Adjusting progressive 440 shocks

[Bonzo]

I can't remember how, I know to use a strap wrench but I forgot if there are reference marks or which way to turn to tighten.  It just floated out of my (whats left of) mind. tia!

[Bobbo]

Mine don't have reference marks I can see.  Turn clockwise (looking from the top) to increase preload.  I count the exposed threads and even them up on both sides.

[Valker]

Mine have lines. I usually run one line showing (I'm 300 lbs). If I have a heavy passenger and gear, I go to three full lines.

[Jess from VA]

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/metric/440series/index.html

Go to the website #440 instruction sheet (PDF)... 10 full 360* turns, and reference marks (threads) appear above the top turning shock head.  My eyes aren't good enough to read them, so I marked the shock slightly and counted the turns.  Both sides adjusted the same is good.

The shocks come from the factory set to the cushiest /softest setting, and turns (clockwise to increase preload) begin to show the reference threads (supposedly one thread is one full turn).  It's hard enough to turn them when new.... after a while it is worse, especially with the OE bags in the way.  Spray some penetrating lube up in there.  I believe it is easier if you raise the bike on a jack just enough to take the weight off the rear tire/shocks... but not up in the air with the wheel/rear end hanging on the shocks either. 

[Valker]

My lines appear on the black shock body itself.

[whitestroke]

Taken from progressives 440 instruction sheet

 If excessive bottoming occurs you need to
increase the spring pre-load setting. These shocks
feature a threaded adjustment to allow for 10 full
turns of adjustment. This is done by turning the upper cover clockwise (see figure 3). When the upper
cover is turned to increase spring pre-load it will expose reference marks in the shock body as it moves
down the shock body (see figure 3). Set the pre-load on
both shocks equally using the
reference marks or by counting turns of the cover. No
marks are visible at minimum
pre-load. Three marks are
fully visable at maximum prel o a d .
6. Then ride and enjoy—safely.
Compliment your new shocks with
a set of Progressive Suspension fork sprin