Additional changes needed for lift kits/larger tires

CBeard44

When adding a lift kit and larger tires, is there any other equipment that needs to be changed out to insure the performance remains the same? Electric Club Car DS 2001. Thanks!

BGW

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adge

I have a couple ideas - I'm in the middle of a lift myself, on my 1994 Gas Club Car DS. I've found that just because a lift kit says it'll work with any Club Car DS from 1982-2004 or something to that effect, doesn't make it true. I purchased an All Sports 6" A-Arm lift kit, and I've had to order some additional parts that I didn't expect.

1: Wheel spacers/hub spacers. On mine, my rims would rub against the lower control arm in the front (believe it's the lower control arm anyhow). Whatever it is, I couldn't rotate or turn my front wheels once I installed the lift kit. Found that I needed to add wheel spacers to the hubs all around (or at the very least, just in front). Purchased 2" spacers for all four wheels, and I'm set there.

2: Rear Shocks. My rear suspension appears to be different from the diagram supplied with the lift kit instructions and online. Essentially in the rear, the kit has you move the leaf spring above the axle, and adds a spacer in as well. However, by moving the rear leaf spring above the axle, the shocks no longer reach where they're currently attached to on the cart. I haven't resolved this issue yet, in case anyone out there has any ideas. Right now I'm looking into buying longer shocks from the local auto parts store to replace these shorter ones.

Hope that helps at least some. You may not run into the same issues I have, but be aware you may need additional parts as you progress through the build. If not, consider yourself lucky! I will post here again as my build progresses, and certainly if I find I need additional hardware above and beyond the items above.

chevydmax6

There should be a plate or bracket that goes on top of the leaf spring to relocate the shocks so stock shock will work

CBeard44

Do I need to make any modifications to the transmission or upgrade the motor?

gornoman

Depends on how the cart will be used. As a neighborhood cruiser it might be just fine, but with a rear seat and three guys with guns and coolers (LOL) in the woods it will fall flat on it's face.

gornoman

Did your lift purchase include new 10" offset rims with larger diameter tires?

lockman1

There should be an upper U-bolt plate that mounts on top of your leaf spring and should have a shock mount for it!

It should look something like this.... (Click pics to enlarge)

001 - Copy.JPG

IMG_3000.JPG

scottyb

The original drive system is designed for 2 people to play golf. Bigger tires change the final drive ratio and increase load on the motor. Multiply this load if rear seat and additional passengers are added. The increased load requires DC drive system upgrades.
A bigger controller will allow the motor to access more amperage to make more torque. This additional amperage requires a bigger solenoid, larger cables, and a HD F&R switch for delivery without restriction. I hope this helps