HarleyTechTalk

The 06 Softail Night Train's rear axle is about 5/8" to 3/4" too short.
It appears to be correct for the model of the bike, part # 41110-79 A.
Once all the spacers are in place there is zero room to thread on the nut.

The current axle is 13 1/4" total length (measured with head). It is 12 1/2" shaft with threads and 3/4" in diameter.

Am I doing something wrong?

Are there longer axles to correct this?

Possibly the left side spacer is wrong (too long)?

Did I miss something here?

Is this from another ongoing thread?

First, the obvious question:
Did you have that axle on that bike previously? If yes, then yes, you've done something wrong. Try that mother again.

If no, then compare the original axle's length to this one you're trying to use.
If original and you're sure you're installing it correctly, then there's a spacer that's either incorrect (too thick) or you're reading from the wrong instruction manual.

  The axle fits the rear fork width and the wheel spacers have nothing to do with the overall axle length protrusion.  If it doesn't fit on its own without the wheel and (inboard) spacers the axle is wrong.  Possibly mislabeled part number?

Need more context.
As has been asked, did you take it apart?
The wheel and spacer assemblies fit tight with no gaps between the rear swingarm?
Is the rear swingarm bent?
Did you have to spread the arm to get them installed? i.e. wrong spacers.
Correct wheel for the app?

Yes, I have had it all together and was unable to use the left rear axle spacer, # 47577-00, because there was not enough room to get the nut on. The adjusting screw, # 47579-00, had to ride upon the side of the nut.
Today, I removed the rear wheel to start over. 
The rear swing arm is not bent.

Initially, the bike came to me in pieces. The rear wheel was off and the two spacers were on the axle.  I'm using the parts that came with it. 

The left rear spacer could be the problem. During reassembly it is extremely difficult to get the axle and spacers back in.

My guess is the left rear spacer I'm using is not the OEM spacer #41599-06, which is no longer available from H-D. It may be too long. I'm tempted to cut off about 3/4" from this spacer but since the correct one is no longer available I'm going to experiment with a generic bushing from Grainger.

....and that is where I was going; thinking a spacer was incorrect.

Basket cases can present interesting puzzles at times.
I remember a good friend asked me to take a look at his "pile of parts" basket case '47 Indian. I didn't know a-hole from appetite about the Indian parts but I certainly did recognize the Sportster lifter in the mix right away.
 "One of these things doesn't belong here. One of these things isn't the same...." 

In my case, when building a from-scratch chop with nothing "engineered" to reference, I installed the axle through the new wheel n' hub, brake caliber, rear sprocket and frame then moved the wheel and sprocket to center the belt on the sprocket n' pulley. After ensuring the rear tire was also centered in the frame, I measured for the required spacers. Cut some stock the required length, drilled the center out for the axle and installed followed all that with many miles and smiles later.....

I'm not recommending this procedure....just sharing what this backyarder did.

Back to KD's suggestion. Does the axle fit properly through the swing arm with no wheel/spacers in place?

Zach

Quote from: Garagerat on December 16, 2024, 04:25:06 PMYes, I have had it all together and was unable to use the left rear axle spacer, # 47577-00, because there was not enough room to get the nut on. The adjusting screw, # 47579-00, had to ride upon the side of the nut.
Today, I removed the rear wheel to start over.
The rear swing arm is not bent.

Initially, the bike came to me in pieces. The rear wheel was off and the two spacers were on the axle.  I'm using the parts that came with it.

The left rear spacer could be the problem. During reassembly it is extremely difficult to get the axle and spacers back in.

My guess is the left rear spacer I'm using is not the OEM spacer #41599-06, which is no longer available from H-D. It may be too long. I'm tempted to cut off about 3/4" from this spacer but since the correct one is no longer available I'm going to experiment with a generic bushing from Grainger.

The axle fits great. It must be the spacers causing the problem. I'm going to take the advise of Tacocaster and get everything centered and then build the spacers to fit the swing arm.

Make sure to look at pulley alignment and caliper alignment before making spacers.

I just don't understand how the axle is short when the wheel and spacers are in there. Are you pushing the swingarm apart with the wheel and spacers? The wheel and spacers should slide in with little resistance if any.

Quote from: Garagerat on December 17, 2024, 01:20:53 PMThe axle fits great. It must be the spacers causing the problem. I'm going to take the advise of Tacocaster and get everything centered and then build the spacers to fit the swing arm.

I take it you mean the axle fits the hole diameter great.  To be clear, do you have any spacers on the axle that sit outside the rear swingarm holes when it is installed?  This would be a good time for pics of the assembly with it installed showing how and where it comes up being short.

Ohio's suggestion is spot-on. The rotor should be on the hub and the caliber centered on it as well as the belt and tire properly positioned.
And I agree with KD; there's something we're missing or is not being shared/clarified. Not intentionally...just not seen as pertinent.
Pictures would likely be telling.

Does anyone have a stock -06 FXST left spacer they could measure?

Quote from: FSG on December 18, 2024, 04:52:24 AMthat spacer is P/N 43654-00A ; .475  thick

Wow! That was quick   

standby ...  I $#%^$% up on that did the right side not the left   

Here is the pic of the rear axle with all spacers attached. My concern is there is zero threads showing to screw on the nut.

Quote from: Garagerat on December 18, 2024, 05:44:41 AMHere is the pic of the rear axle with all spacers attached. My concern is there is zero threads showing to screw on the nut.

I still don't get it. Can you post a pick of the other side too?

Could You possibly have a Front Axle versus a Rear Axle in Your picture there?
Realizing that You are there and I'm not...the Hole in the Axle appears to be a bit large similar to those on Front Axles.

That's a front Axel

Good eye!   

Quote from: Fugawee on December 18, 2024, 06:36:12 AMCould You possibly have a Front Axle versus a Rear Axle in Your picture there?
Realizing that You are there and I'm not...the Hole in the Axle appears to be a bit large similar to those on Front Axles.

You are right Fug.

Quote from: fbn ent on December 18, 2024, 07:07:34 AMYou are right Fug.

HaHa!  For once...
Now, if I could only get the Mrs. to say that every now and then.

You're right, Fug!! (C'mon guys, give the man some props, he's married after all)

Nope...nope...not necessary...thanks anyway...appreciate the kind words.
My entire system will get way out of whack with too many You're rights.
Totally unaccustomed to it.