Progressive shocks

[bdeavours]

I installed a set of 440 series shocks on my Nad and it now rides like a covered wagon :( Anyone else had this experience? and if so what did you do to make it ride softer? Thanks, Hammer

[GIBBY]

Hey Hammer,
What 440 model did you put on. I was considering the 440 HD, but if my bike is going to ride like a lumber wagon I will reconsider.

[MAS Tequila]

If he is who I think he is, then they are mounted improperly.

The following is a quote from a VROC post:

"I forgot to mention that my Nad is a 07' model ( the shocks I installed are for 99' to 04' model Nad's) and the top shock mount has 2 washer thicknesses clearance before the mounting nut even begins to clamp down. The bottom one I put in a vise and when clamped down on the rubber bushings it still rotates in the eyelet. "

He needs to secure the tops with an appropriate spacer. As they are installed now the rear suspension is only partially secured and prone to move.

Thus the 'covered wagon' feel or handling like a pig.

I have seen the upper studs break when shocks were mounted like this. Scott a buddy of mine from TX did this and one stud broke. It cost him a bundle to have it fixed.

MT

[bdeavours]

The part # is 440-4221B (black housing) These are cheaper than the chrome and you can't see them on the bike anyway.

[bdeavours]

"He needs to secure the tops with an appropriate spacer. As they are installed now the rear suspension is only partially secured and prone to move."

I don't quite understand this statement. My upper mount is not bound up in any way. Was your friends bike a 2004 or earlier? I think maybe the mounts are different.

[VulcanE]

Check out this link to gadget's. It may solve your problem.

http://gadgetjq.com/shock_unbind.htm

[Kawhead]

I had the same problem Hammer and went to the Gadget site and followed the instruction closely and the problem was solved. I didn't realize my top mounts were binding.

[MAS Tequila]

I don't quite understand this statement. My upper mount is not bound up in any way. Was your friends bike a 2004 or earlier? I think maybe the mounts are different.

It was a 2008. When the bike is moving, the way you have it now, the shock will move around. Scott broke his trying to get it tight since the sleeve and or spacer was wrong at the top.

snip
8 hours and a lot of cussing and at least it's running again. First
problem was the new progressive shock upper mount is about 1/4 inch and a
hair smaller than the stock air shock. That's way too much play for a
shock. I messed with it for some time and finally got on the web to
Progressives site, instead of JCMotorSports, and saw that for a 08
Nomad/Classic 1600 you had to order an additional spacer kit 5011-054 to
make up the difference in the sizes.

I went to 6 stores before I could even find metric washers (14mm ID) and
put two on the inside of the shock, then put the new bushing on, mounted
the shock and then installed the outer washer/lock washer and nut.

Seems easy enough, then I pulled up the torque specs for the bike and it
says to torque the shock nuts at 25 foot pounds, I did and snapped off
the lower right side mount, I guess that's the swing arm its attached to.
Well Fu*(&((!! There was maybe 3 1/3 turns worth of thread left, so back
on the road to find the correct thread size/twist ration. After a While
I found what I needed and headed home and mounted the shock again and
tightened down without the torque wrench this time.

snip

MT

[Kawhead]

Your story jarred my short memory MAS. If memory serves, the two 14mm washers with the shock will render about .2mm slop. Not enough to worry about.

[caper]

I was/am going for a new shock! But I would like a smother ride and better absorition of bumps ,Is the progressive 440 the way to go or not? Another shock maybe? Thanks.......Donnie

[MAS Tequila]

Either the 440 or 412 will be a great shock if you mount it properly.

What you have to consider is whether you need the heavy duty ot not.

Do you ride mainly one or two up?

Do you pull a trailer?

I have the 412 HD's on mine and love them.

I also have a pair of 440 HD's and they were great, but, at 11.5 inches I was dragging my pipes in and out of my drive. No where else though.

MT

[Bdog]

I went with the 412 hd. and once I figured out what setting was right (#2 solo empty) and (#3 with about 100lbs of gear), they work great. The spacer issue I machined up instead of washers. I have about 20k on them now with no issues. I also went with the front fork springs too..great combo..John

[caper]

Bdog , did you put the front springs in yourself? If so was it alot of work?

[Bdog]

Sorry for the late post..I work out of town for a week at a time. Yes I did them myself..easy job..just make sure when you put the caps back on, you don't strip them..they are a fine thread and if they don't go on smoothly...then they are cross threaded. I also used 15wieght oil..I took the forks off the bike and drained them completely..then measured the proper amount for each for...John