Slammed Stance: Progressive Rear Lowering Kit for Harley Softail (1989–1999)

The Progressive Suspension Rear Lowering Kit is a highly popular and economical way to lower the rear ride height of the Harley-Davidson Evolution-era Softail models spanning 1989 through 1999.

This kit (Manufacturer Part No. 30-5046C) is designed to be fully adjustable and provides a low, custom stance by modifying the stock or aftermarket Progressive shocks hidden beneath the bike.

Key Features and Lowering Mechanism

Adjustable Drop: This kit allows the rider to adjust the rear ride height anywhere from stock height down to 2 inches lower than stock. This adjustability is key for fine-tuning the look and balancing the ride quality.

Mechanism: Unlike external lowering blocks used on other platforms, this Progressive kit works internally. It consists of adjustable threaded bolts/caps that replace the stock adjuster caps on the hidden Softail shocks. By adjusting the length of these components, the overall eye-to-eye length of the shock is shortened, thus lowering the bike.

Shock Compatibility: The kit is designed to work with both the Original Equipment (OE) Softail shocks AND Progressive Suspension’s own Softail shocks (like the 422 Series).

Construction: Typically made from high-strength material (often chromed steel) for durability and corrosion resistance.

Fitment and Compatibility

The Progressive 30-5046C lowering kit is a direct fit for most Harley Softail models from 1989 through 1999, which include the Evolution engine and the pre-2000 style hidden shocks:

Softail Standard (FXST)

Softail Custom (FXSTC)

Fat Boy (FLSTF)

Heritage Classic (FLSTC)

Heritage Springer (FLSTS)

And other related FXST/FLST models from this era.

Installation and Trade-offs

Installation: Installation requires access to the hidden rear shocks (often under the transmission) and specialized spanner wrenches to remove the stock caps and thread in the new adjustable lowering bolts.

Ground Clearance: Lowering the rear by 2 inches significantly reduces the motorcycle’s lean angle. Riders should be cautious of scraping footpegs, floorboards, or exhaust components during aggressive cornering.

Ride Quality: Lowering the bike drastically reduces the available suspension travel. While the Softail’s hidden shock design makes the ride inherently softer than a twin-shock bike, a 2-inch drop will make the ride significantly firmer and harsher over large bumps.

The Progressive Softail Lowering Kit is considered a great option for the 1989–1999 Softail because it is a clean, internal modification that provides a custom look with adjustable height.

Progressive Rear Lowering Kit For Harley Softail
Features:

Fits OEM and Progressive Suspension shocks only
Lowers up to 2″
Requires 701-365 or hydraulic press to disassemble shock and install kit

Made in the USA

This Product Fits

Harley Davidson
Softail Bad Boy Springer FXSTSB 1995, 1996, 1997
Softail Custom FXSTC/I 1989-1999
Softail Deuce FXSTD/I 1999
Softail Fat Boy FLSTF/I 1990-1999
Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC/I 1989-1999
Softail Heritage FLST/I 1989, 1990
Softail Heritage Springer FLSTS/I 1997, 1998, 1999
Softail Night Train FXSTB/I 1999
Softail Nostalgia FLSTN/I 1993
Softail Special FLSTN/I 1994, 1995, 1996
Softail Springer FXSTS/I 1989-1999
Softail Standard FXST/I 1989, 1990, 1999