Drop axle kit for a 1980 EZGO

golfcartjohnny

I recently bought a 1980 EZGO gasser. I want to add larger tires, and a lift kit. I've looked on line for a kit with a front drop axle, but can only find the economy lift kits.
They may be OK, but I like, and want the dropped axle look. I've looked closely at the lift kits with a drop axle, for the newer Marathons, then compared photos I took of my front suspension, and components, and it looks the same, or close to it.
What is the difference, and why has noone made a drop axle kit for the older EZGO's?
Has anyone out there used a newer marathon drop axle kit, in their older cart, and made it work? If so, what modifications did you have to make?
I think I had read in this forum somewhere, where a member had done it, but cant find it again.
Please, anyone out there, can you help?

BGW

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nocerus03

Check out the link in my sig for how i built the custom drop axle front end on my old ezgo. Its actually really easy to do

golfcartjohnny

I guess I can answer my own question, as I ordered a drop axle lift kit, from Jakes. It was for the 89 to 94 marathon.
The only difference from the 80 to 88 models, is the spindle bolt, is welded to the axle.
The spindle size is 3/4 inch, while the holes on the drop axle is 7/8 inch.
I'm thinking I have to make some kind of bushing for this.
Well lo and behold, I'm kind of a snowmobile nut also, and happened to have some bronze bushings for an Arctic Cat rear suspension.
Guess what, they fit in the 7/8 hole on the axle, has a 3/4 inch I.D. for the spindle.
So I only had to buy two, 3/4 X 6 inch fine thread bolts, with top lock nuts, and I have spindle bolts. By inserting the bronze bushings from the top side down, on both holes, it gives me the correct spacing, and I don't need spacer washers.
The only thing I need to do this weekend, is install the spindles with the new bolts and bushings, attach the steering arms, etc, and check for toe in.
It's a snap. I'm glad I decided to try the kit. I don't know why Jakes doesn't sell these kits with the bolts and bushings. Must not be a great demand for the older carts.

golfcartjohnny

I come across a couple more details to take care of. The first, was to readjust the length of the steering arm, from the steering wheel box, to the spindle. No big deal. The second, is I have to cut the tie rod in half, and add 3 1/4 inches to the length. That isn't such a bad chore either.
Found out that front wheel bearings are noisy, so will be ordering new bearings and seals to replace. Then a trial run, set the toe in, and I'm ready to go.