rear leaf spring

MDLNB

Didn't find my answer in the search function, so I figured I would ask you experts.

I was on Youtube checking out rear leaf spring installation for swapping my old single leaf for new three leaf USA made springs. The guy in the video made a statement that made me curious. He said that rear shocks were not necessary with the heavy duty springs, and he left them off. My rear has been raised with adjustable shackles to clear 22" tires that are 11" wide. I'm just curious as to any benefit that the shocks might have at stabilizing rear sway, if any.

Any comments, ideas?

BGW

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crash test dummy

i for one reinstall shocks with h/d springs ... does it help ..???
i use a shock extender

mrgolf

I just put both rubber shock bushing above the bracket. Washer and nut at the bottom.

jakesnake27

Do your shocks reach the brackets?

Rep

MDLNB

Thanks for the replies.
I already have shock extenders on the shocks, since I raised the cart using shackles I obtained from a auto parts store. So, I can conceivably utilize the extenders and shocks, if need be. Just wondering whether or not the shocks are necessary if I have the heavy duty springs.
It appears that I am going to have to disconnect the shocks from the bracket in order to replace the springs. I wonder if I am going to have to disconnect the brakes also. I don't remember seeing the brake connection addressed in the videos that I watched, but they are connected to the bracket that "U" bolts pass through.
This doesn't look like a difficult process, but since I haven't done it before, I thought I might give it a go. I could have had someone else do it for a very reasonable price, but what else does a retiree have to do, that would take up one's day? I don't even play golf (yet).

Thanks for any advice and comments. I really appreciate this great forum. I have learned a lot from you guys.

jakesnake27

Leaf springs are easy to replace, and you shouldn't need to remove the brake lines. You may have to remove the shocks from the plates, but it's just one bolt on each. I would go ahead and keep the shocks- no reason not to.

MDLNB

Thanks. I kinda figured it wouldn't hurt to keep them.

pachanga90

The biggest misconception of shocks is that people think they carry the weight like the springs,so if you have heavier springs,the shocks aren't needed anymore.Shocks are meant to dampen bouncing,giving a smoother ride,thats it,unless they are a coil-over like on a Yamaha cart.Always run the shocks.Hope this helps.

MDLNB

Yesterday, I replaced my old single leaf rear springs with new (American made) three leaf springs. Big difference in weight, I might add.

Never having replaced them before, it was an interesting experience. My wife wanted me to get someone else to do it, but then you miss out on the knuckle busting.

Getting the springs off was a breeze. I had soaked them with PB Blaster a week ago. Much to my chagrin, it took hours to install the new spring on one side, and then no time at all to install the other side. On the first side, I made the mistake of attaching the front of the spring first. Of course the new bushings were so tight that I had to hammer it into place. Then, lining up the holes was a real pain. After wrestling with that for a long and frustrating period, I tried to get the center lined up, under the axle and found out that it would not line up . SO, I went back and removed the front connection and then started at the center. And, by the way, I did reattach the shock. The other side went on without a hitch. I had learned from my mistakes on the previous side and skipped those blunders. Of course, I did this in my driveway, laying on my back. Would I do it again, knowing what I know now? Sure. I learned from my mistakes, and now it shouldn't take as long. Using a motorcycle lift on one side, really helps. I used a floor jack on the axle to take stress off the springs when I removed them.

I really like this old series cart. It is going to be my "rat cart" for a while. It runs great, even though, there is never enough speed. Just enough to keep me from getting a ticket, I guess. Top speed is about 23-25mph, which is still faster than legal here. Even though I can go that fast, I am consistently passed by some old fart that is going about 30mph. Oh well.