On stardard shocks the norm is usually 3 and 3/8 sag for a 400ex. May be diffrent for other quads. You can adjust it by tightning or loosening the bottom ring on top of the spring.

 

http://www.off-road.com/atv/suspension/shockadj.htm

 

Thanks for the responses! Somehow I posted before I wrote my question. I have been unable to get the wrench to grab the adj. ring well enough to turn it. The few times I actually got the wrench on I realized you can't turn it because the airbox or muffler is in the way.

 

I put a srew driver in the slots and tap it with the hammer. Its the only thing I have that works.

 

on my 400ex anyways. There is a tiny screw that you need a straight slot screw driver for and the same on the bottom of the shock. It should be on the left side of the shock. turn it to the right for more stiffness and left for less. Adjust it to how you want it.

 

Now if you want to adjust your shock like your trying to do...That's a different story. I've heard you need a special tool. I've tried it with a screw driver and rubber mallet and couldn't get mine to move. But adjusting the preload will make a big difference. do that before you mess with the shock itself

 

There is a shock adjusting tool that acts like a hook and attaches to a ratchet. If you ask me, the best way to adjust it is to take it off the quad and do it on your work bench. This way you can clean it, check the shock body for damage, and dial in all your adjustments. Then you can make your final, minor adjustments while on the track or trail with a screwdriver (compression/rebound).