I just got one with a weak shock also. Waiting to see the responses.

Contact a seller of pinball carts and ask if they have replacement shocks or the specs. It's just an inexpensive auto shock absorber. Here is a seller:

http://www.lakesidepinballparts.com/pinballdolly.html

If mine goes bad I plan on taking it to the auto parts store and get one that has the same mounting configuration and length.

Man that site needs to get fixed. Can hardly read anything with the eyesore background.

I believe this is what you need http://www.autozone.com/suspension-steering-tire-and-wheel/shock-strut-rear/gabriel-guardian-shock-strut-rear/281105/

I went with the $30 steering stabilizer option at advance auto (I think it was Monroe brand, Google it)

After cutting/grinding the top end, I installed it...AND I still keep my foot on the lift bar as I drop a game. The shock alone still slams the game pretty good, but I can control it with my foot on the lift bar.

I love the original Wico pinball cart dolly. But when i get one the shock is nearly always worn out. So are the wheels. So get new wheels and shock. I've had good luck with the Nappa auto parts store and GM steering stablilizer, part number SC2913, about $30. It's not a perfect replacement, as you need to use your weight to lift the cart. But on the release part, i don't need to guide it, has enough damp to let the game down nice. That said though, i did get a "bad" one once from Nappa where it was like pre-worn or something. Had to return it...

Remember, Wico made two versions of their pinball cart.

The original version was painted Army green, had soft rubber tires, used a hydraulic piston (never tip the cart on it's side or you'll have a mess to clean up), and only had a "one step" release pedal. The hydraulic piston is refillable with hydraulic jack oil (common for automobile floor jacks) and it is rebuildable.

The second version was painted a light gray color, had hard plastic wheels, used an automobile gas filled shock absorber, and had a "two-step" pedal release. The first step on the release drops the machine just enough to clear a doorway and the second step drops the game all the way to the floor. The gas shock absorber is not repairable, you simply replace it. This version of the cart can be placed in any position and not worry about leaks.

Pictures of your version of the cart would help.

I've never seen the green wico cart, just the gray. But i have gray versions with only one step up. personally i like the two step thing. maybe better to say the "round top" or the "square top" version is better. The round edges on the top is the older version (one step). the right angle edges on the top is the newer wico version (two step). personally i like the later, but either is good.

This was covered a few years back on RGP.

I tried posting links to them but they don't work. If you do a search for Gabriel Red Ryder on RGP five different threads will surface and discuss this at length.

That is correct, they did require welding. It was worth the effort if you have the outlet to address it.

Here is a few shots of the old type that I'm working to rebuild. This one will drip if tipped over. Just replaced the O-rings on the ram and fill the large cylinder with oil.

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