How to Put Shocks on a Go Cart Frame

Traditionally go carts don't have suspension components.

Go carts typically have a rigid suspension, which means they have no suspension at all. Adding shock absorbers or dampers is not such a simple task. To add shocks, you must first add suspension components. A wishbone suspension is appropriate for a cart. It provides an armature on which the wheel can move. Then a special coil-over shock is added which provides the shock damping of a traditional shock, plus rebound damping of a shock spring -- all in a single unit.

Things You'll Need

• Suspension kit
• Coil-over shocks
• MIG Welder
• Cut-off wheel
• Drill press
• Socket wrenches

Instructions

1. Purchase a suspension kit which includes each of your front suspension components. The hub must fit your current wheels, or you have to buy new wheels and tires compatible with your cart. Weld mounts for the suspension arms and coil-over shock may be included in your cart kit. If it is not included, the kit will specify what size coil-over shock you need.

2. Remove the rigid front axle.

3. Weld a suspension tower, or support for the upper suspension arm where the old axle was located. Because there are suspension or shock towers on each side of the frame, cross-brace them, creating a tube steel rectangle.

4. Fabricate tabs to accept the lower suspension arm and weld them to the frame, positioning the new hub where the old rigid suspension hub was. You can fabricate them from steel bar stock and a cut-off wheel, drilling a hole in them to accept the mounting hardware.

5. Fabricate tabs to accept the upper wishbone suspension arm and weld them to the top of the suspension tower.

6. Assemble the upper and lower suspension arms, attaching them to the hub. Through-bolt both suspension arms with the hub assembled to the suspension tower tabs. Your kit will come with mounting hardware, washers and bushings to allow the arms to be tightened in place without binding them from motion.

7. Fabricate tabs for the coil-over shock to mount to the top of the shock tower. Weld them in place.

8. Through-bolt the coil-overs to the suspension mount near the hub and the shock tower tabs on your frame.

9. Replace the wheels.

Tips & Warnings

• It's important to have a good understanding of suspension design before you locate your suspension components. Some of the components will probably be adjustable, some performance characteristics will hinge on your the positioning you choose.

References

• Kartbuilding Blog: Video on making a Go-Kart with Suspension; Stephen Burke
• Grahamau's Channel: Go-kart Front Suspension Design
• Go Kart Guru: Go Kart Suspension Systems/ How Do I Build One?