I have a Wico pinball lift, the cylinder is empty so bringing a game down, is more than interesting. Looking to get it working properly again. I got it used, so the seals in the cylinder are probably dried out and shot. So just filling it probably wont work.
Has anyone found a good replacement hydraulic cylinder that can just bolt in?
Quoted from northvibe:I have a Wico pinball lift, the cylinder is empty so bringing a game down, is more than interesting. Looking to get it working properly again. I got it used, so the seals in the cylinder are probably dried out and shot. So just filling it probably wont work.
Has anyone found a good replacement hydraulic cylinder that can just bolt in?
I heard that certian shocks from cars work.
Quoted from Ronnie1114:I heard that certian shocks from cars work.
I don't think a car shock will work. For a pinball cart you want a piston that provides resistance in once direction and either the same resistance or little resistance in the other direction. A car shock naturally wants to fully extend to hold up 500+ lbs. A pinball machine wouldn't weigh enough to compress the shock to get the cart to lower.
Here is an old post from RGP where Clay and Mike talk about this
http://rec.games.pinball.narkive.com/nRuWOmOW/replacement-pinball-dolly-shock
Quoted from indy5mike:Here is an old post from RGP where Clay and Mike talk about this
http://rec.games.pinball.narkive.com/nRuWOmOW/replacement-pinball-dolly-shock
Thank you! I think this is very good info we need to keep up to date for everyone 
Here is one that "may" bolt up!
GM SC2913 - steering damper
MONROE Part # SC2913 More Info {#22002710, 3196958, 4941313, 4984618, 4993563} Magnum; Compressed Length=14-1/8", Extended Length=24"
Category: Steering Damper
SC2913__ra_p.jpg
This cylinder works, but you have to modify the lower mount, which requires welding
Gabriel Guardian. As you can see, it does not compress low enough.
Extended Length 25.14"
Collapsed Length 15.28"
Stroke 9.86"
C2CC0150035425179312.jpg
Props to the many people on RPG for finding this info out. I'll be ordering the GM one to get a bolt on solution.
Just ordered this on Amazon prime. I'll post up an update to how it fits. Using it to move machines for the mgc trip....yaaaa I need the shock working...
It lifts as usual. The down part, not sure how the original took it down. It has the initial drop (I didn't have shoes on, probably need them to control the pedal to the rail), then slowly brings it down the last few inches. Works for me!
yeah! without a working shock it was scary to drop the machine. Let us know how it turns out!
EDIT: I should mention. I put a shop towel around the shock, put it in my table vice, then took a hack saw to the ends on the top mount. Used a stick sander thing? and sanded down the rubber on the lower one. I used the stock bolts from the cart to mount the shock back in.
Most used a Gabriel Red Rider car shock. They cost less than $20 and lasted for decades.
You can still get them although many old-style car shocks for various cars will work.
Red ryder shock install on a cart, for reference:
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/wico-pinball-cart-red-ryder-shock-conversion
appreciate all the knoldge on this thread ive restored this wico pinball lift know just waiting on new shock from amazon and this beauty will be better than new. I also added some pinball skate caster wheels i had laying around what a differnce from the stock clunky wheels 
she rolls like butter know
16346A08-8902-4939-AA9C-B8FB1697E5E0 (resized).jpeg
5AFF9987-10DB-4FCD-8FDA-E314D41E738B (resized).pngQuoted from GVONM:These posts are old. Does anyone have any updates with parts still available?
Do yourself a favor go buy a lift from harbor freight these things suck imo
Quoted from cfh:i think the harbor freight "lifts" are a complete joke...
To each his own I like the folding handle the way it drops easy to store in a small area aka under a pinball machine the old school lifts are big bulky and just pain in my experience
Quoted from cfh:i think the original Wico carts are the best, and fit great under machines. i have like 10 of them. the harbor freight ones are just junk, and frankly, i don't think they store well. i hate that bloody handle.
If your ever in cali hit me up I’ll give you mine I love my harbor freight one will never go back
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