Is it necessary to compress the spring when dissassembling to put a new spring on?

Also, as stupid as it sounds i am going riding in the adirondacks this weekend, and i need to stiffen up that spring as much as possible 215lb at 5'11 is just beating my back and bike on rough off road trail.

CCW turn of the nut(s)- stiffen? or loosens? Which one do I adjust....i will look at setting sag but i know i need a new spring... just need something to help out a little... also i took some air out of the tires...

 

I may be a dumba$$ here, but I would say CCW will soften (i.e. allow spring to expand on pre-load). How do you mean "beating your back?" Is the ride too stiff already? Need to stay on your legs more?

Edit: counter-clockwise defined by looking down from top or looking up from bottom. Righty-tighty...lefty loosey.

 

No, you just back off the spring collar on the threads...like a big nut...to remove the spring. You tighten that same collar to preload the spring to raise ride height, if that's what you're looking for. At your weight, you may need a 6.0 rear spring over the 5.8 OEM version. I'm 190 and I like the 6.0 spring much better, especially after I revalved the shock.

 

You need to turn the nut so it goes towards the ground, add preload to it. Before i got a new spring i had done that and adjusted the compression settings on the shock too.

 

I believe i put the 6.2 spring in mine.
pretty sure this will work. i got mine off ebay.
DSP SHOCK SPRING 6.2 kg/mm CRF250 CRF450 KX250F CR250 | eBay

DSP SHOCK SPRING 6.0 kg/mm YZ250 KX250F YZ250F YZ450F RM125 YZ125 | eBay

 

thanks guys... what i meant on beating my back is that... i feel every damn bump... my weight is probably just crushing the stock spring and there is no dampen so my back is taking the blows...

so in order to make it an easier ride on my back.. i just adjust the big nut towards the ground... at what point do i stop?

 

EMS - i will check tonight my work computer is restricting me from ebay... race tech is about $115 + shipping. I am in NY.

 

how do i adjust the compression on the rear shock too? thanks man

 

also isnt there two nuts on the shock that you turn....one holds the other in place?

 

Yes one is the "lock nut" which is the one on top. The lower nut is the one the spring seats against. So spin the top nut up to free up the lower nut then you will need to beat it with a punch and hammer to turn it towards the ground to add preload.

The compression dampening is on the reservoir on the rear shock. I believe its on the left side. I cant remember which way to turn it, id have to go to the service manuals. It will help some. I am 220 and lived with stock suspension for 5 years. New springs alone made a world of difference. Think im going to revalve soon.