Here is my problem, if I use a shorter and cheaper shock I can mount it mid way in blue but I have to beaf up the top a-arm and body tubes, which I don't want to do because of weight. If I go to a longer shock 24" I can mount it outboard in red but they are expensive. I'm leaning to the shorter shock. Any other ideas?

I can see why you would need to beef up the a-arms, but I'm not seeing the need for the body tubes. I think that if you use the smaller shocks and mount them at the junction of the horizontal and vertical tubes, they'll be very strong.
For some better informed opinions, try checking out and posting over at www.minibuggy.net.

how about a link type?



Also see: http://www.edge.au.com/buggies_hypersprint.htm

I like that rear suspension, looks kinda sporty. On the rear view of mine the upper shock attach point is 8" forward from the back. The pick ups on the pic actually fools you.

Where did you get those pics of the push rod set up?