Sizing shocks for a cart?

yamy

So how does one size shocks? When I googled this, not much came up, even for cars and ATVs. I need beefier shocks on the rear of my G1, since I added a rear seat. All I really need are heavier coil springs, but if I have to replace the whole shock absorber, that's fine. While shopping for shocks, none of the vendors mention the weight capacity of the shock. So how am I suppose to tell how much weight a shock can handle?

BGW

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smallblock450sl

Can't help with the sizing part, but G1 (electric) shocks were alittle stiffer to carry the weight of the batteries, that might help. If your old shocks aren't worn out, maybe a better idea would to buy or build 2" upper shock extenders. I think I saw some on Ebay for 20 bucks. Let us know what you come up with.

DOOmsman

This may get boring, almost all springs are very close in the steel alloy they are made of.
So a springs rate and strength is from the diameter of the wire the spring is made of'
The diameter of the coils
and the active coils. see this link for a calulator.
http://www.engineersedge.com/spring_comp_calc_k.htm

Use 30 for modulus
A longer shock extension will not increase the rate of the spring

smallblock450sl

No Dooms, but it does help with rubbing issues.

Rosati

The shocks need to extend and compress over the full travel of the suspension
as it will be used. If your building a cruiser, a few inches of travel will be OK.
If your building a stump jumper, several more inches are needed.
Droop the suspension as far as you think it will be during operation,
and then compress it fully. Take these two measurements and look for your shocks.

Spring rates will depend on what you want your ride to be like.
A stiff spring will be more stable on rougher trails, while a softer spring
will be less stable.