just got this bike and rear shocks are adjusted up as far as they go do you need a special tool or how do you guys do it brass drift and hammer etc.

 

They make a tool for it.

I have changed mine just using a rag and large pair of channel locks. Rag is just for preventing scratches.

 

What he^^^^ said. I've even just twisted them by hand before to alter the preload.

 

They do make a special tool. Do YOU know that changing the setting only changes the load carrying capacity not ride height? I bring it up because a lot of people think that adjustment changes the ride height.