# A little fresh air(shocks) never hurt anybody **URL:** \ **Category:** GEM Forum\ **Created:** [September 5, 2018, 4:43pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/a-little-fresh-air-shocks-never-hurt-anybody/14486 "2018-09-05T16:43:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 13\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![Tyson\_Davis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/tyson_davis/32/719_2.png) [@Tyson\_Davis](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Tyson_Davis)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2020, 5:02pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/a-little-fresh-air-shocks-never-hurt-anybody/14486/142 "2020-01-09T17:02:24Z")
@Erniea15 I have not called in and given anyone my weights or measurements, only because winter was coming and I didn’t have time to get the shocks and test them. I have a 2002 4 seater. ---
**Author:** ![Erniea15](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/erniea15/32/10887_2.png) [@Erniea15](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Erniea15)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2020, 2:46am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/a-little-fresh-air-shocks-never-hurt-anybody/14486/143 "2020-01-10T02:46:30Z")
Got it… I’ll pick this up and keep you posted ---
**Author:** ![RS\_E6](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/rs_e6/32/12308_2.png) [@RS\_E6](https://community.electricforum.com/u/RS_E6)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2020, 1:09pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/a-little-fresh-air-shocks-never-hurt-anybody/14486/144 "2020-01-10T13:09:20Z")
> [@Tyson\_Davis](#): > > @RS_E6 what wheels or tires did you get. I really need to start a build thread already. 😀 I went with 17 x 7 XXR 530 wheels wrapped in 205/45R17 tires using 35mm spacers. Surprisingly I have no issues with rubbing at this tire size. Likely helps that the front of the car rides high. I’ll post better pics later, the lighting made it hard to frame the whole car while picking up the details of the dark wheels. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/electricforum/original/2X/d/d6596ad6b51980a24dee37204d77cc11fb67294b.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Tyson\_Davis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/tyson_davis/32/719_2.png) [@Tyson\_Davis](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Tyson_Davis)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2020, 12:55am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/a-little-fresh-air-shocks-never-hurt-anybody/14486/145 "2020-03-04T00:55:21Z")
Did you pick this up and find shocks? In the next couple weeks I will be slowing down at work and able to start my shock project. ---
**Author:** ![Erniea15](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/erniea15/32/10887_2.png) [@Erniea15](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Erniea15)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2020, 1:39am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/a-little-fresh-air-shocks-never-hurt-anybody/14486/146 "2020-03-07T01:39:45Z")
I made it as far as emailing Tait, he asked for measurements and I never got around to doing them. Haven’t really moved the ball forward unfortunately. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Tyson\_Davis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/tyson_davis/32/719_2.png) [@Tyson\_Davis](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Tyson_Davis)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2020, 4:57pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/a-little-fresh-air-shocks-never-hurt-anybody/14486/147 "2020-05-08T16:57:37Z")
UPDATE OK so I called QA1 Shocks and went the expensive route to get the correct shocks for my 2002 4 seater. After giving them all the weights, and measuring the Arm and height we came up with a shock that we both thought would work. I purchased (4) QA1-8243 Shock, 82 Series, 4 in. Stroke, 13.75 in./9.38 in., Extended/Collapsed, Number 3/3, Compression/Rebound, Each For the Front spring I purchased (2) QA1-8S180 Coilover Spring, Silver Powdercoated, 1.875 in. Inside Diameter, 8 in. Length, 180 lbs./in. Spring Rate, Each For the rear Spring I purchased QA1-8S160 Coilover Spring, Silver Powdercoated, 1.875 in. Inside Diameter, 8 in. Length, 160 lbs./in. Spring Rate, Each Now I did have to purchase 2 (1 inch) length extenders for the front Shocks as they would not fit because of how big the Gem Shock brackets are. After installing all I did was adjust the spring height on the shock, to get the correct Ride height I wanted. All in all the Ride is smooth and works great! I am very happy with my new shocks. ![2020-04-15 11.53.17](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/electricforum/original/2X/8/8f43a56b836f5aca6318fa1592703d763028df01.jpeg) ![2020-04-23 12.40.03-1](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/electricforum/original/2X/a/ab084698a23b83806f28cdc9bec176aaa7287c8d.jpeg) ![2020-04-23 12.39.43](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/electricforum/original/2X/b/bd326fff628ea0189b6e0298ce85afd52e5d71c5.jpeg) ![2020-04-29 18.28.23](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/electricforum/original/2X/a/a35534dd89b6049fa3174d048274d4ad91ed7a6d.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![RS\_E6](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/rs_e6/32/12308_2.png) [@RS\_E6](https://community.electricforum.com/u/RS_E6)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2020, 6:03pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/a-little-fresh-air-shocks-never-hurt-anybody/14486/148 "2020-05-08T18:03:06Z")
Congrats @Tyson_Davis! I know this has been a long time coming. Have you had a chance to try it out with 1-4 passengers? Is the ride pretty consistent? That’s one of my main concerns having a six passenger GEM. ---
**Author:** ![Tyson\_Davis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/tyson_davis/32/719_2.png) [@Tyson\_Davis](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Tyson_Davis)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2020, 6:35pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/a-little-fresh-air-shocks-never-hurt-anybody/14486/149 "2020-05-08T18:35:04Z")
Yes my wife and both the kids drove around town probably 15 miles. The ride was much smoother. I can now drive from the street to the drive way and hit the 3 inch lip and it transitions really smooth. I was going to do a vibration test (Old ride back new ride) with my phone but never got around to it. ---
**Author:** ![Erniea15](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/erniea15/32/10887_2.png) [@Erniea15](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Erniea15)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2020, 6:44pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/a-little-fresh-air-shocks-never-hurt-anybody/14486/150 "2020-05-08T18:44:52Z")
This is awesome!!! can I ask how much? You have close to the same setup… wonder if I can just roll with the same setup. Thanks for doing this! ---
**Author:** ![Tyson\_Davis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/tyson_davis/32/719_2.png) [@Tyson\_Davis](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Tyson_Davis)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2020, 8:12pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/a-little-fresh-air-shocks-never-hurt-anybody/14486/151 "2020-05-08T20:12:45Z")
Purchased everything from Summit Racing - The rep said I would get it cheaper from a dealer of there rather than purchasing thru QA1 These are for the Front of the Gem, you have to get extenders and different threads for the shocks to allow the extenders to fit. ![\ 15x10](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) [![QA1-9033-117\ 75x75](https://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/small/QA1-9033-117_s.jpg)](https://www.summitracing.com/parts/QA1-9033-117) ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) **[QA1-9033-117](https://www.summitracing.com/parts/QA1-9033-117)** Thread Adapter, 7/16 in. to 9/16 in., 70 Series, 82 Series, Each (Mfr. #: 9033-117) ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) Shipping From Manufacturer Ground ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) $9.95 ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) x2 ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) $19.90 ![\ 11x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) ![\ 15x10](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) ![\ 15x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) ![\ 15x10](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) [![QA1 9036-198 - QA1 Coilover Components](https://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/small/hal-9036-201_s.jpg)](https://www.summitracing.com/parts/QA1-9036-198) ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) **[QA1-9036-198](https://www.summitracing.com/parts/QA1-9036-198)** LOOP, STEEL, ASSEMBLY 1" EXTENDED LBCT (Mfr. #: 9036-198) ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) Shipping From Manufacturer Ground ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) $29.95 ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) x2 ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) $59.90 ![\ 11x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) ![\ 15x10](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) ![\ 15x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) ![\ 15x10](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) [![QA1 8243 - QA1 82 Series Aluminum Small Body Shocks](https://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/small/hal-8231_s.jpg)](https://www.summitracing.com/parts/QA1-8243) ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) **[QA1-8243](https://www.summitracing.com/parts/QA1-8243)** Shock, 82 Series, 4 in. Stroke, 13.75 in./9.38 in., Extended/Collapsed, Number 3/3, Compression/Rebound, Each (Mfr. #: 8243) ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) Shipping From Manufacturer Ground ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) $154.95 ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) x2 ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) $309.90 ![\ 11x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) ![\ 15x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) ![\ 15x10](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) [![QA1 8S180 - QA1 Coil Springs](https://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/small/hal-8s140_oh_s.jpg)](https://www.summitracing.com/parts/QA1-8S180) ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) **[QA1-8S180](https://www.summitracing.com/parts/QA1-8S180)** Coilover Spring, Silver Powdercoated, 1.875 in. Inside Diameter, 8 in. Length, 180 lbs./in. Spring Rate, Each (Mfr. #: 8S180) ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) Shipping From Manufacturer Ground ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) $49.95 * * * For the Rear of the Gem here is what I purchased… the Shocks are almost exactly the same just a little longer because they don’t need the extender ![\ 15x10](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) [![QA1 8253 - QA1 82 Series Aluminum Small Body Shocks](https://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/small/hal-8231_s.jpg)](https://www.summitracing.com/parts/QA1-8253) ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) **[QA1-8253](https://www.summitracing.com/parts/QA1-8253)** Shock, 82 Series, 5 in. Stroke, 15.75 in./10.38 in., Extended/Collapsed, Number 3/3, Compression/Rebound, Each (Mfr. #: 8253) ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) Shipping From Manufacturer Ground ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) $154.95 ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) x2 ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) $309.90 ![\ 11x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) ![\ 15x10](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) ![\ 15x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) ![\ 15x10](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) [![QA1 8S180 - QA1 Coil Springs](https://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/small/hal-8s140_oh_s.jpg)](https://www.summitracing.com/parts/QA1-8S180) ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) **[QA1-8S180](https://www.summitracing.com/parts/QA1-8S180)** Coilover Spring, Silver Powdercoated, 1.875 in. Inside Diameter, 8 in. Length, 180 lbs./in. Spring Rate, Each (Mfr. #: 8S180) ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) Shipping From Manufacturer Ground ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) $49.95 ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) x2 ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) $99.90 ![\ 15x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) ![\ 15x10](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) [![QA1 CK8201 - QA1 Coilover Hardware Kits](https://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/small/hal-ck8201_s.jpg)](https://www.summitracing.com/parts/QA1-CK8201) ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) **[QA1-CK8201](https://www.summitracing.com/parts/QA1-CK8201)** Coilover Component Kit, Circle Track 82 Series, Completes One Shock, Each (Mfr. #: CK8201) ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) Ready to Ship Ground ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) $29.99 ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) x4 ![\ 10x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) $119.96 ![\ 11x17](https://static.summitracing.com/email/transactional/images/spacer.gif) Total $969.41 However I did google and found a 20% discount off that total, online for purchasing over a certain $$ amount. Yes it was the expensive route, but I am very happy with how they came out and worked the first time! ---
**Author:** ![Erniea15](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/erniea15/32/10887_2.png) [@Erniea15](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Erniea15)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2020, 11:20pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/a-little-fresh-air-shocks-never-hurt-anybody/14486/152 "2020-05-08T23:20:21Z")
That’s not too bad… considering new shocks from nev accessories would be like 500 for the 2 pairs. I might just order up the same. Thanks again!! ---
**Author:** ![Tyson\_Davis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/tyson_davis/32/719_2.png) [@Tyson\_Davis](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Tyson_Davis)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2020, 12:43am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/a-little-fresh-air-shocks-never-hurt-anybody/14486/153 "2020-05-09T00:43:05Z")
Never looked at it that way. Good point. I was looking at it by all the amazon shocks I went through to get to this point. Only thing I might try sometime is different springs to see how it reacts. But just got this all together. And it is working. ---
**Author:** ![Spibill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/94ad74/32.png) [@Spibill](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Spibill)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2020, 2:10pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/a-little-fresh-air-shocks-never-hurt-anybody/14486/154 "2020-08-10T14:10:48Z")
I have followed this topic and learned a lot. I too have an older GEM, late 2001 and also converted to lithium which are installed in the rear center old battery location. My GEM was built by Innovation Motor Sports and has a 6” lift which fairly easily allowed me to put airbags in the rear for suspension that improved the ride substantially. I removed the stock springs from the rear shocks and use them w/o the springs. The front however was still way too stiff so I solved that by grinding the stock springs on the outside to reduce the effective coil wire diameter and therefore the effective spring rate. I took about 1/16” off which is about 1/4” wide flat and then rounded the flat. I used calipers to measure amount of metal removal. That process reduced the spring rate for a softer ride and also corrected the front wheel camber. The airbags were under $100 and air components and iron angel support material about another $125. [Previous page](https://community.electricforum.com/t/a-little-fresh-air-shocks-never-hurt-anybody/14486.md?page=7)