fork slider interchange

[leedham]

Hey gang,

I'm considering swapping my lower fork sliders. They are pitted. Not wanting to go for chrome, I'm looking for good used takeoff aluminum ones ( which I assume is clear powdercoated from the factory ). My part number is R 46497-02 and on eBay, I have found R 46497-02 A. Does anyone know if the " A " is going to cause me problems? Both sides are like that. Or what years are a direct fit? Thanks for taking the time to read this.
The bike is a 2002 FLHRCI

 

[Breeze3at]

The following is copied from e-bay guides eBay Guides - Harley-Davidson Part Number System

The first five numbers in the part number is the part itself. The numbers after the hyphen is the year it first came out. For example, a 45733-48 is a tube plug oil seal used on the front forks of the FL series bikes from 1948 to present. If this part had a letter following the -48, then it would still be the same part but with an upgrade of some kind. (i.e.; 45733-48A). The same part number, 45733-48B, would be the third incarnation of the part but would still work on 1948 to present FL models. Hypothetically, if the part number were to change from 45733-48A to 45733-95, this would mean it changed so dramatically starting in 1995 that you must use that part from 1995 to present while the dash -48A number would work from 1948-1994 models.
Nuts, bolts, washers (common hardware) and most o-rings do not fall into this part number system. They typically have up to five numbers only (i.e.; part number 11105 is a rubber o-ring where as part number 0207 is a washer).
Keeping it accurate is the key you'll need for using the correct part for the year motorcycle you have.
I hope this helps.
Guide ID: 10000000000121798Guide created: 12/28/05 (updated 10/08/10)

 

[Hooligan]

it just means they obsoleted the first part number, and it supercedes to the A part number...what bike do you have, i probably have a couple sets lying around, i did two chrome front end conversions just today....just let me know if you want to check.

 

[jerrybombard]

Before going to the trouble of swapping out your lowers for different ones (that will end up with the same problem) try this:
600 grit wet/dry sandpaper used wet will almost instantly remove the clear coat. That is what's pitted, not the forks themselves. I did mine and could not believe the finish. After some Bad Dog aluminum polish, there are almost as good as chrome. (Google bad Dog Polish for a cool video) Depening have much time you want to take, the better they get. Give it a try.

 

[fin_676]

Paint stripper will also lift the clearcoat off the metal with no chance of scratching the metal just keep it away from the paint
then use a good qulity metal polish and they will shine like new

Brian

 

[Breeze3at]

I used paint stripper, a few grades of sandpaper (800-1200) and aluminum polish on my Dyna fork legs. I spent an afternoon doing it. Not as shiny as chrome, but nice looking, and low cost. I polish them once a year, and wax with carnuba to keep from dulling.

 

[leedham]

Thanks to all who replied. I've got some options and a good idea how I'm gonna tackle this.