4in Lift and torque

[TreeBass]

So if I were to get a setup like this:

•Sahara tires on Black wheels
•Front risers, front shock risers, rear risers, rear shock risers and hardware

http://www.everythingcarts.com/p-453...harablack.aspx

How much torque if any would I lose on a stock series, 36v marathon?

Looking to lift a tad, but don't want to lose my torque.

Or would I be better off going with a drop axle?

thanks

[Olman]

I'm sure you know this already but the type lift you have makes no difference concerning the amount of torque you get. Those 23in tires are a different story. Fairly good amount of torque loss on a stock 36volt cart. I went to 20in tires when mine was stock and was surprised at the loss of torque. The larger tires will be harder on the stock controller and FNR switch as well. If you go with the big tires, don't expect to be stock for long

[JohnnieB]

The Sahara Classic tires pictured in the link might be 22", but the second number is mostly cutoff, so it is hard tell for sure.

If they are 22", the torque loss will be about 18%
If they are 23", the torque loss will be about 22%

Also, those are low pressure tire, so the speed gain may not be much.

Lifting doesn't change torque, it is only for tire clearance or cosmetics.

[TreeBass]

Originally Posted by Olman

I'm sure you know this already but the type lift you have makes no difference concerning the amount of torque you get. Those 23in tires are a different story. Fairly good amount of torque loss on a stock 36volt cart. I went to 20in tires when mine was stock and was surprised at the loss of torque. The larger tires will be harder on the stock controller and FNR switch as well. If you go with the big tires, don't expect to be stock for long

Didn't realize those were 23in tires

Originally Posted by JohnnieB

The Sahara Classic tires pictured in the link might be 22", but the second number is mostly cutoff, so it is hard tell for sure.

If they are 22", the torque loss will be about 18%
If they are 23", the torque loss will be about 22%

Also, those are low pressure tire, so the speed gain may not be much.

Lifting doesn't change torque, it is only for tire clearance or cosmetics.

So even with 20in tires I'm going to lose some torque?

Can I use stock tires with a 4in safely? I just need a little more clearance

[yurtle]

A lift won't give you clearance. You have to use bigger tires to raise the axle and rear-end.

[TreeBass]

Originally Posted by yurtle

A lift won't give you clearance. You have to use bigger tires to raise the axle and rear-end.

Hmm, good point.

The issue is, I need new tires, and figured with tires and a lift I could get some ground clearance.

But, what I'm hearing is I need tires to give me clearance, and a lift to fit the tires...

So if I went to say, 20in tires (is there such a thing) I'd only get a couple inches of lift without losing too much torque?

Or I say screw it and just but stock mud tires

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by TreeBass

Hmm, good point.

The issue is, I need new tires, and figured with tires and a lift I could get some ground clearance.

But, what I'm hearing is I need tires to give me clearance, and a lift to fit the tires...

So if I went to say, 20in tires (is there such a thing) I'd only get a couple inches of lift without losing too much torque?

Or I say screw it and just but stock mud tires

A 20" tire is about the tallest tire that can be used without lifting the body higher off the axles.
You'll only lose about 10% torque with 20" tire, but you'll only gain 1" of ground clearance.

Like most everything else in a golf cart, tire size is a compromise.
The starting point is figuring out what you want the end product to be and then build towards that goal.

Ask yourself:
How much ground clearance is needed/wanted?
How much will the cart have to be lifted to clear the tires?
How much instability will be cause by raising the cart's center of gravity that much?
What can be done to regain the lost stability?
What can be done to regain the lost torque?
What tread pattern is need for the local terrain?

Think it through on the front end and you'll be happier with the results.

[TreeBass]

Originally Posted by JohnnieB

A 20" tire is about the tallest tire that can be used without lifting the body higher off the axles.
You'll only lose about 10% torque with 20" tire, but you'll only gain 1" of ground clearance.

Like most everything else in a golf cart, tire size is a compromise.
The starting point is figuring out what you want the end product to be and then build towards that goal.

Ask yourself:
How much ground clearance is needed/wanted?
How much will the cart have to be lifted to clear the tires?
How much instability will be cause by raising the cart's center of gravity that much?
What can be done to regain the lost stability?
What can be done to regain the lost torque?
What tread pattern is need for the local terrain?

Think it through on the front end and you'll be happier with the results.

Good to hear about the torque

That's way too much to ask, since I really don't have a clue about clearances and tire size etc...

I'm looking at all the upgrades Scotty has as well. Thinking a 500a controller, 2ga wires, solenoid, Hd f&r, with the switch instead of that big arse lever.

Having a marathon limits lifts, especially when I really only need a few inches.

[sportcoupe]

Originally Posted by JohnnieB

Also, those are low pressure tire, so the speed gain may not be much.

I can verify that statement to be true. I was running 18 mph in a series cart with all the mods, new 48v batteries, 700A controller, D&D motor and 0 awg wires on 22" tires. I went to 26" atv tires and expected to get 20 mph. Nope. Not even close. Now it only does 17 mph. The 22's are a 20psi tire and the 26's are a 5psi tire. Very high rolling resistance increase. That's my theory anyway.

[e-z-go1988]

Originally Posted by sportcoupe

I can verify that statement to be true. I was running 18 mph in a series cart with all the mods, new 48v batteries, 700A controller, D&D motor and 0 awg wires on 22" tires. I went to 26" atv tires and expected to get 20 mph. Nope. Not even close. Now it only does 17 mph. The 22's are a 20psi tire and the 26's are a 5psi tire. Very high rolling resistance increase. That's my theory anyway.

Did you try inflating the 26's to 15-20psi to see if that was really the problem with your reduced speed?
You wouldn't have the traction at the higher inflation but it shouldn't hurt the tires. Steering ease is also better.
Dennis