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Old 07-09-2010, 08:05 AM   #1
IRCJB
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Default Automotive air shocks instead of springs?

Can I use automotive air shocks instead of springs?

Considering this is 2 wheel drive with an open diff; I'd like to keep the suspension as limber as possible. It looks like a lot of carts use springs too heavy for the suspension to actually articulate and stay connected to the ground.

Rear will be a 3 point and front IFS.

Can I just use automotive air shocks instead of coil overs?
Trying to find a coil spring that will give the right amount of sag and then building the suspension hoping it will work out sounds like a expensive and time consuming venture.

Anybody gone this route before?
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Old 07-09-2010, 08:11 AM   #2
scottyb
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Default Re: Automotive air shocks instead of springs?

My experience with air shocks is not good. They are offer too much resistance and are prone to leaks. There is no short cut to a finely tuned suspension system. Cars weigh many times what the GC weigh ...
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Old 07-09-2010, 09:57 AM   #3
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Default Re: Automotive air shocks instead of springs?

im currently trying it out, but im not finished yet. A guy that customized carts told me he did it alot. He told me to remove my stock coil springs and shocks and install a set of air shocks in there place. So Thats what im doing, I started last night but ran into a few snags, so I will continue later tonight.
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Old 07-09-2010, 10:34 AM   #4
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Default Re: Automotive air shocks instead of springs?

Quote:
Originally Posted by scottyb View Post
........... They are offer too much resistance and .... ...
Even when pressurized only as much as necessary?

So what could I expect if I built everything up; then pressurized the shocks (springs) just enough to lift the cart through 2/3 -3/4 of suspension travel?

The #'s I'm seeing are 1200# per set..... I think they're usually rated at 175 psi.
My thinking is at about 40psi they would be about right.

Is there something I'm not taking into account?
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Old 07-09-2010, 10:49 AM   #5
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Default Re: Automotive air shocks instead of springs?

well mine would be done right now and i could answer but the ding bat at the auto part gave me the wrong install kit so I couldn't pressurize them. From my experience on cars with air shocks it is like your saying. the shocks are rated for a certain wieght and certian psi. I had 2 chevy monte carlos. One car i put the proper air shock recommended for the car. I had to run the shocks at high psi(125 to 150) to get the lift out of the rear end which caused it to be real stiff in the back and rough. The next car I took the stock shock measurement. Then I bought oversized(longer) air shocks and ran alot less psi in them (40 to 60) to do the same job. The car rode much nicer but you gotta watch you dont go to high with the air psi or when your jacking or lifting the car to work on it cause the springs can fall right out of there seats because of the longer shock travel. hope this helps somewhat. Hopefully I will have my cart completed tonight, so I could let you know what I find out
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Old 07-09-2010, 01:14 PM   #6
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Default Re: Automotive air shocks instead of springs?

Seems like the single point of attachment that a shock uses on the top & bottom is the weakest link. One good bump & it snaps any of those studs off & your cart is being dragged back home like a sled.
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Old 07-09-2010, 01:21 PM   #7
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Default Re: Automotive air shocks instead of springs?

Good luck--
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Old 07-09-2010, 05:55 PM   #8
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Default Re: Automotive air shocks instead of springs?

Air shocks are definitely not the way to go if you want suspension travel for offroad or a good ride.They are rated for a fullsize vehichle weighing from 2500-5000lbs.Marathons weigh under 800lbs with a gas-engine.The shocks won't allow articulation because the cart isn't heavy enough to compress the opposite side.I noticed a dramatic difference on my front springs by shortening the upper leaf 1-3/4".It gives more flex and softer ride.There is nothing wrong with the "cheapie" lift-kits if you do your home work and get the correct length shocks to eliminate the spacers.Also look at different travel shocks for the front.The stock shocks are very limited on travel so if you find one that fits in stock location with more compressed and extended travel from your "Static" dimension(parked on flat surface,no-load).You will gain travel and articulation for offroad and improve ride.Check Monroe-Shocks web-site,They have an online chart you can look-up shocks to fit your specs.Hope this helps.
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Old 07-09-2010, 08:05 PM   #9
essness
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Default Re: Automotive air shocks instead of springs?

Here it is,
Attached Files
File Type: pdf 08_MountingLengthSheet.pdf (442.8 KB, 40 views)
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Old 07-09-2010, 11:05 PM   #10
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Default Re: Automotive air shocks instead of springs?

I have airshocks on the rear of my G8. If you want articulation the important thing is to run them both off the same feed lines so they share air. This way as one compresses the other one is forced to expand. The ride is not harsh at all, probably smoother than the stock shocks. The only problems I have with them is that the cart wants to lean to the driver side so I put a heavier battery than I need way over on the passenger side and you have to take turns slow and I usually lift the inside front wheel if I go fast. My air shocks were off a 73 'Cuda.
Here is a pic of some articulation, it has more than this it can basically stuff one tire completely inside the fender.
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