suspension tuning help

[akrowdieEX]

i've searched other threads but nothing really helped me. I have stock 450 front shcoks and a stock 400ex rear. I wanna adjust them for a smoother ride.

From what i understand the preload will adjust the ride height of the bike. Can i lower the preload for a lower ride and then compensate for the soft preload with compression and rebound?

Is the compression on the top of the shock? Where should i start at with my adjustments to compression and rebound? I'm 185 pounds and race xc.

Any input helps! Thanks

[nskukalek79]

if you have the 450r front shocks you can just turn the little screw on the resivor to make the shocks harder or softer. if you turn it counter clockwise (loosen it) they will be softer for a smoother ride. and vise versa.

[trailrider894]

but does it decrease your ability to jump high??

[nskukalek79]

if you have them turned down for a softer ride you can still jump but if the jumps big enough you will just bottom out. i would just adjust them to be almost bottoming when your doing the biggest jump you can, that way they are as soft as possible for your riding without bottoming the shocks.