Axle Bolts for an '04 Chopper DT, not grade 8?

[Moespeeds]

I screwed up the threads on one of my axle bolts so I took it over to a machinist for him to chase. When he looked at the bolts, he commented that they were just machine stock turned down, not grade 8 bolts, and probably not even grade 5. When I tried to buy new bolts, Big Dog wants $104 because they make you buy the axle kit as well. I was thinking of just buying 2 grade 8 bolts for $10, then having the machinist cut the heads to match Big Dog's bolts. The BD bolts have an undersized head to fit into the frame recess. What do you guys think?

 

[MARV]

grainger is were i got my replacement.

dont recall the hex being too big

 

[Vegas]

I wouldn't be afraid to use grade 8 on anything. Without seeing photos could you use a 12 point head, allan, or torx. ARP makes some nice grade 8 fasteners. On my bike the allans are beveled and keeps the axle from sliding out to one side.

 

[Moespeeds]

Hey MARV, how did you attach your axle bolt covers? My bolts have a smaller and shallower head on them! I'll post some pics later.

 

[Moespeeds]

BTW, what's the torque on those swingarm bolts?

 

[MARV]

Hey MARV, how did you attach your axle bolt covers? My bolts have a smaller and shallower head on them! I'll post some pics later.

as i recall it wasn't a problem. the problem was finding the large bolt with the fine thread.

rear axle tq 55-65 ft/lbs