2012 softail rear shock help
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2012 softail rear shock help
I have a 2012 softail heritage classic and im trying to get it to ride higher and not bottom out as easy but everythibg i look up contradicts eachother and its driving me crazy. Is minimum preload when its alway towards the front of the bike or the rear? Also i have it jacked up but its damn near impossible to turn the adjuster and even tho tje big nut is loosened and backed off the center threaded part turns with it on the right shock. Id appreciate any help cause i cant afford to put it in a shop and as it stands i cant ride my bike till this os fixed
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From: San Diego, CA
I have a 2012 softail heritage classic and im trying to get it to ride higher and not bottom out as easy but everythibg i look up contradicts eachother and its driving me crazy. Is minimum preload when its alway towards the front of the bike or the rear? Also i have it jacked up but its damn near impossible to turn the adjuster and even tho tje big nut is loosened and backed off the center threaded part turns with it on the right shock. Id appreciate any help cause i cant afford to put it in a shop and as it stands i cant ride my bike till this os fixed
Here is the HD Factory Service Manual directions for adjusting the shocks.
This is from the 2009 Softail Factory Service manual, but I believe the procedure is the same for 2012...
I hope this helps...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: San Diego, CA
Bone Doc, thanks for sharing that....
Same shock part#s for both years, yet that 2012 manual gives a lot more info/direction about adjusting than my '09 Service Manual.
Gonna print that and save it in m '09 manual...
Same shock part#s for both years, yet that 2012 manual gives a lot more info/direction about adjusting than my '09 Service Manual.
Gonna print that and save it in m '09 manual...
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Joined: May 2025
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From: United States
Minimum preload is when the adjuster ring is all the way forward (toward the front of the bike). That's the softest setting.
For the stuck adjuster, hit it with penetrating oil and let it soak. Use a blunt chisel and a hammer to gently tap the ring loose the shock is likely corroded. If the center shaft turns, you might need to hold it with an Allen key from the top while you turn the adjuster. It's a common pain on older Softails.
For the stuck adjuster, hit it with penetrating oil and let it soak. Use a blunt chisel and a hammer to gently tap the ring loose the shock is likely corroded. If the center shaft turns, you might need to hold it with an Allen key from the top while you turn the adjuster. It's a common pain on older Softails.
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He's a ****ing idiot. Using AI to post his replies which have next to no bearing on the OP's questions. Has already made my blacklist. Oh wait, inside voice, never mind, ignore.......
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