I know it has taken me for ever to get this far. But it was one thing after the other. I kept going backwards. But it's all good now,,,lol.
So today I finally got the bike off the center stand and attached the sidecar frame. 
But first I had to back the bike out of the garage and scooch it over some to have room to put the sidecar on. In doing so I tried compressing the front suspension by holding the front brake and pushing down on the handle bars. It wouldn't budge. It's like the shocks are locked solid. The old forks would move a lot.
I'm just guessing here. But looking at the design of the leading link I could see how a straight down force on the bars wouldn't do much. I could see it working better with the tire hitting bumps and working the shocks from a different direction. But I'm just guessing.
I did get the frame bolted on but that's as far as I got for now. I need to get the body mounted and sit 200 pounds on the bike and start leveling everything. I'm hoping my progressive 412 shock wrench (if I can find it) will fit the leading link shocks so I can play with adjustments. Right now I have the rear shocks 1 setting away from max. And I can compress the rear suspension. The rear is softer than the front. May have to set the rear to max. But like I said, I need to get everything weighed down first and see what I get.
So. Does it sound like my leading link is ok, or I might have a problem?
The pic is my leading link still on the sellers bike. And I do not have a steering stabilizer.
Calvin, Caretaker of Sidecar Willie, the immediate answer is....YES.
As you have already figured out, quite a different front end than what you originally had. Pushing down on the handlebars will not compress the wheel up into the Unit Leading Link.
Leave the rear shocks set where you have them now....at the second from the firmest position.
Finish installing the sidecar to the bike, correct all alignment....then test drive it.
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
