"Variable Preload" adjuster from special parts catalog

Gateway Husqvarna called me up on Wednesday - told me my "Variable Preload" collar from the Husqvarna special parts catalog had arrived. I installed it yesterday and took a few pictures.



Here's a blog post with a few more pictures and some observations from the install. I was surprised to find that a spring compressor was needed for the 449 shock - all other off road bikes I've worked on have enough length on the shock body to remove the clevis by undoing the preload adjusters all the way. Also, the stock lock ring adjusters are small enough that you can remove and install the shock without shifting the subframe - the performance part is not. I had to remove the top subframe bolts and tilt the subframe/gas tank backwards in order to reinstall the shock. Not a big deal, but a discrepancy from the service manual that needs to be remembered.
The adjuster is very nice, and will make trackside sag changes a breeze.

interesting that the adjuster screw is vertical. seems like it would be a pain getting a socket on it. the ktm adjuster is horizontal so you can get a socket on it straight in.

Pop the seat off, and it's a straight shot with a t-handle wrench. With the gas tank surrounding it on the 449, I don't see how a horizontal adjuster would work. Be nice if it did, one less step.

maybe a gear wrench works?

Will this work with the older gen (Sachs equipped) bikes? Or is a similar part available that will?

This part is specifically advertised for KYB equippped bikes. I don't know if there's a similar part for the Sachs shock.

The way the 449 is built, no part of this beautiful piece of equipment is even visible. On the 449, seat removal is tool-less, and the adjuster is easily accessible from above. I can't see how else they could have made it work.

there is one made a for the gas gas bikes, and they have sachs shocks. There is no reason this shouldn't be in the husky hard parts catalog, other then they are focusing on the newer bikes.... call a gas gas dealer i guess.....

Contact thses guys and they should be able to set you up.

http://www.technicaltouchusa.com/index.php?id=162

Thanks! About $150 for the 08-10 bikes