Is there a trick to this? I've got the whole assembly out of the bike, and I have that little tool but it's just not working out for me.

It keeps slipping off. I've tried setting it in a vise and using a long screwdriver and hammer and that doesn't work.

I cleaned the threads with kerosene and lubed them up, but I still can't budge it.

Changing out this rear spring has more steps involved, but besides this spinner nut issue I've found that so far it's been easier than the front forks.

I mean, it's counterclockwise right? lol

 

you have 2 nuts right(no puns), the top one is the locking, so you need to loosen off that first, then it should be free so light hits with the hammer will turn it, i adjusted it while it was in the bike.

 

I've been told you need to get the bike on a stand first before adjusting. I am trying to loosen the top spinner nut, and the shock is completely removed from the bike.

I'll give it another go today with an extra set of hands. If I can't get it I guess I'll bring it to a local shop and pay em 10 bucks to do it.

 

12 inch 3/8 socket extension and a hammer works like a charm. it's a thousand times easier if the shock is on the bike.

 

Yep, a good tap will loosen the locking screw.
As lcpl says, a socket extension, line her up, bang.
Make sure your going the right way.
Looking from the top, i think it's anticlockwise to loosen.
I find that after that is loose, turning the whole spring with your hands is an easier way of adjusting preload.
Easier than using one of those crappy c spanners.

 

Well I dented the crap out of it with a flathead screwdriver. Finally went down the road to the shop and the guy did it for free. New spring is on the shock...tomorrow is clean and rebuild day for the bike. Can't wait to try out the new rear springs along with the new fork springs-which are sooo much better.