New coil over front shocks seem way too big. [pic]

TGJR · 08-30-2011, 04:02 PM

Ordered some new coil over shocks for my 2004 TXT and they don't seem like they are going to want to fit. A little background info... The original shocks that came with the cart were completely compressed when I removed them. The only way I was able to get them out was to put pressure on the front axle to get the leaf springs to bend enough to get the shocks out. That can't be right, can it?

Anyways, here's the picture to give you all an idea of what I'm working with. The only way to get these shocks on would be to drop the whole axle or at the very least loosen the leaf springs under the floor so they hinge down enough to get the shocks in there.

Is it possible the previous owner changed something with this cart causing this fit to be this tight? I can't imagine taking off the previous shocks and installing these with the body and everything still on. So something has to be wrong.

Thoughts?

dmax27 · 08-30-2011, 05:03 PM

If you install those shocks on your cart it is going ride like a rock. If you want to install them you could compress the shocks and use a 2 large zip ties to hold the springs compressed. Install the shocks and cut the zip ties when your done. If it rides to hard or sites to high when your done. You can bend the lower shock mount to give the shock more travel. Bend the lower mounts about 1 1/2 inches shorter and drill a new center hole for the shock mount. If you know someone with a welder you could relocate the lower shock mount 1 1/2 inches lower.

Spawn · 08-30-2011, 05:07 PM

The old shocks are really dampers they are not gas charged where they will pop back out.
Your old ones maybe are not bad. If you feel resistance pushing them in and then when you pull them out they are fine.

Take a old shock and fully extend it and see how close it is to the length of the new.

TGJR · 08-30-2011, 05:27 PM

The old shocks are the same size when fully extended. However, when they were on the cart (or if I put them back on) they are completely compressed when installed. They literally had no room to compress any further which I would say defeats the purpose of the shock. I have a hard time believing they were designed to be fully compressed/bottomed out while at rest.

GreshamCA · 08-30-2011, 05:36 PM

Could this cart have had lift blocks along with the drop axle?

TGJR · 08-30-2011, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreshamCA

Could this cart have had lift blocks along with the drop axle?

It was stock size when I bought it. I added the Jake's drop axle lift. And I figured while in there with everything off, I'll add some good shocks. These shocks are supposed to fit all TXT models.

GreshamCA · 08-30-2011, 05:41 PM

And the old shocks were bottomed out?

TGJR · 08-30-2011, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreshamCA

And the old shocks were bottomed out?

They were completely compressed when installed. I didn't realize that until I went to remove them and couldn't compress them to pull them out. I had to put the cart on jack stands and step on the axle so the leaf springs flexed enough to slide the shocks out. Am I crazy for thinking they should be somewhere in the middle while installed that way you have travel in both directions? I mean, the way they were bottomed out I can't see them being any more efficient at dampening bumps in the terrain than say a piece of metal pipe would be.

Hypersprint · 08-30-2011, 05:57 PM

Something is not right in the suspension, check the springs closely.

Rob

TGJR · 08-30-2011, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hypersprint

Something is not right in the suspension, check the springs closely.

Rob

I don't know what I'm looking for.

08-30-2011, 04:02 PM	#1
TGJR Gone Wild Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 191	New coil over front shocks seem way too big. [pic] Ordered some new coil over shocks for my 2004 TXT and they don't seem like they are going to want to fit. A little background info... The original shocks that came with the cart were completely compressed when I removed them. The only way I was able to get them out was to put pressure on the front axle to get the leaf springs to bend enough to get the shocks out. That can't be right, can it? Anyways, here's the picture to give you all an idea of what I'm working with. The only way to get these shocks on would be to drop the whole axle or at the very least loosen the leaf springs under the floor so they hinge down enough to get the shocks in there. Is it possible the previous owner changed something with this cart causing this fit to be this tight? I can't imagine taking off the previous shocks and installing these with the body and everything still on. So something has to be wrong. Thoughts?
TGJR Gone Wild Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 191

08-30-2011, 05:03 PM	#2
dmax27 Getting Wild Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 90	Re: New coil over front shocks seem way too big. [pic] If you install those shocks on your cart it is going ride like a rock. If you want to install them you could compress the shocks and use a 2 large zip ties to hold the springs compressed. Install the shocks and cut the zip ties when your done. If it rides to hard or sites to high when your done. You can bend the lower shock mount to give the shock more travel. Bend the lower mounts about 1 1/2 inches shorter and drill a new center hole for the shock mount. If you know someone with a welder you could relocate the lower shock mount 1 1/2 inches lower.
dmax27 Getting Wild Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 90

08-30-2011, 05:07 PM	#3
Spawn Gone Wild Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Jax FL Posts: 598	Re: New coil over front shocks seem way too big. [pic] The old shocks are really dampers they are not gas charged where they will pop back out. Your old ones maybe are not bad. If you feel resistance pushing them in and then when you pull them out they are fine. Take a old shock and fully extend it and see how close it is to the length of the new.

08-30-2011, 05:27 PM	#4
TGJR Gone Wild Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 191	Re: New coil over front shocks seem way too big. [pic] The old shocks are the same size when fully extended. However, when they were on the cart (or if I put them back on) they are completely compressed when installed. They literally had no room to compress any further which I would say defeats the purpose of the shock. I have a hard time believing they were designed to be fully compressed/bottomed out while at rest.
TGJR Gone Wild Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 191

08-30-2011, 05:36 PM	#5
GreshamCA Getting Wild Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Irmo, SC Posts: 126	Re: New coil over front shocks seem way too big. [pic] Could this cart have had lift blocks along with the drop axle?

Today
BGW	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum

08-30-2011, 05:41 PM	#7
GreshamCA Getting Wild Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Irmo, SC Posts: 126	Re: New coil over front shocks seem way too big. [pic] And the old shocks were bottomed out?

08-30-2011, 05:57 PM	#9
Hypersprint Gone Wild Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Parrish, FL Posts: 385	Re: New coil over front shocks seem way too big. [pic] Something is not right in the suspension, check the springs closely. Rob

Similar Threads
Thread	Forum
Replacing Front Shocks w/o Front Cowl Removal	Electric EZGO
WTB: Front Coil Over Shocks G19 Yamaha Cart	Golf Carts and Parts
Coil over shocks	Lifted Golf Carts
Coil Over Shocks	Lifted Golf Carts
Coil-Over Shocks	Lifted Golf Carts