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Old 05-01-2012, 07:59 AM   #1
Scherbs
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Default A arm lift vs spindle lift

I am kicking around a lift kit to raise my precedent up for better ground clearance on 2 tracks and to fit bigger tires. Is there any advantage to an A arm lift vs a spindle lift and vice versa. I do not want to spend the money on a long travel lift and my cart is newer so nothing is worn out. Any input from those that have these set ups would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
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Old 05-01-2012, 11:11 AM   #2
shoelessjoe
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Default Re: A arm lift vs spindle lift

I am no expert but here is my take on it

Pro's of Spindle lift: Easy to install. Provides "better" ground clearance since there aren't A-arms hanging down to possibly snag something in certain situations. More affordable than most A-Arm lifts.

Con's of a Spindle lift: Don't appear to offer as much adjustability for toe/camber in as an A-arm lift. I would worry about durability/strength of a lot of the off brand spindles if I was going to be riding "hard" at all. (Jake's looks to have the beefiest spindles of the ones that I've seen). No improvement to your ride quality over the stock suspension.


Pro's of an A-Arm lift: Better suspension performance, especially if you are replacing older components on an older cart. Improved suspension performance means better handling on the pavement and off road. Good adjustment ability for toe/camber. Will likely be stronger, especially a tubular A-arm set up, than most spindle lifts. The tubular kits from Jake's and All Sports also extend your wheelbase to allow for bigger tires as well as increased stability. Also I personally feel that they look cool too :)

Con's of a A-Arm lift: More costly than a spindle lift and more of an involved installation than a spindle lift (still pretty straight forward though). You do have A-arms hanging down that could snag debris/rocks/ruts/logs/whatever when off roading. While you do have dual A-arms you still don't have an independent front suspension so while the ride will be better, it won't be as good as a long travel kit.


I'm sure some will disagree with some of the stuff above but that's my take on it. Personally I will be ordering a tubular A-arm kit from either Jake's or All Sports here in the next few weeks.
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Old 05-01-2012, 11:41 AM   #3
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Default Re: A arm lift vs spindle lift

im not a big fan of spindle lifts if you do any offroading. i have seen 4 carts with broken spindles, one of which was a older guy that was just driving across his yard when the driver side snapped. i also see plenty of guys getting rough with spindle lifts that are holding up. now i did install the allsport super sport 6" lift on my dads club car. only took about a hour and the ride is almost as good as my long travel kit.
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Old 05-01-2012, 12:07 PM   #4
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Default Re: A arm lift vs spindle lift

I believe some of the A arm style lifts still use the factory spindles. The suspension itself is replaced, but the spindle is still the OEM piece. I haven't broken one yet but it appears to me to be the weakest looking parts in the entire suspension, especially when in a sharp turn. I suspect a spindle upgrade, with disc brakes, is in my future.

As for clearance, suspension travel, and just lookin badass....... A arms all the way.
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Old 05-01-2012, 06:56 PM   #5
Hoof Hearted
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Default Re: A arm lift vs spindle lift

So the available "A" arm kits are Jakes, All Sports and ????

I am in the market as my daughter managed to run my lifted DS (spindle lift) into a tree at about 30 MPH, she wasn't in it, and I DEFINATELY will not go spindle lift again!
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Old 05-01-2012, 07:35 PM   #6
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Default Re: A arm lift vs spindle lift

I did the allsport super sport 6" and it is a great lift. I haven't used a similar jakes kit, but if its similar I'm sure its a great lift also.
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Old 05-01-2012, 09:00 PM   #7
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Default Re: A arm lift vs spindle lift

I have the Terra Toys IFS, which I have seen online that it is not available any more. And then I saw where someone else found one somehow. Not sure what the deal is there. But might be worth a phone call.

I think the Strech kit is still available though.

And there are numerous guys out there retrofitting older ATV front clips into their carts. Cost is most likely less, but fabrication skills... and time.... are a must.
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Old 05-01-2012, 09:15 PM   #8
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Default Re: A arm lift vs spindle lift

Quote:
Originally Posted by AirJunky View Post
I have the Terra Toys IFS, which I have seen online that it is not available any more. And then I saw where someone else found one somehow. Not sure what the deal is there. But might be worth a phone call.

I think the Strech kit is still available though.

And there are numerous guys out there retrofitting older ATV front clips into their carts. Cost is most likely less, but fabrication skills... and time.... are a must.
The terra toys kit is available from terra toys. I have the stretch kit now, but i think I would rather have the terra toys kit.
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Old 05-01-2012, 09:21 PM   #9
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Default Re: A arm lift vs spindle lift

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hoof Hearted View Post
So the available "A" arm kits are Jakes, All Sports and ????

I am in the market as my daughter managed to run my lifted DS (spindle lift) into a tree at about 30 MPH, she wasn't in it, and I DEFINATELY will not go spindle lift again!
Hitting a tree at 30 mph is going to tear up any lift. I caught a tree under half that speed and my Jakes 6'' spindle lift bounced off,but the axle bentand the spindle was fine.04 TXT
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Old 05-01-2012, 10:16 PM   #10
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Default Re: A arm lift vs spindle lift

Thanks for the feedback so far! It sounds as though one important aspect, ride quality may be comparable between the 2 lifts in the front as they both utilize a common leaf spring for both the left and right side. I wonder if handling/steering is comparable between the 2?

After watching a few you tube videos on installing these kits it does seem quite simple and gave me a good look at componants and dynamics as to how they work but raises a few more questions. With the A arm lift it appears the weight of the cart is carried on a link with rubber bushings that looks like nothing more than a sway bar link. Will rough terrain and the weight of the cart compress those to the point that they will eventually fail and get blown out or are they really very durable? I like the idea of the A arm set up but really want to gain ground clearance and dependability.

Has anyone had problems with the Spindle lifts in regards to them bending or having handling problems?
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