Swingarm Install, am I missing a spacer???

Energy One

Moespeeds

Well-Known Member
I'm going to post pics in a little while, but when I went to re-install my swingarm last night, I had a major problem. I've got 2 swingarm bolts, 2 washers, the pivot axle, and one chrome spacer, approx 5.8". I'm left side drive, so the spacer goes on the right. When I install everything, on the left side between the swingarm and the frame post, I am left with about a 1/4" space. What do I do here? I'm 99% sure there was no spacer in there, or even a washer between the frame posts and the swingarm. Do I crank open the pivot axle adjuster to spread the swingarm enough to close that space? If I just put a spacer in there, it will offset the wheel 1/4" to the right, and I know that's not going to work! Also, the spacer on the right side has an adjustable sleeve that I can open up, which will push the whole swingarm to the left, should I use that? A friend is telling me there is no way that HEIM in the swingarm on the left should touch the frame post, he says there should be washers in there, but when I took this thing apart the washers were on the outside of the frame, under the pivot bolts.
 

Moespeeds

Well-Known Member
Bump

I'm going to post pics in a little while, but when I went to re-install my swingarm last night, I had a major problem. I've got 2 swingarm bolts, 2 washers, the pivot axle, and one chrome spacer, approx 5.8". I'm left side drive, so the spacer goes on the right. When I install everything, on the left side between the swingarm and the frame post, I am left with about a 1/4" space. What do I do here? I'm 99% sure there was no spacer in there, or even a washer between the frame posts and the swingarm. Do I crank open the pivot axle adjuster to spread the swingarm enough to close that space? If I just put a spacer in there, it will offset the wheel 1/4" to the right, and I know that's not going to work! Also, the spacer on the right side has an adjustable sleeve that I can open up, which will push the whole swingarm to the left, should I use that? A friend is telling me there is no way that HEIM in the swingarm on the left should touch the frame post, he says there should be washers in there, but when I took this thing apart the washers were on the outside of the frame, under the pivot bolts.
 

Gas Man

Cool isn't cheap
Calendar Participant
I'm sure Alhall will be able to help you out on this. However, my RSD has a big adjustment "nut" that you spin out on threads. This takes up the space between the swingarm and the frame. Not sure if yours is the same or not.
 

Moespeeds

Well-Known Member
So Gas you think the solution is definitely NOT to use the adjuster on the pivot axle to "spread" the swingarm? I'm thinking I gotta use the adjuster on the right side spacer to push the whole swingarm over to the left. Also, should I put a thin washer between the swingarm bearing and the frame post on the left? My buddy was pretty adamant about them not touching.
 

Nomad2day

Longhair Redneck Geek
Moe,
On my 07 Bulldog, the inside gap is taken up by the adjustable pipe per say until it touches each bearing. Between the outer swing arm and frame there is a spacer or shim on each side that the bolt goes through. I will take a pic tonight when I get home.
 

Gas Man

Cool isn't cheap
Calendar Participant
I'm saying... do like Niel is saying... adjust the pipe spacer thing out till it takes up the space. My RSD was done this way... let me get some pics... min
 

Gas Man

Cool isn't cheap
Calendar Participant
ok... here you can see the threaded spot on the frame


top left you can see the adjuster


set it up like this


get the axle thru it and tighten it. on the RSD 250mm bikes you HAVE to put the belt on with the swingarm. I don't know if its that way with your LSD


Kinda of all put together


Do the pics help?
 

Moespeeds

Well-Known Member
They help Gas, I've actually got an '05 chop here to look at. The setup is a little different, and my axle doesn't come out, but really I'm just over complicating this. I'm stuck on the fact that when I took my spacer out, it was spun all the way down. I don't know what changed, or maybe I played with it when I took it apart 3 months ago and don't remember, but I just need to adjust it out 1/4". Thanks for the pics and the effort, it was helpful.
 

05 old dog

Well-Known Member
bump this post...hey gas man on the 250 frame and swinger i take it that the spacer on the right side of the pivot tube assembly welded to the frame has threads? i didnt move mine on disassembly and didnt know it had threads,now its been heated blasted and painted...cant get the swingarm pivot tube washer in on the left side to go in. too tight so i think i need to screw the adjuster in on the right side...is this correct?
 
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