Sorry for the probably stupid question here, but I have scoured the messages to try to answer my question but I think I am more confused now.

I am trying to increase the preload on my Fatboy and have read the manual and it still doesnt seem to make sense. It appears right now that the shocks are set to a soft load. In looking at the rear shocks on my bike, there is a nut that is up against the shock adjustment plates. In order to increase the preload (for a passenger) do I need to first loosen the nuts in front of the adjustment plates then turn the plates (with the adjustment wrench, or should that nut turn with the adjustment plate?

(I think I have confused myself even more just trying to explain it.... if all else fails I will hit the Harley shop tomorrow and have them show me)

 

I just did this with my wifes Deluxe. And your right, the manual leaves a lot to be desired. First you loosen the locking nut that is up against the adjustment plate. Back the nut off several turns. Then take your spanner wrench and turn the plates counter clockwise, toward the nut, to stiffen the shock. Turn clockwise, away from the locking nut, to soften the ride. Turn both plates the same amount. Then tighten the locking nuts against the adjusting plates. And by the way, the whole shock body will turn with the plates. At least mine did. Someone correct me if I'm wrong please.

 

Here is the info you're looking for with pix. Its pretty straight forward. Click on the link and look on the right for "Preload Shocks" http://fatbillscustoms.com/

 

Great! That answers it! Thanks for the help!