85 Marathon custom lift

[Redmonster]

Hello fellow enthusiast, Im working on a custom lift for my 1985 Marathon. I wanted to share the progress and get some feedback at the same time. This is my first golf cart and I want to go all out with it.

First day progress pics attached and more to come as soon as we continue (friend helping out w/ build). The idea is simple. Were taking the 4" block lift kit idea and going 10" with a heavier steel gauge and using 2" square tubing for shock absorber plate (not sure thats what is actually called )

Future notes: ill be going lithium with larger motor and components. However, due to many red flags pointed out in other posts i will probably go with 12" rims and 23" tires due to not upgrading steering or brakes.

Thanks for checking the post out and cant wait to hear what a mistake were making lastly checkout the our lift station

[blue00018]

You mention that you intend to upgrade your cart with a more powerful motor. Can the marathon carts that have the motor perpendicular to the axle receive an upgraded motor? I have been told that the split differential models from 86-88 cannot. The only thing that can be done with those is get the motor rebuilt as the spindles are not standard and no one makes new motors that will fit that differential. Is the earliest set up a universal mount that permits a wide selection of motors?

[JB in PA]

I’m in the same situation Blue, and what you described is what I’m hearing also about our perpendicular motors. I’ve got an 84 marathon.

[Redmonster]

I hadn't gotten that far yet Blue. Now youve got me thinking... I wonder what kinda of power you can get out of rebuilding the existing motor?

I've also reached don't to ScottyB to see if he has anything for sale that would work.

I also wonder if anyone has every swapped out the rear axle to one of these thing and how expensive it would be to do that. All that's tied to these axles are the brakes, motor, and suspension.

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by Redmonster

I hadn't gotten that far yet Blue. Now youve got me thinking... I wonder what kinda of power you can get out of rebuilding the existing motor?

This guy rewinds all types of DC motors and designs them for your specific application. https://empinc.biz/motors

[Mnemonic Ghost]

My 86 cant upgrade motor. I had to find a different rear end assembly for modern carts and marry it up to the older frame. I actually just completed this and will have a thread later.

[Redmonster]

I appreciate the info @ johnnieB I'll reach out to see what they can do for me.

@mnemoic ghost what rear end assembly did you end up going with? How hard was it to make the swap?

[Redmonster]

Hello Every,

Its been slow progress but works been busy lately. We completed the front lift yesterday and Ill be posting pics soon. Photos are a few days old with only blocks inserted. Had to install new shocks and new tie rod ends (all in terrible shape).

We ran into a snag with the motor Empinc does modify my motor but only 36V and wont really pass 18MHP. The catch is I cant go large tires. Not really what im looking todo.

Can anyone advise what rear axle I can swap out that fits well?

Thanks for reading!!

[Redmonster]

Finally got the lift completed. It was a ton of modifications and welding brackets and buying extra parts that just wasn't in the plans . I gotta say im fairly pleased with the outcome. I got lucky enough to find a 94 marathon rear axle and it made the swap really easy.

Now to the next step motor, batteries, accessories, and the list goes on.... Ill make another post for these items. Thank you all, for the help!!!

[j_man_21050]

Originally Posted by Mnemonic Ghost

My 86 cant upgrade motor. I had to find a different rear end assembly for modern carts and marry it up to the older frame. I actually just completed this and will have a thread later.

I am in the same boat as you. Unable to upgrade motors. Either I have the stock motor rebuilt or start looking for a newer rear end with the parallel mounted motor.

This is my first cart so it's a big learning curve for me. If I end up having the stock motor rebuilt I will still be happy with my 81 Marathon!