85 250r shock question

[jenndnn3]

We just installed our new shock this last weekend. But the new shock makes it seem to sit very high. The rear part of seat and fenders are almost level with gastank. Before it sat lower. My other shock was worn but dang I didnt think it was that bad off. I just wanted to verify if this is correct? I will get picts later this afternoon. When we sit it on it it looks normal. Strange question but if you look at all my other trikes, they all run level with the bottom of the gas tank. My r doesnt do that anymore. It has almost a v to it.

[SWRToad]

New shock, what did you end up getting if you dont mind me asking.

Was the shock for a 85R and did you measure it compared to your old one?. Just asking the obvious. Post pictures. :)

Ps, KC, whats up on your shock deal?

[jenndnn3]

I put on a stock shock again. Just a good one, here is a pict. I am going for the black widow look. Need new seat cover and next winter I can the frame black.

[jenndnn3]

Another

[Mr. Richard]

Your swingarm is longer,,, so it naturally sits up higher,,, this shock you just put on probably has more preload,,, so you can either get a adjustable strut to get your desired ride height ,, or just back off the preload ,,,,, heres a dura blue strut,,,,
http://www.3wheeler.org/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=24281

[jenndnn3]

Thx, so my old shock was that bad off. I think I will ride it first then go from there. Thx for the tip on the strut.

[Mr. Richard]

preload has nothing to do with shock condition ,,, if the nitrogen charge was a little low might have a little effect but not much to do with sag,,,, thats mainly the spring and its amount of preload,,,,

[jenndnn3]

Do springs go bad as well?

[Mr. Richard]

if there was a 300lb rider on it all the time i would say maybe yes,,,, in your case i would say no,,,, look at both shocks and see how much difference the spring preload is ,,, that might give you a little insight
:D :D :D

[jenndnn3]

Ok bear with me for a min if you dont mind I need to learn something here. Ok when we first noticed this the very first thing we looked at was where the spring sat on the shock. The three adjustment on the very top of the shock is what I am talking about. Now on the new shock they are without a doubt sits higher up on the threads then the old shock. Now both Brian and I assumed (key word here) that taking it to the level off the old shock would only make the trike sit higher. Or lowering those three adjustment would make it more preload. Did we assume this wrong or have it backwards?

[Mr. Richard]

if you change preload ,, it won't change ride height ,,,, unless you have spring sag,,, the shock is fully extended all the time and won't get longer with more preload,,, it just won't sag as much under load,,, what 3 adjustments are you talkin about ?? got pict?

[jenndnn3]

I apologize looks like only 2 adjustments not 3. Guess better look closer next time.

Anyway here is the pict of the old shock I put a bubble in showing where the new shock sits......

[Mr. Richard]

so if you back off the spring tension to match the other one it should be close,,,, so what is wrong with the old shock? besides a saggy spring????

[jenndnn3]

Ok Thank you on the info. Actually that shock is not bad. I will stow it for later uses, but, the bumpstop is gone and the things at the bottom are pretty rusted. Rebuild I was lookin around 100 to 150. I got a deal on the new shock, I couldnt refuse $30. The only thing that was wrong on new shock was the black knob on the nitrogen can was scrapped up pretty good. I just swiped my old shock's knob.