'89 Marathon front leaf spring question...

[stewy58]

I have a 1989 Marathon gas cart. I put new 12" wheels with low pro tires on it and now I have front fender rub when I make sharp turns. The tires/wheels are right around 20" total height. Seems like everywhere I read, 20" should not be a clearance issue? This is a non-lifted stock ride height cart.

My question is should I install the HD 3 leaf springs and are they a direct bolt on? I think I will gain some height with this option.
Or should I replace with the standard stock replacement springs and hope this cures my issue. I'm sure the stock leafs are sagging, they've probably never been replaced. Also, how stiff are the 3 leaf HD springs in terms of ride quality?

Thanks,

Eric

[stewy58]

All help is greatly appreciated!!!

[Doc's BoneCracker]

Originally Posted by stewy58

I have a 1989 Marathon gas cart. I put new 12" wheels with low pro tires on it and now I have front fender rub when I make sharp turns. The tires/wheels are right around 20" total height. Seems like everywhere I read, 20" should not be a clearance issue? This is a non-lifted stock ride height cart.

My question is should I install the HD 3 leaf springs and are they a direct bolt on? I think I will gain some height with this option.
Or should I replace with the standard stock replacement springs and hope this cures my issue. I'm sure the stock leafs are sagging, they've probably never been replaced. Also, how stiff are the 3 leaf HD springs in terms of ride quality?

Thanks,

Eric

I'd go with three leaf hd and it will be stiffer but you'll see a hell of a difference in handling and it will give you the clearance back that you need.

[GoTeeMan]

My guess is your wheels have a greater offset than your stock wheels which will move the wheels out further which would put the outer part of the tire outside the body hence the rub. I noticed when I put my wheel spacers on I immediately started rubbing, I have a neighbor with the same issue...if you get front leaf springs from an early 84ish marathon they are 2 inches longer which should give you a fair amount of clearance. Going with a heavier spring will lift the cart and make your cart look a little goofy being higher in the front....just my .02

[GoTeeMan]

Can you post a picture straight on from the front of your cart please?

[stewy58]

UPDATE: I installed the front 3 leaf HD springs and my problem is solved. Ride height looks awesome, and the handling is a lot better. It did look cool being lower in the front, but not cool enough to have my tires rubbing on the body.

Thanks Doc's BoneCracker and the other responses.

[GoTeeMan]

Cool

Sent from my Evo

[GreenOfTheRoad]

Originally Posted by stewy58

I have a 1989 Marathon gas cart. I put new 12" wheels with low pro tires on it and now I have front fender rub when I make sharp turns. The tires/wheels are right around 20" total height. Seems like everywhere I read, 20" should not be a clearance issue? This is a non-lifted stock ride height cart.

My question is should I install the HD 3 leaf springs and are they a direct bolt on? I think I will gain some height with this option.
Or should I replace with the standard stock replacement springs and hope this cures my issue. I'm sure the stock leafs are sagging, they've probably never been replaced. Also, how stiff are the 3 leaf HD springs in terms of ride quality?

Thanks,


Eric

Use a 94-2000 txt spring.. 1 3/4" longer than the stock marathon.. you may have to drill a hole for the front bolt in the square pads on the axle.. sometimes the holes are there sometimes not.. this will fix that rubbing problem........................oh ..... nevermind

[scottyb]

OH never-mind. What does that mean?

[BrewCityMusic]

I think he realized the prob had already been solved, LOL - I was going to suggest the same thing (only using 2004-up springs to REALLY get the front end out there) until I realized the same thing ...

Read twice, post once, LOL