 Help with with a Cushman Haulster dilemma
Looking for some experienced advice...
A couple of years ago I bought what I was told was a 74 Cushman Truckster. I race sportscars and my plan was to us it as a pit vehicle to haul tools, tires, etc. Long story short, as I was getting thru the engine rebuild and clutch replacement last year I learned (thru serial numbers) that what I bought was actually a Haulster (intended for on-road and smooth surface running) and not the “Turf Truckster” (newbie mistake I guess).
The problem is that the Haulster, beign intended for on-road use with heavy loads, has a very very stiff suspension and the rough access roads at the race tracks are bouncing the truck to death. Even being careful and driving a slow speed the suspension is not nearly compliant enough to get over these rough roads. I got thru last year ok but, so far this year have broken 2separate exhaust pipes and now see a crack in the bed supports starting. All from the banging its taking from these rough roads and access paths.
As others have posted here, these little trucks are great vehicles – lots of power and torque and run forever. And over the winter I did a repaint in 74 Corvette yellow which came out super sharp. The problem is, with the current suspension, my application will eventually ruin this truck which, I don’t want to do. SO – the question is whether anyone has put different suspension, more suited for rougher terrain under these 3-wheel trucks? I thought about removing leafs from the rear springs but, am concerned that while that may soften it a little, those springs are not designed to hold the weight of the vehicle with only a couple of leafs and that doing that will lead to spring failure.
I hate to have to part with this truck but, if I cannot find a solution to the suspension issue, I’ll have to find another cart or utility vehicle which is a little more suited to rougher terrain. Any thoughtful advice would be appreciated.
thanks - Gary | 
06-29-2009, 09:26 AM
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