Progressive 440's ?

[moreira72]

Hi, I just got a used set of 13" 440's from eBay. They did not come with a spanner wrench. So my question is do they come with a special spanner or are they adjusted by hand? I have a spanner from my 412's I had on another bike, but doesn't seem to fit the 440's. Confused

[Irish-Valk]

I have a set of 440's, there is no adjusting tool.
You simply twist it by hand. I would suggest wearing a glove so as to get better grip. It takes a little bit of muscle.

If that's your bike in the picture (Interstate) you will probabally have to take the luggage boxes off first..

[capehoorn]

No spanner wrench required, it won't work with the 440's. However if you have hard bags there isn't enough room to get your hands around the upper cover to turn them. Use a rubber strap wrench, it won't scratch the chrome and fits very well with the bags installed.

[moreira72]

Thanks. I will try the stap wrench. I do have the hard bags. (99 Interstate) What is the best setting? I weigh 200 lbs. and ride solo for the most part. And maybe 15-20 lbs. of cargo. How many full turns from the lowest setting?

[BIG COUNTRY 23321]

When I 1st got mine they were so tight they I had to use an oil filter strap wrench. They were new but been sitting awhile. When I sent them back to progressive to be reworked all I paid for was shipping to them and they repaired them and oiled them up and shipped them back to me free of charge. Now I can turn them by hand. Also hate to be the bearer of bad news but Progressive told me that if you buy your 440's off Ebay New or Used that you cannot use thier lifetime warranty on the 440's. Just wanted to give you a heads up on that. Sorry.

BigCountry23321

[Patrick]

Which 440s do you have ?? Std or HD ?? I've run a set of Std on a tour for years [sometimes 2 up] and am happy with 6 or 7 turns..

[capehoorn]

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/pdfs/shocks_shockSprings/3053-008.pdf

Here's a link to the instructions from Progressive. Look at the rings on the top of the shock just above the chrome cap, black painted part. You'll see indented rings, there are three total. The more you tighten, turn clockwise,"preload" the shock the heavier the load capacity. Maximum number of turns is between 10 & 11.

[moreira72]

Which 440s do you have ?? Std or HD ?? I've run a set of Std on a tour for years [sometimes 2 up] and am happy with 6 or 7 turns..

They are model # 440-4221 13"

[2qmedic]

II purchased my 440 used. I called Progressive about repair. They said that if I get them rebuilt (costing less than new), then I will have a lifetime warenty as if purchasing new shocks.
Call and verify from Progressivw as this was about 3 years ago.

[moreira72]

II purchased my 440 used. I called Progressive about repair. They said that if I get them rebuilt (costing less than new), then I will have a lifetime warenty as if purchasing new shocks.
Call and verify from Progressivw as this was about 3 years ago.

Thanks, although they are used, they are in like new condition. I just didn't know if i needed special spanner to adjust pre-load. I guess i can adjust by hand or strap wrench. Thanks

[Jess from VA]

The 440-4221 13" are HD springs.... as recommended for all ISs.

I'm 180-5, lightly loaded and always solo on my IS, and mine have never been off the lightest preload setting.  And they aren't cushy.

I'd try them at the lightest setting first.... and am guessing that if you need more, two full turns would do it for you.

Mine have always been a bear to turn (I have two bikes, with standard rate 440s on the other).  Pull the bags*, and I think it's easier with the bike jacked up just enough to have the tire barely touching (not hanging in the air either).  Strap wrench was a PITA resetting over and over, I wore rubber gloves for grip.  I have never been able to clearly see/count the tiny threads poking out the top, so I put a small nick in the chrome at the lowest setting facing straight out, and count full turns from the lowest setting and write it down in your shop manual or maintenance book.

*the bags have to be pulled for install anyway, leave them off and go for a short spin, intentionally hitting bumps, dips, manhole covers, RR tracks, yada.  (Throw the bag weight in the trunk).  Spray a little WD or penetrant up inside the top covers.

And, while a longshot, I'd go back to your Evilbay seller and ask if he has the sales receipt for the 440s.  If he does, you suddenly got a lifetime warranty (this may not be strictly on the up and up, but PS does not look beyond the receipt itself).

[hubcapsc]

With bag rails, I found it impossible to adjust my 440s by hand.

Rubber strap wrench did the trick for me, I keep it in the saddlebags...

-Mike