[updraught]

No.

Most rough riding is noticed in the front spring. So start there.

Without the shocks the springs should be supple enough to absorb the bumps.

You want the shocks to absorb bounce after the bump (the spring letting go) ie. Like when driving over railway tracks, tne shocks should control the bounce.

Cart springs already have a lot of built in resistance so you don't need to add much with the shocks. I'd only add it on the rebound to control bounce. Let the springs absorb the bump.

Check if the spring leaves are sliding and the shackles spin free etc. as this adds too much resistance.