Hi all, my front forks are a bit soft these days.  Im looking at changing out the original springs and renewing the oil.  Can I do this with the forks in place?  Will the spring just pull out of the top of the tube once the cap is removed or do I need to separate the tube from the lowers. Also, I see some kits have a smaller spring in the lower.  Is that just on adjustable fork models?  

Its an 04 FXD with 39mm forks.

 

Thanks in advance

Taff,
I just replaced the front springs on my '03 FXD. I went with the heavy Progressive brand springs with heavy SE fork oil.
I left the forks in place but loosened the top mounting screw to allow the threaded fork cap to unscrew easily without damaging the thread. The bars needed to be removed and rested on the tank. I used a trolley jack under the engine to stop the front collapsing with no springs in. I also used a bike stand at the rear wheel to hold the bike verticle, it made things a bit easier. The small phillips head screws at the bottom of the forks are used to drain the oil. You need to pump 'em a few times to get all the oil out. Put a rag over your front tyre, it's easy to get fork oil on the rubber. The springs pop out easily from the top.
They suggested it should take under an hour to do both forks, I pottered about for 1&1/2 hours. It was my first time, would be much quicker next time.
It made a helluva difference in the front. I can actually squeeze the front brakes and the bike pulls up without bottoming out the forks. Cornering is a lot more predictable now aswell. Not perfect but well worth the few coins spent. Go for it.
Google it. There's plenty of instructional videos on Youtube, the hardest part was finding one related to our 'old' bikes. Sportster instructions are the same.
Cheers. Roo.

Thanks, I dont nave an issue removing the forks, but i dont want to do all the seals if I split the tubes. I dont need to do the rebound spring so it looks like an easy job. Thanks for the reply

Thanks buddy, ive just ordered a set of progressives too. Im hoping for a big improvement. Im just short of 80k kms and the leather tool bag mounted below my headlight is just touching the front fender under braking. I'll make sure i get the heavier fork oil too. Ive got a bike lifter so that bit is even easier. Thanks for the reply.