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Old Jun 27, 2013 | 02:49 PM
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Coil over shocks question...

Not too smart with springs....

I'm putting together a go kart.

Can I use coil over shocks for the springs, or are those designed to be used in conjunction with another spring?

Hoping I can buy coil over shocks for a VW or something, and that will be all I'll need for springs.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2013 | 03:56 PM
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I am guessing my go kart will weigh around 1200 lbs when it's 100% finished, and the VW bettles were around 1600 from what I have read.
This seems like a decent close match.

If I used coil over shocks springs from a van or truck, I suspect it would ride like a brick?!
 
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Old Jun 28, 2013 | 12:26 AM
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At 1200 lbs, it is not a "go kart".

Coil overs. Are you thinking of:

--load leveler shocks with springs?

Monroe Load-Leveler Shocks - Shockwarehouse.com

--a shock that incorporates the spring, such as those found in the front of a Toyota Tacoma?

Bilstein shocks and struts for cars and trucks - Shockwarehouse.com

http://image.motortrend.com/f/roadte...coil-overs.jpg

A Macpherson strut set up, where the strut/shock/spring is part of the suspension structure, without upper control arms etc:

http://www.rapid-racer.com/resources...=1304442062795
 
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Old Jun 28, 2013 | 01:53 AM
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Lets say these :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VW-Bug-Dune-Buggy-Adjustable-Coil-Over-Shocks-Pair-/310690599221?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item48569a5135&vxp=mtr
of course with control arms holding the axles in place...
 
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Old Jun 28, 2013 | 02:18 PM
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They don't list the spring rate there. Don't those just supplement the stock springs when installed in a VW?

The mounts look like standard shock mounts. Not designed to carry the full weight of the vehicle.

They might work, they might not.....
 
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Old Jul 11, 2013 | 02:56 PM
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Originally Posted by 85e150six4mtod
They don't list the spring rate there. Don't those just supplement the stock springs when installed in a VW?

The mounts look like standard shock mounts. Not designed to carry the full weight of the vehicle.

They might work, they might not.....
Yes that is exactly what I don't understand
 
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Old Jul 12, 2013 | 12:19 AM
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Serving suggestion, maybe a silly way to do it.

Put some solid bars in place of your shocks/coilovers. Check your weight distribution. 1200 total, but see what it is front to rear. You may need more support, or the same depending on what you find. Adjust for your stance and desired right height.

Something with the preload adjustment is probably what you want, and you can also use two per wheel if need be.

Maybe find some at the scrappy before you pay good money for new--then you can do some testing without breaking the bank.

The of course there are always air shocks. GM minivans had them--the Oldslowpile in particular had them....and they provided quite a bit of support, so the mounts were made to take it. Ditto older El Caminos.
 
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