Lift kit/tire/wheel suggestions

browerjs

Was at Dale Hollow Lake in TN this past week and all the lifted carts with big tires got me salivating. I know absolutely nothing when in comes to lifting the cart and putting new wheels on. So how difficult is this process? What tools do I need and what parts should I order. I don't need to jack it way up, but I want it to look pretty good for my residential neighborhood driving. '12 TXT

Attached Images

image.jpg (126.7 KB, 0 views)

BGW

__________________
This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum

Sir Nuke

well seeing as how you have what appears to be a stock cart....is it? before you start lifting and putting bigger wheels/tires on there are a few things you need to consider. When you lift your cart and put taller tires on it, it takes more torque to turn them....which means your drive system is being taxed....We can see that you have a back seat on as well.....if/when you are driving around with 4 adults you are already putting a load more than normal....you add the extra load of having to turn oversized tires....SO with all that in mine.....if it were me.....if you want to lift it and put larger tires on it.....you need to seriously consider upgrading your drive system (controller, solenoid, etc...) otherwise if you only put on a lift kit and larger tires....your performance will suffer and you will be putting a lot of extra load on it.

BUT to answer your question, its not a hard job. no special tools. for you to get a good idea if you can or want to handle a lift....look at you tube there are a ton of how to's that will show the entire process.

browerjs

I have the cart in freedom mode, will this help? I really don't want to replace the controller at this point.

BobBoyce

Freedom mode gives you more speed, larger tires will require more torque. The only way to get more torque is to deliver more current to the motor. That will require a controller that can deliver more current, along with upgrades to the solenoid and F/N/R switch, if your cart is a series drive.

Check out and read the info at www.cartsunlimited.net on upgrades to see what will be required to support larger tires.

Bob

DaveTM

And......now the "illness" begins!

ARKSoft84

There are hundreds of carts that are lifted without any controller or other upgrades.

In reality, what happens is you gain extra speed but loose torque. So, if you live in an area with a lot of hills, expect to go slower when climbing them. On flat ground expect to be going faster.

Sounds like all you are wanting is a better looking ride, probably 4 - 5 inch spindle lift kit with 21 inch tall tires. 12 - 14 inch tall wheels.

You should also go ahead and install HD leaf springs in the rear (this should have been done when that back seat was put on. If the back seat is factory then it may already have HD leafs).

Jake's and All Sports seem to make the best lifts. There are also tons of lifts on eBay that have the same design.

Prices range from $165 to $400 for these lift kit, then you will need tires and wheels.


(Sources: I drive a pds cart with Jake's spindle lift and no other upgrades except I replaced my battery cables... That's just because they needed it... And HD leafs)

BobBoyce

True, many people put on lift kits and bigger tires, without upgrading their carts. But on the other hand, how many more come to the forum asking why their carts slow down so much when climbing hills or going through soft/muddy terrain. It is so much better to inform people up front of the consequences of going to larger tires. Golf carts were not designed for larger tires as they come from the factory, and many people do not know that because they see so many others running large tires, and they like how it looks. They should be informed as to what it might cost in the end.

21" tires are not so radical. Try doing the same with 23 to 25" tires and the result is much different. It also matters what voltage the cart is. A 36 volt cart can turn less of a tire diameter than a 48 or 72 volt cart.

Bob

hunt365

My 05 ezgo pds came with 20 in. tires and a utility bed. It also had a set of blocks under the front for the lift. I noticed that the cables and controller were getting extremely hot especially when climbing hills. It even shut down once. Cooled off and started up again. Thermal overload, I believe, is the term thats used. Controllers can't take that heat. I upgraded controller and wires and now run 23in. tires with no problems. Just my experiences with larger tires. The lift kits themselves are pretty straightforward and not to difficult to install. As mentioned earlier you can watch you tube videos for days. Best of luck with your new addiction. LOL!!

browerjs

I have a 48v cart, and will only be going on paths and the road, no off roading. How can I tell if HD lift springs were installed? Sorry big time newb here.

hunt365

HD leaf springs will have more leafs in the leaf package. I believe standard springs have 2 and hd can have 3 or 4.