Hi guy's, just purchased an 2010 softail and am in the process of setting the rear suspension for me, bit harsh at the moment.

It has the Arlen Ness lowering kit fitted but i noticed that the shafts have been screwed all the way into the shock plate. All vids and images i have seen say to screw in only until shaft internally is flush with plate, by being screwed all the way in it would potrude 10mm or so into the shock housing limiting overall travel?

I am aware that i will lose travel by lowering anyway but if i can gain some back just by having it installed correctly would be a bonus.

Am i losing any shock travel as a result of this? Might only be 10-20mm but it all helps.

Pic of mine and random pic off net the correct way.

Thanks.

Maybe I've always adjusted mine incorrectly but I have always set the height of my adjustable suspension by the front nut, not shown in your 1st photo svturtle. I get 2" of adjustment either way in ride height this way but if I'm wrong then I'm happy to learn something new.

To adjust the firmness (preload) of the suspension you use a preload adjustment wrench and turn it to whichever of the settings you want. Usually they are set to the lightest setting from the manufacture and you go from there.

CH

forget the BULLSHIT OKAY

Bite the BULLET and spend the BUCKS on Progressive Suspension 422 Series Shocks

Best Regards

Greek

The Progressive 422 shocks still have the same type of adjustment that will need to be set up correctly, I have them on my ride and to be honest I can't tell the difference over stock although I rarely ride 2 up.

CH

Thanks CH,

I was at work about to get mechanics to put shock into press to dissasemble when i saw your response. Soon as you mentioned preload it all made sense, can't believe i didn't search that myself, i thought it had no preload adjustment. I couldn't figure out why you would compress the shock shaft and lose travel, didn't realise it compressed the spring.

@Greek, i'm spending money on the important stuff, you know all the shiny bits and pieces

Buy Shotgun problem solved

+1 on shotgun shocks….just fitted mine. You can just the hight and softness/firmness in a seconds by the flick of a switch. If you're going to forget the bullshit and bite the bullet as Greek suggested, then don't waste your time with anything else but shotguns