If the two sides had been tied together with a turnbuckle like cross rod, it
might have worked. I never used them that much so I just threw them in the
spare parts pile.//

I thought the same thing....I started to fab up a set with a rod going
straight thru and a pipe between the mounts, but I didnt use them that
much either..plus it was early on in my sportster wheelie days-learn
how to set her down easy, if you're gonna stay with the pegs and
wheelies...   :)