HarleyTechTalk

Technical Forums => Shovel Head => Topic started by: Manostihl on February 24, 2019, 09:42:58 AM

Title: Softail 5 speed in shovel 4 speed frame
Post by: Manostihl on February 24, 2019, 09:42:58 AM
In the process of swapping a 5 speed Softail trans  and ultima 3 inch open belt drive into my 83 low rider. Anyone on here done a Softail trans swap? Just looking to see how someone else dodged the swingarm pivot.
Title: Re: Softail 5 speed in shovel 4 speed frame
Post by: JW113 on February 25, 2019, 08:30:51 AM
Not that I've done it, but I think this is why S&S (et al) make special transmission cases to do just that.

-JW
Title: Re: Softail 5 speed in shovel 4 speed frame
Post by: Dogbone45ACP on February 25, 2019, 04:10:19 PM
 Yes , I've done it. The case needs some machine work. I used a complete Softail primary. Not a bolt in.
Title: Re: Softail 5 speed in shovel 4 speed frame
Post by: Dogbone45ACP on February 25, 2019, 04:11:13 PM
 I did mine because I wanted the newer starter assy.
Title: Re: Softail 5 speed in shovel 4 speed frame
Post by: Dogbone45ACP on February 25, 2019, 04:13:50 PM
 The area around the swing arm is what must be machined. It can be done with a hole saw in a drill press. Also you will need a trans mounting plate for it.
Title: Re: Softail 5 speed in shovel 4 speed frame
Post by: Dogbone45ACP on February 25, 2019, 04:17:10 PM
 I got the trans plate from Vulcan Parts . I can't open his web site from home. I'll try at work on Tuesday.
Title: Re: Softail 5 speed in shovel 4 speed frame
Post by: Dogbone45ACP on February 25, 2019, 04:28:05 PM
 The battery box and oil tank mount will need modified. Most of this can be done without the use of a machine shop. But if you are a mechanic or machinist life would be easier.
Title: Re: Softail 5 speed in shovel 4 speed frame
Post by: Manostihl on February 25, 2019, 08:46:32 PM
Quote from: JW113 on February 25, 2019, 08:30:51 AM
Not that I've done it, but I think this is why S&S (et al) make special transmission cases to do just that.

-JW
yes I know this . I've had a sputhe 5 in 4 in the bike already. Tired of the tapered shaft, p.o.s starters and not on the shelf parts that's why I went with this stock softail trans
Title: Re: Softail 5 speed in shovel 4 speed frame
Post by: Manostihl on February 25, 2019, 08:49:02 PM
Quote from: Dogbone45ACP on February 25, 2019, 04:11:13 PM
I did mine because I wanted the newer starter assy.
I realize it's not a bolt in. I have already cut the trans case. Looking to see how other people such as yourself made the bracket for the rear most primary bolts that go to the trans. I read on a conversion on Rivera primos website.
Title: Re: Softail 5 speed in shovel 4 speed frame
Post by: Manostihl on February 25, 2019, 08:49:49 PM
Quote from: Dogbone45ACP on February 25, 2019, 04:13:50 PM
The area around the swing arm is what must be machined. It can be done with a hole saw in a drill press. Also you will need a trans mounting plate for it.
already have the trans plate
Title: Re: Softail 5 speed in shovel 4 speed frame
Post by: capn on February 26, 2019, 04:04:49 AM
Rivera Primo will sell just the little plate with the spacers to bolt to your trans plate. It bridges the gap you cut for the swingarm and lets you use one of the rear lower bolts.If you want to run softail primaries you mill off the bottom rear mount of the inner to match spacer plate level.One bolt is better than none .You can find softail primaries easily on ebay.You can use a clutch up till 06 will work.
Title: Re: Softail 5 speed in shovel 4 speed frame
Post by: Manostihl on February 26, 2019, 05:25:09 AM
Quote from: capn on February 26, 2019, 04:04:49 AM
Rivera Primo will sell just the little plate with the spacers to bolt to your trans plate. It bridges the gap you cut for the swingarm and lets you use one of the rear lower bolts.If you want to run softail primaries you mill off the bottom rear mount of the inner to match spacer plate level.One bolt is better than none .You can find softail primaries easily on ebay.You can use a clutch up till 06 will work.
I have an ultima 3.35 belt primary clutch setup I'm going to run. Looked to me like Rivera shaved both bolt holes off in their conversion and I emailed them about that piece and it's been almost a month to the day with no reply. http://www.riveraprimoinc.com/html/4speed-conversion.html
Title: Re: Softail 5 speed in shovel 4 speed frame
Post by: capn on February 26, 2019, 01:29:39 PM
You can call rivera primo and they will answer.
Title: Re: Softail 5 speed in shovel 4 speed frame
Post by: Manostihl on February 26, 2019, 04:10:36 PM
Quote from: capn on February 26, 2019, 01:29:39 PM
You can call rivera primo and they will answer.
I did not know that thank you!
Title: Re: Softail 5 speed in shovel 4 speed frame
Post by: Dogbone45ACP on February 27, 2019, 03:30:02 AM
 I didn't bother with the bracket you mention. I cut the rear ears off of the primary and plugged the holes. The forward studs and the starter bolts seem to be doing fine. I'm also running a rear belt drive.

  I don't ride that much or very hard anymore, so hard for me to say how it will hold up long term.
 
Title: Re: Softail 5 speed in shovel 4 speed frame
Post by: Manostihl on February 28, 2019, 01:45:57 PM
Quote from: Dogbone45ACP on February 27, 2019, 03:30:02 AM
I didn't bother with the bracket you mention. I cut the rear ears off of the primary and plugged the holes. The forward studs and the starter bolts seem to be doing fine. I'm also running a rear belt drive.

  I don't ride that much or very hard anymore, so hard for me to say how it will hold up long term.

right on I don't ride hard that often but I do get a heavy hand every now and again. I spoke with Rivera engineering and they are going to sende the parts I need !
Title: Re: Softail 5 speed in shovel 4 speed frame
Post by: Dogbone45ACP on March 07, 2019, 03:30:33 AM
 Sounds like you have it handled.
Title: Re: Softail 5 speed in shovel 4 speed frame
Post by: Manostihl on March 10, 2019, 05:57:14 PM
 :koolaid4:
Quote from: Dogbone45ACP on March 07, 2019, 03:30:33 AM
Sounds like you have it handled.
I certainly hope so