Tire size ? ....smaller fronts that rear?

Talntedmrgreen

I'm looking at a tire upgrade (currently 22x11-10), and am running into a few roadblocks. In an effort to use the 10x8 rims I currently have, and minimize the expense of new shoes, I was wondering if folks ever run a small diameter front tire, than rear, of the same model? Seems ATV's often do the opposite...use a smaller rear than front, assuming that the larger front reduces rolling resistance and aids in controlling the machine, while the rear is kept to a diameter that maximizes torque.

Ideally, I would like to run a narrower front tire (8-9.5"), while sticking with a 10-12" wide rear. My 11" fronts are simply too wide, and like to skate around on mud, and are totally useless in snow, both of which I typically see a lot of. When looking at aggressive treads that fit my rim, in the 24-26" tire family, I'm not seeing many multiple width options, but do, if I expand my search to include a smaller diameter front tire than rear. Any experience or opinions to share?

I know the Vanny will be more than fine running something as large as a 25 or 26" tire, and that will help my top end as well, but I'm not seeing much in the way of narrower options until I get down to a 24" tire. The new Stretch front end can/will sit higher than my current 5", bringing the nose up a bit, so putting my spindles a half inch closer to the ground up front would help level the cart. I have no intentions of modifying the rear, except for looking into an automotive shock via the Monroe charts available here to help the ride.

Thanks guys!

BGW

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kab69440

The largest problem on the front of a golf cart is weight. There simply isn't any. I can grab my brush guard and lift the cart's nose with very little strain. I'd like to have 22x7 all the way around. I wish I could find some in 8". I don't want a taller wheel. I want more cushy sidewall.

Talntedmrgreen

I'm with you there...I want a taller tire, but do not want to go to a larger rim than the 10" I'm on already. There are lots of options when you bump to a 12" wheel...I just don't want to =]

abieex

Not positive but if you look at Slonomos thread you'll see that he is running smaller in the front and I think for the reasons you stated. I think he's using ATV wheels as well. Wander on over and take a look!

pachanga90

Alot of it comes down to the kind of riding you do.Some run skinny-fronts,wide rears,some run 4-skinny,some 4-wide.I run alot of mud/puddles(large and deep),along with good hard trails.I run 22"x11"-8" all the way around,and when I hit the water,it barely slows down,and the front stays pretty clean.My wifes cart has 4-skinny 21"x10"-8" on the same rims as mine,just a narrower tire-profile.Hers' hits the same water-holes and dives in,almost like slamming the brakes.Some claim they handle better with narrow fronts,I don't really see a difference.Hope this helps.

MDLNB

I have stock 8" wheels and tires on the front of my '97 CC DS and purchased offset 8" wheels and ATV 22" tires for the back. I am using shackles purchased at Advance Auto to lift the rear for clearance. I realize that I will lose some torque but already upgraded from a 225 amp controller to a 400amp.

pachanga90

You can run whatever looks good to you,or what you can afford.I originally had 2 swap-meet tires on the rear,and spent $130 on new fronts,which came the day I needed to have the cart ready and they sent the wrong profile(narrow-width).I had to run them,since I needed the cart,2-weeks later I find a nice used set at the curb!!They have been on the front of the cart for almost 5yrs now!Sport-Quads run tall fronts for handling,and short rears for stability and wheel-speed.4x4-quads must run the same height all the way around due to gearing,unless the gearing is adjusted to compensate,otherwise it will hop and buck like crazy,and break parts.

Talntedmrgreen

I do run through water, occassionally, but more often than not, it's slick mud/muck or snow. Right now, if I come into a sandy or muddy/greasy corner, I will almost always end up stopping or overrunning the turn, because my wide fronts won't bite and steer.

If I had to replace only two tires, it would be the front...I think I could maintain momentum better with the added steering control of a narrower and more aggressive tread, even with rear tires caked full of mud. It's a real heartbreadker to watch the quads, UTV's, etc all run around in the snow, and be completely immobile in my cart. Straight line...sure, but I have had to get off the cart and physically push the front end around to turn more times than I like to admit. Any incline in the snow is imminent defeat. =[

pachanga90

The biggest downfall of cart off-roading is the lack of wheel-speed,due to the low-power of the carts.With an upgraded power-plant,they are alot more fun offroad.Granted,they are fun stock,and go alot farther than you would think,but having the additional torque and horsepower just adds to it.Mine was pretty good with the original 2-stroke and tweaked clutches,but in mud,it just slowed down and crawled,now with the 18-Opposed-Twin,it just blasts thru the mud,throwing rooster-tails!Same tire configuration as always,just more power.The additional wheel-speed keeps the tires from packing up too!

abieex

There it is Pachanga. You need a combination of horsepower and tread design. I did buggies and jeeps in the mud and thats one rule you can hardly break. Once the tire is full and you can't clean it your day is going to be delayed.