Seat Shock Absorber

[Ralph Bauer]

I'm not the lightest but not the heaviest of guys either, but I am looking to replace the seat shock absorber (assembly) or rebuilt it. Seems like my 4020 "bottoms out" too many times in the pasture and backaches are no fun. How do I know for sure that I am not too heavy (~290)? Have it set for max. weight, seat is all the way back (am 6'5") without being able to compare to a new one? Has anyone ever rebuilt the cylinder only? Or is it simply better (less work, less time consuming, and cheaper) to exchange the whole assembly? How much do those springs wear out?
Any input is appreciated! (..and yes, I thought about a diet, too.....LOL) Thanks!!

 

[Greenday]

I would say that you are due for a seat rebuild. My dad was a pretty big guy ( over 300 lbs) and never had any problems with the seat on our 4020. Dave

 

[2520=4010]

I put the new assembly (spring and shock) from steiner's on mine......it made a huge difference. Good luck.

 

[tim s]

The shock don't have anything to do with the weight, that is the springs duty, the shock just takes the bounce out of the ride. Your seat needs a complete re-build, bushings and all, when the bushings get worn it changes the geometry of the linkage to where it won't set level or deal with the weight well. It can take near $900 to re-work the seat with all the stuf including a new cushion set, but it's worth it at the end of the day...

 

[61-4010]

As Tim stated, you probably need to overhaul the entire mechanism. When I did this on my 4010, I purchased a new shock absorber and the bushings but on the linkages, I used my welding "skills" to make round (and the correct size again) the holes in the linkages. Many of the holes looked like eggs!

Fortunately....didn"t cost anywhere $900 but then again, I did the labor myself. And must say, it makes one heck of a difference!

 

[tim s]

I have welded the holes up before,,it takes a lot of time to get them right,,now I replace the arms if they are egg-shaped, I replace "all" the bushings,bolts and washers, I have thought about doing an exchange program on them,,probably 90% of them need re-built, if you don't have the practice on them they can be a challenge to do...