long travel suspension problems

surfdog

I just purchased a used 99 Ezgo with a stretch plastics long travel front suspension and a rear trailing arm suspension that I don't recognize. It has a long arm on each side, constructed of about 1" tubing, that Y's back from the front bushing (two tubes) and then comes together again at the rear bushing where it mounts to the rear axle tubes. The really odd thing is, it has a loop of tubing welded to the axle housings that is connected to a panhard bar above the axle. You can't seperate the axle housings without apparently cutting this loop of tubing. I wan't to add high speed gears and wonder how to get at them with this set up.
Also, the motor didn't run when I got it so couldn't test it out. Got the stock motor to run and managed to get it up to about 20 mpg. It didn't steer too straight and I'm wondering if I should continue with plans for a Vanguard motor conversion. I notice about .080" difference in the bushing size and the king pin of the spindle. I disassembled one side and see some wear on the king pin and more possibly on the bushing. Everything else in the steering seems tight. It has 22" all terrain tires. Am I expecting too much from this set up, like safe driving at thirty mph?

BGW

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scottyb

I don't think any of that is designed for 30mph... sounds like a custom rear suspension?

rvkersh

Post some pic's front and rear. Lets see what you have. We might be able to figure it out.

Bob

KoogarKiller

Post some pics up... Most likely just need to put new bushings in the front end maybe a new ball joint on the steering arm to tighten it up.

You should be able to run 30-40 no problem with that front end.

Might need to to a fab work on the back from the sound of it....

rvkersh

Their main concern is the rear, without knowing what they have how can you help them with their problem. For those of us who fabricate for living, this is easy, for those who don't it,s not. That stretch front end if it,s tight will handle over 50.

KoogarKiller

yep.. that rear sounds caddywhompis from the description.. Need to see some pics of whats going on back there.

I recommend upgrading the Strech set up for 50+mph

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surfdog

OK, thanks for the replies, I'll post some pictures as soon as I figure out how. I took the king pin and spindle to a couple of front end, machine shops this morning and they thought while there was a little wear, that it was not enough to affect it badly. I'll re-assemble it and check toe in etc., what I should have done before taking it apart. Thanks again.

rvkersh

Awesome were waiting to see what's in the back.

AirJunky

Surfdog, open a Photobucket or Picasa account. Create a folder for all your various projects, dump your photos in there. And then post the links to them here.

Definitely sounds interesting. What engine is in the cart? 20 mph is close to max for a stock EZGo engine.

The steering issue may be an alignment problem. Or tire pressure. I have a Terra Toys IFS in mine with ATV tires (5 psi). It definitely wanders a little at higher speeds. Kind of like driving a big lifted truck.

LURCH

If not mistaken with a long travel you need to set Caster, Camber and toe. At least with a Jakes on a Yamaha. Hope this helps.


LURCH!!!!!!!!