A few questions for you pros, Lifted PDS Cart

Twisted Doc

Okay, I have been reading an overwhelming amount of information on here for the past 6 months.

I recently picked up a 2006 Ez Go PDS Cart. It is 36v with no upgrades other than newer batterys. They are T-105 marked K8 on the battery post. Which I understand to be November 2008. They last a really long time, and it runs great! I believe it has a speed chip, because it is a good bit faster than those on the golf course. I will have to pull the cover off and check.

The cart is only used to drive around the neighborhood, mostly on the road with occassional mild off road use. Nothing major. I have a Jeep for the major off road stuff. I would like to be in the low 20's for speed with the lift and tires. Faster is better, but not necessary. Who wouldn't want to go faster?

Now, here is where my questions begin.

I want to lift the cart approx 6 inches or so, and put some 23 inch tires on it, with mild sand type tread pattern. I live in the Panhandle of Florida, and there are no hills here. Fairly flat compared to the rest of the country.

I have read that it is not preferred to lift a PDS cart unless you plan to change out the controller. Is this always the case?

I stopped by a hole in the wall little golf cart shop out in the woods today that had a few lifted carts out front. I asked this guy these same questions. He told me that the manufacturer doesnt suggest it, but that he does it all the time and has never had one come back. He also said for the terrain around our local area he has used Spindle lifts without ever having a problem (breaking etc).

So I guess my questions are..... Should I sell my cart and buy an older non PDS cart? Should I lift this one? Should I buy a gas cart? Please give me your opinions.

Thanks in advance.

BGW

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LostHusker

What you have read on all the post have are true. I would keep your cart, you can get an Alltrax controller and 4ga wires and keep your stock motor. It should take care of you well, I am sure some of the guys will chime in on this one. If you do the lift and not the controller you will sure to have problems. Controller solenoid and wires, should be good to go. If you are going to use spindle lift either look at Allsports or Jake's, both are American made and a good product. Hope this helps.

Mark

Twisted Doc

I have done some more reading.... along with MarksKarts comments and realize my cart is fine. I just need to put in a controller.

So with that being said..... Are there any advantages of using a 400, 500, or 600 amp controller? I see alot of guys are using the 400 amp Alltrax, and getting low 20's with 22-23 inch tires. Would it go faster with 500 amps?

LostHusker

Not sure about that, but you will gain torque, but if you go above 400 you should look at getting a different motor, your stock one will not hold up to that kind of controller for long. Larger controller and motor shorter run time. Something to think about...... More money more money. bottom line.

Twisted Doc

so I just need to upgrade to ALLTRAX DCX400 Contoller, Larger silinoid, and 4ga cables throughout.... and I will be good to go? Then I can get the lift and tires. Then upgrade the rear springs to 4 leaf to put on the back seat?

If I decide to go with the DCX500 I would have to upgrade the motor too? Also, this will give me less drive time due to my only having 36volts?

Am I missing anything?

3RCARTEXPERT

If you go with a larger 400 amp and up Alltrax controller it will work for awhile 3months to a year and them will eventually burn up your factory motor. Your cart should be just fine with the factory motor/controller if you are not loading it down and riding up extremely steep hills. PDS carts are great for putting lift kits/ wheels and tires on compared to the series models. I would recommend the Jake's 6" Spindle lift kit w/ a 23" All-terrain tire. Hope this helps.

mikesmotortoys

DCX400PDS is the best all around controller for your cart and stock motor. The bigger the controller above that will give you a little more torque and speed, but may also add to future melt downs.

I do not agree with the spindle lift, as the stock axle is not strong enough IMO for the off roading, but it will work. A good drop axle lift is best for stability and strength. If you want a better ride, go with a true A Arm suspension, but the costs will double. Well worth the expense, if a smooth ride is desired.

DCX400PDS, a decent drop axle lift and a set of 4 gauge cables is your ticket for many miles of smiles

kgsc

I'm with MMT on this one. I have an 03 PDS with the Alltrax400, 22" tires, 4ga/2ga motor wires, hd sol and the EZ-Go factory drop axle lift. 24-26mph. Lift wasn't the cheapest but bolted on and had new spindles plus hubs. My brother bought the Jakes spindle kit and isn't happy due to the loss in turning radius. He has the old spindles so we are thinking about just buying just the factory drop axle and putting it in to get back his steering. bla, bla..

If you get the wires, Alltrax and a good lift, IMO you'll be happy.

SpoiledRotten

Did you reprogram your controller? I have the same set up as you, but at factory settings (the way it came to me) I'm getting 20 mph with the 22" tires. what settings do you have it on?

See my sig.

kgsc

To be honest, I don't know. I bought it from a cart shop down in Waynesboro GA and he set it to PDS 5 whatever that means. I haven't hooked up a PC to check what the settings are as I have been happy with what I got. I think he told me the power setting was set to 100% which really all that should matter for top end. I'm surprised yours won't run faster than that. Mine was in the low 20s with the stock controller and bigger tires. If I can find a cable I'll hook it up to find out.