How do you know how long of a chain you need?

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Since i am putting my 86 swinger on my 85 T3, should I go with the original 86 chain size for it? Or is there a better wa to calculate how long I should make the chain?

[blue27]

I normally order 120 length and cut to fit unless you have some super long swinger. Take an old chain and see how close it is and judge from there.

[Red Rider]

How much longer is the new swingarm compared to the old one? Take the increase in swingarm length, double it, & that's how much longer your new chain needs to be. Then just compare the additional chain length to your existing chain to figure out how many additional links you need on the new chain.

For example, if the new swingarm is 2" longer than the old one, you need a 4" longer chain. And 4" of chain is approximately 6 1/3 links. So get a chain that is 6-7 links longer than the old chain.

[Hoosier_Daddy]

How much longer is the new swingarm compared to the old one? Take the increase in swingarm length, double it, & that's how much longer your new chain needs to be. Then just compare the additional chain length to your existing chain to figure out how many additional links you need on the new chain.

For example, if the new swingarm is 2" longer than the old one, you need a 4" longer chain. And 4" of chain is approximately 6 1/3 links. So get a chain that is 6-7 links longer than the old chain.
Ok, thanks for that info.