Disassembling rear shocks

[1964FLDUO]

Any tips on disassembling rear shocks, I tried using the method described in the manual; turn the shock upside down compress and turn the bottom stud 90 degrees. Nothing happens after turning it 90 degrees? Am I forgetting something?

[RUBONE]

The bottom collar need to rotate 90 degrees relative to the mounting hole/stud hole. Is that happening? You can see the hole in the lower collar is designed to slip over the shock body when aligned that way. Of course only provided that you have the original style shocks!
Robbie

[1964FLDUO]

I think I figured out the problem, these shocks don't match the OE diagram

[RUBONE]

On those shocks you need to compress them and then remove the two split collars on the TOP of the shock, then they will come apart. Those are later replacements.
Robbie

[1964FLDUO]

Thanks Robbie you were spot on.

[1964FLDUO]

Well I took the shocks out, the springs are rusted pretty bad, but nothing a little blasting and paint won't fix. As for the shocks, I compressed them and I am still waiting for them to pump back up.....it's been thirty minutes...

Anyone got an idea of where to get good shocks?

[1950Panhead]

The bike compresses the shocks, the spring expands them.
The dampener slows the movement.
With the spring removed you should feel some restance as you move the rod back and forth, if not the dampener is shot.
Jerry

[1964FLDUO]

Hmm interesting, not like automotive shocks huh? One of them was easy to push down the other took quite a bit of effort, so, they probably need replacing.

[1964FLDUO]

Haven't found anybody with replacement internals as of yet. Any one with ideas let me know.

[RUBONE]

The shocks you show are common on '70s models. If you are OK with that look I suggest just replacing them with new high quality complete units. No one makes replacement dampers for early shocks, and NOS ones are very thin on the ground. Be aware that as in all things you get what you pay for so go with the best units you can afford!
Robbie

[Bigincher]

You can put the rounded top covers on the '70s shocks and they look alright, just like the '60s shocks.

[1964FLDUO]

High quality replacements such as? Are you suggesting new shocks from the MoCo because I know high quality and repop don't go hand in hand. I checked out works performance shocks, but they don't look stock and I would like a stock look. It seems a whole new unit is the only option.