race tech sounds about right.
I am a 175 .lb good beginner, medium novice. I am running 5.2 in the shock and .46's in the front, and the suspension feels great. I did not re-valve, but upped the rebound 2 clicks, and backed the compression off 2 clicks (front and rear ) I could probably back the compression off 1 more click up front and 2 more in the back on easier tracks, or tracks with less jumps. I also upped the oil level in the forks by 20 cc's. I was bottoming front and rear before, even after going up 3 clicks on the compression. The static sag should tell the story on the rear, the front will take more testing.
As far as the rear sprocket, I would say if the track is tighter, run 1 tooth higher on the rear, but I love the stock gearing sprockets for the higher speed tracks that I run on. I never get to 5th, but I don't like to shift every 3 seconds either.:)
On the chain length, stock should work with one extra tooth? 2 extra, you should need at least 1 extra link, but I would buy 2 and grind one off if need be. I have no idea on a 52. of course I am running the stock 48.