Anyone have 440 progressive shocks?

[CoreyP]

I should be able to turn these by hand to set the pre-load, right? These shocks are just a little too hard to twist. If I put a rubber oil filter remover on the shock top it moves pretty easily but not by hand.

Anyone have a recommendation on how to free them up? First thought is hit the tops with a bunch of WD40.

I don't know anything about the 440's and what I am looking at, the shock top is set to the 4th line on the black plastic part. Is this a lot of preload or a little preload for these shocks? Many shock go 1 through 5 is it the same deal with the 440's? I'm use to shocks with the 5 steps on the bottom and you use a tool to move it higher and lower.

I'm trying to figure out the sag setting for one up and two up with my wife along with tire pressure. Right now the back feels very hard solid, think I need to lighten it up.  

[Steve K (IA)]

I had 440's for about 16 years.  Always had to use a strap wrench.

[9Ball]

Taking the weight off of the shocks by slightly lifting the bike will make them easier to turn...

[CoreyP]

Taking the weight off of the shocks by slightly lifting the bike will make them easier to turn...

Didn't think of that.

[MarkT]

I have 444's the successor to the 440's.  It has 8 turns preload.  I don't try to turn it by hand.  Use a strap wrench.  I run mine at full preload for my springs and weight.  Also pull trailers OR have a co-rider. Almost never both. YMMV.  This wrench comes in pkg of 2 sizes, this is the smaller, I use the bigger one.