What exactly do the following terms mean?

1-adjustable for preload...
2-rebound and compression dampening...

How does this affect/compare to the suspension on my 2000Scrambler?

 

Excellent post!
How does this compare with a Scrambler suspension

Front - all preset - spring preload can be increased with spacers. Spring rate by changing springs. Damping is all preset. Can be changed only by replacing strut unit (unless they changed since I last saw one)

Rear - Spring preload adjustable - just look & you will see some sort of acjustment on the spring
Damping - Adjustable by the **** on the reservoir (if there is one). Not sure for sure if it is compression or rebound - I think compression -try it & see - just count clicks & note direction to get back where you started. Most rebound adjustbale shocks have the adjustment on the end of the shock shaft. Don't know if your Scram will have that or not.
Had a buddy with an MX bike & he showed me some of the adjustments. I assume they are the same.

Rules of thumb (on a dirt bike anyway)

Preload/ride height should use 1/4 to 1/3 of available suspension travel with the rider on.
If it bottoms out - add compression damping. Ease back if it rides harsh. Best is to just get it to touch bottom on the biggest whoop you plan to hit. If the suspension kicks up you need less rebound. If while going over a series of small bumps it seems to ride lower & lower over each one, ease off the rebound.

I wish these were on atvs. I suppose cost is a factor. My friend spent over $500 on his MX bike for a rear shock/spring & that was several years ago.
Farmr
PS you never saw a wild cow being chased until you saw her corralled by an A class MX rider on a 500cc Open Class machine!

 

Thanks for the info guys...it seems so simple now!