front leaf springs - both at once?

[dknies]

Hi all,

I just completed the rear spring replacement and learned some valuable lessons that some of you have already mentioned. The kit I'm putting on is the "mid lift" for an EZGo TXT ('01). When I pulled the front spring, per the directions, I can't fit the new one in it's place -- the new one is about 1/2" - 3/4" longer. It says do them individually. Should I do that, or should I drop them both and just have the axle be free until they are reconnected? Can't seem to find two answers the same. :(

Thanks for your help,
David

[sportcoupe]

Aftermarket springs can have huge variations as you found out. Go ahead and pull both front springs to make replacement very easy. The only reason why they state replace one at a time is so the thrust angle stays straight.

To check this after springs are replaced don't fully tighten the bolts just yet. Grab a tape measure and measure diagonally from front corner to rear corner and adjust the front axle so it is square.

Attached is an exaggerated example of thrust angle being WAY off. You just want the rear tires following directly behind the fronts in a golf cart. Close is good enough.

[rib33024]

There is a year difference in the size of the springs, don't remember when they changed it, but ezgo springs are 1 and a 1/2 inch or 2 inch difference in the years. they will work like SC said

[pachanga90]

Spring-Lengths years are:
70s-86' Marathon/GX444:Medium
87'-94' Marathon: approx.2" shorter than Pre-87'
94.5-up TXT: approx. 2' longer than Pre-87'(these also have the bend at the front-tip for the axle(under-neath mount),but it does help correct caster-angle as well when lifting).

The Pre-87 Springs improve axle location and looks on 87'-94' Marathons,which tend to look like the tire is stuffed under the foot-wall.
They say to change one at a time,so the axles isn't loose,making work harder to change them out,the remaing spring holds everything in place,as well as trying to maintain alignment. Hope this helps.

[yurtle]

FWIW,
Pachanga is our site expert on suspension.

[dknies]

Thanks all. I've attached a photo of my old spring and the two new ones ...

[dknies]

Thanks, all. I'll let you know how it turns out. I will be going out this afternoon to take the other off and do the replacement unless someone looks at the photos and tells me not to before then ... :)

[dknies]

Well, success - I used the shocks to hold the axle from the top and the jackstands under it to move it around. I managed to get them both removed and move the axle as required to fix the springs in. All good. Took awhile to square it up, but got it within a 1/4". :) All in all, a learning experience but a success. Next up the floor mat. I tore it getting it out around the brake pedal. Anyone have any experience with the best replacements?