) 2657|
|52-56 K Models \\ 57-59 Sportsters|(#10x13/32") External tooth shake-proof lockwasher 7220|
|53-63 K Models \\ 57-63 XL/XLH/XLCH|5/8" Lockwasher 7072|
|L72-81 XLH/XLCH/XLS|(10-24 x 1/2") Pozidriv fil head (R) 1198|
|L72-81 XLH/XLCH/XLS|(#10) Lockwasher (R) 7069|
|54-81 KH/XL/XLH/XLCH/XLS|(5/8") Bearing Lockwasher 7022|

==== Bearing Dust Shield ====
^{{techtalk:miscres:instruction_sheet_header_4.png?nolink&790|}}||
|**Bearing Dust Shield**|Part #|
|82-85 XL/XLS/XLX|(2) - (right) 41579-81|

==== Pivot Bolt / Nut ====
^{{techtalk:miscres:instruction_sheet_header_4.png?nolink&790|}}||
|**Swingarm Pivot Bolt / Nut**|Part #|
|54-81 KH/XL/XLH/XLCH/XLS|47511-52|
|82-85 XL/XLS/XLX|41568-81A|
|**Pivot Bolt Nut**|**Part #**|
|52-56 K Models \\ 57-E74 XL/XLH/XLCH| 47512-52|
|L74-81 XLH/XLCH/XLS|47512-74|

==== Pivot Bolt Spacer ====
^{{techtalk:miscres:instruction_sheet_header_4.png?nolink&790|}}||
|**Pivot Bolt Spacer**|Part #|
|82-85 XL/XLS/XLX|(left) 5716|

==== Axle Adjuster and Fork End Covers ====
^{{techtalk:miscres:instruction_sheet_header_4.png?nolink&790|}}||
|**Axle Adjuster**|Part #|
|54-78 KH/XL/XLH/XLCH|Axle Adjuster (2) 39985-52|
|79-85 XL/XLCH/XLS/XLX|Axle Adjuster (2) 41570-77|

^{{techtalk:miscres:instruction_sheet_header_4.png?nolink&790|}}||
|**Axle Adjuster Nuts / Washers**|Part #|
|54-78 KH/XL/XLH/XLCH|Inner Axle Adjuster Nut (2) 7753 (5/16"-24 NF x 17/64" x 1/2" hex) |
|54-78 KH/XL/XLH/XLCH|Outer Axle Adjuster Nut (2) 7744 (5/16"-24 NF x 3/16" x 1/2" hex)|
|79-85 XL/XLCH/XLS|Washer, (2) 6324W (5/16" x 11/16" x 3/32")|
|79-85 XL/XLCH/XLS|Locknut,(2) 7725 (5/16"x24 x 11/32" x 1/2" hex)|

^{{techtalk:miscres:instruction_sheet_header_4.png?nolink&790|}}||
|**Fork End Covers**|Part #|
|79 XL/XLCH/XLS|(2) 47554-78|
|79-85 XL/XLCH/XLS/XLX|(2) 47554-73|

==== Plastic Bearing Plug ====
^{{techtalk:miscres:instruction_sheet_header_4.png?nolink&790|}}||
|**Plastic Bearing Plug**|Part #|
|83-85 XLX|(Left) 10040|

==== Passenger Footpeg Bracket ====
^{{techtalk:miscres:instruction_sheet_header_4.png?nolink&790|}}||
|**Passenger Footpeg Bracket**|Part #|
|83-85 XL/XLS| (2) 50615-83|
|83-85 XL/XLS|3/8" Lockwasher for Footpeg Bracket (2) 7045|
|83-85 XL/XLS|3/8"x16 2" Knurled 9/16" Socket Head Screw (2) 855 \\ for Passenger Footpeg Bracket|


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