Quick question regarding pre-load
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 28
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From: Missouri
Quick question regarding pre-load
My Wide Glide came to me with the premium low pro HD shocks (p/n 54619-08) already installed. They have a marking on the lower end 1-5 with an arrow indicating which way to turn. I assume this is for pre-load adjustment.
Can anyone tell me which way is the heaviest setting? Is one the lightest and five the heaviest, or vice versa? The chrome cover does a great job of looking slick, but it also hides the ramp, so I have no idea which way I'm turning the pre-load.
I'm getting harsh transitions on the rear at highway speeds from road gaps, highway to bridge transfers, etc. I can't tell if it's blowing through the shock stroke (too soft), or if it's so tight it's not utilizing the spring enough (too hard). I'd like to make an adjustment, but I don't know which way to go?
Also, if anybody knows who makes these units for HD, and or the model number, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, and apologies if this is in the wrong section.
Can anyone tell me which way is the heaviest setting? Is one the lightest and five the heaviest, or vice versa? The chrome cover does a great job of looking slick, but it also hides the ramp, so I have no idea which way I'm turning the pre-load.
I'm getting harsh transitions on the rear at highway speeds from road gaps, highway to bridge transfers, etc. I can't tell if it's blowing through the shock stroke (too soft), or if it's so tight it's not utilizing the spring enough (too hard). I'd like to make an adjustment, but I don't know which way to go?
Also, if anybody knows who makes these units for HD, and or the model number, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, and apologies if this is in the wrong section.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,756
Likes: 195
From: Boise, ID
Can you tell what it it's set at? If you can try 2 or 3 and see how that feels. Often times 1 is too soft and 5 is too hard. I've got Burly Slammer (10.5") and they ride as good as stock when I found that sweet spot to set them at.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 28
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From: Missouri
Well, I made an adjustment. Good or bad, I have no idea. It feels much firmer.
When I made my turns (2 notches - both sides) I could see the lower slider going farther up into the upper cover. I'm thinking I made it two notches stiffer. It would not turn at all to the right, so I assume I was up against a lock of some sort.
From the responses here, and how it felt with my highly scientific ***-o-meter, I believe it was on the softest setting (which would explain why sudden square edges overpowered the spring and made the shock blow through its stroke).
I did measure both sides to make sure I had them set the same. Both sides have 1 7/8" of the lower chrome slider showing (unloaded suspension on the J&S jack).
Looks like the weather may be here Friday; hopefully I can give this set-up a shot then, and see if it's improved or not.
Thanks for the input. I'll report back after I test it.
When I made my turns (2 notches - both sides) I could see the lower slider going farther up into the upper cover. I'm thinking I made it two notches stiffer. It would not turn at all to the right, so I assume I was up against a lock of some sort.
From the responses here, and how it felt with my highly scientific ***-o-meter, I believe it was on the softest setting (which would explain why sudden square edges overpowered the spring and made the shock blow through its stroke).
I did measure both sides to make sure I had them set the same. Both sides have 1 7/8" of the lower chrome slider showing (unloaded suspension on the J&S jack).
Looks like the weather may be here Friday; hopefully I can give this set-up a shot then, and see if it's improved or not.
Thanks for the input. I'll report back after I test it.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
If you turn the preload adjuster counterclockwise until it stops you will be at the softest setting (#1). Counting one at the stop position, turn clockwise to add preload (4 clicks will put you at the maximum #5 setting). Id advise not turning the adjustment collar past the #5 position.
On my stock fxd shocks I could look up from the bottom of the shock cover and see the preload cam
On my stock fxd shocks I could look up from the bottom of the shock cover and see the preload cam
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 28
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From: Missouri
Update.
The weather wasn't ideal, but I said f-it and rode today anyway.
Huge improvement! I guess the previous owner had the shocks set at the very lowest (softest) setting. I've got them right in the middle position now. No more jarring on square edges and transfers, and no more wallowing in corners. Much better. Probably not as good as Progressive shocks, but well improved over the initial setting.
Thanks for the advice and tips.
The weather wasn't ideal, but I said f-it and rode today anyway.
Huge improvement! I guess the previous owner had the shocks set at the very lowest (softest) setting. I've got them right in the middle position now. No more jarring on square edges and transfers, and no more wallowing in corners. Much better. Probably not as good as Progressive shocks, but well improved over the initial setting.
Thanks for the advice and tips.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,756
Likes: 195
From: Boise, ID
Good deal!
I've seen a ton of people who don't adjust their shocks. Probably some of the reason is you need a wrench for most of them.
They do ride much better when adjusted...
I've seen a ton of people who don't adjust their shocks. Probably some of the reason is you need a wrench for most of them.
They do ride much better when adjusted...
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 28
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From: Missouri
I also moved the forks to the max recommended height above clamp (9/16"), which seemed to help as well. I was a little concerned that being tighter on the rear might move the problem up front, so by lowering the leverage of the frame on the forks, I was hoping to cancel out any tendency for the stiffer rear to overpower the front end.
Tomorrow is supposed to be 70 degrees with low winds, and the recent rain has washed off most of the cinders and chemical from deicing this winter. I'll be able to push a little more in some familiar corners and see where we're at for any fine tuning.
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