TC Bros Springer front end

[kobra357]

Hello all,

Im pulling what is left of my hair out. I put this new springer front end on my bike. I have approximately 2 inch space on 1 side and approximately 2 5/8 on the other. Im pretty sure this is not good. I have gone over the instructions and diagrams for 2 days and Im 100% sure I did it correctly. Im missing something. Could anyone who has a springer look and see what Im missing? Thanks.

 

[jaybar6]

Hello all,

Im pulling what is left of my hair out. I put this new springer front end on my bike. I have approximately 2 inch space on 1 side and approximately 2 5/8 on the other. Im pretty sure this is not good. I have gone over the instructions and diagrams for 2 days and Im 100% sure I did it correctly. Im missing something. Could anyone who has a springer look and see what Im missing? Thanks.

assuming nothing is bent, it needs a spacer of about half inch.
Check the distances between the top of the arms and the bottom /wheel axle without the wheel in. to see if it is "square".

 

[kobra357]

assuming nothing is bent, it needs a spacer of about half inch.
Check the distances between the top of the arms and the bottom /wheel axle without the wheel in. to see if it is "square".

Its not bent. Its new and was packaged very well. I was thinking I needed to subtract 1/2, but add 1/2 is possible too. Im going to pull off the wheel and re imagine what I have got. I will get more pictures and measurements tomorrow. If anyone else has an idea before I tear into it I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks for your input .

 

[jaybar6]

is there a speedometer drive in there? can not see the photos are dark.

 

[WideAWAKE]

Maybe just the photos, but to me the wheel looks crooked and forks looks squeezed/pulled in.

If it’s to spec that tc bros lays out and it’s off… contact them.

If it’s all true (forks and wheel) then it’s a spacer issue.

 

[kobra357]

is there a speedometer drive in there? can not see the photos are dark.

No, there is a spacer.its TC BROs axel wheel kit.

 

[kobra357]

Maybe just the photos, but to me the wheel looks crooked and forks looks squeezed/pulled in.

If it’s to spec that tc bros lays out and it’s off… contact them.

If it’s all true (forks and wheel) then it’s a spacer issue.

I will remove the wheel and check measurements. Nothing is out of the ordinary. I will get new pictures tonight and hopefully have a better look for everyone who is interested in helping.
Thanks for all the input.

 

[kobra357]

I measured everything. From the width to the length. Took wheel off. Nothing is out of ordinary. I have come to the conclusion it’s straight with the rear tire and bike itself. Its just not centered in the forks. Thats all I got. Thanks to everyone chiming in.

 

[nightdancer]

Dude, that sucks about the uneven spacing. I had a similar issue with my build, turned out to be a manufacturing defect. Maybe reach out to TC Bros? They might have some insight.

 

[jaybar6]

I have looked at the photos again and there is a disc brake bracket on the axial ? I am guessing that the front end is made for a drum brake wheel and the TC spacers are for that.
To compensate for the brake bracket one needs 1/4 inch spacers to center the wheel.

 

[kobra357]

I have looked at the photos again and there is a disc brake bracket on the axial ? I am guessing that the front end is made for a drum brake wheel and the TC spacers are for that.
To compensate for the brake bracket one needs 1/4 inch spacers to center the wheel.

Its the TC Bros disc brake kit and axel kit and wheel/rim kit. When you buy they recommend you purchase everything. I did NOT cobble anything. I did not piece it together. I purchased everything on purpose so I would not have issues. And I have issues. Its a complete build just like the Blue one on their website. Im going to call because its 5/8 off. Very frustrating. Thanks again

 

[jaybar6]

Its the TC Bros disc brake kit and axel kit and wheel/rim kit. When you buy they recommend you purchase everything. I did NOT cobble anything. I did not piece it together. I purchased everything on purpose so I would not have issues. And I have issues. Its a complete build just like the Blue one on their website. Im going to call because its 5/8 off. Very frustrating. Thanks again

yeah, contact them. They probably mistaken the wrong spacers for the set up. However, very frustrating when the product should be complete!

 

[Wingedwheel]

No chance you got a couple of those spacers reversed?

 

[kobra357]

No chance you got a couple of those spacers reversed?

No. You cant mess it up even if you wanted too.

 

[kobra357]

I received a email from TC Bros. Definitely interesting to a novice builder.

Hello,
The simple answer is that the springers are not designed for the wheel to be centered in the springer. The reason why is a bit of a mystery to us. We do have a theory. The factory Harley Davidson springer bikes (heritage springer softail, etc...) do not have their wheel in the center of the springer either. We assume that the aftermarket world followed Harley's lead because every other brand of springer that we have seen is the same way. The springers would have to be much wider to center a 1984-99 wideglide wheel hub with a brake installed. All we know is that they handle just fine with no noticeable difference of "feel" when turning either direction. The only way we are aware of installing a wheel perfectly centered in the springer requires use of a narrower width hub such as a narrowglide wheel or a spool hub wheel and making custom spacers. I hope this answers your question. Let me know if there is anything else we can help you with.


Best Regards,
TC Bros. Team
Tech Support/Customer Service

Its kinda what I was leaning towards and its nice to know I installed it correctly. I do think it should be something that is mentioned in the sales description so it doesn’t cause buyers to be confused like myself. I think it would be nice if others would chime in if they have the exact same set up. Make some measurements and or photos for comparison. Thanks to all for their input and support.