HD rear shocks for G8?

[1992G8]

I am attempting a Vegas Carts clone in a G8. I have never done any of this before. I would like to replace the rear shocks, as I plan to put a rear seat on it.

I called Jake's and inquired about the Heavy Duty shocks and springs they make, that are being marketed as fitting a G8. I thought I read somewhere that these require more work then simply bolting them on. Jake's confirmed this, but could not tell me exactly what the issue will be, or how I could make them work. He related it had been too long since he did one.

Can anybody tell me if they will work, and if not, what is involved in getting them to work?

Thank you in advance.

[sho305]

An articulating rear, its not like G2/9s. I would get on google and search this site for posts on it seems like there would be some.

[1992G8]

I tried to search, but the only thread I found referenced a difference in the bolt (or stud on the bottom) diameter and and diameter of the mounting holes in the shocks.

I checked the cart. The bolt / studs are M12 X 1.25

I'm gonna call Jake's tomorrow and see if they can tell me the diameter of the holes on the shocks.

[Mike Mac]

I'd try the Jake's springs, Smallblock did it!! He'll coach you!!

Then do this on the front, if a 92 has a tall enough spring!!??

[1992G8]

Sounds good to me! Smallblock, are you out there?

[Mike Mac]

He'll catch this by morning!!

[1992G8]

Thanks for the help!

[ShawnQ]

Mac,

Is that just a collar added to the shock tube, installed higher than normal, in effect putting more pre-load on the spring?

Interesting.

The shocks on my G2 are worn out and I need new ones. I am blown away at the cost of shocks for these things. I can get a set of bilstein for my 2500 pickup for less.

[Mike Mac]

Shawn, if your shocks aren't leaking, they're good!! I got " split shaft collars" and yes, just preloaded the spring more!! Have to make sure you don't run into "coil bind" tho!! That's why you need the tall spring!! Goes a VERY long way in stopping body roll in corners as well!!

Plowmans can do this if you send him your shocks!!

[1992G8]

Here is what I have learned regarding the Jake's HD shocks, that some distributors market as fitting a G8:

They are not a direct replacement because the stock G8 bottom studs and top bolts (M12) are a larger diameter than what can go through the shock. I talked to a guy in the manufacturing plant, and he was unaware of this. However, after he measured the holes on the shocks he confirmed they will not slide on a G8 with stock studs / bolts.

It appears as though the HD springs they sell with this set-up will work on my stock shocks, however. So I am planning on simply replacing the springs, but he hasn't gotten back to me with the part number for just the HD springs I need.

Any G8 owners switch to HD springs and know the part number?