Marathon: To lift, or not to lift. Recommendation?

[Goliath]

So, I'm doing a major rework of a 1992 Western 400 2+2 (on a Marathon chassis), and am struggling with whether to lift it a little or not. Here's some pics, if interested.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1v6...REtf9m1kJ-2gwt

So with new motor, lithium pack, controller etc, I should see about 25mph, assuming I go with the 20" wheels I like (the two wheel pics in above link) and 215/50 x 12 tires on them.

I could put a Jake's 4" lift on it, and fit some 22's on there, but I really like the Rally wheels, and was trying to avoid lifting it, as I'm not sure I'd like the looks of it lifted.

I was hoping someone has seen one lifted, or had some sage advice that would help me solidify the decision to stick with the 20's, as I've looked at every wheel I can find, and don't really like any as much as the 12" ones I've found.

Any recommendations/insights?

[ivel]

I vote to not lift it, it looks classy as it is.

[Rooster59]

That's a pristine cart. Looks like it has been in a time warp it is so clean and 23 years old.

I definitely wouldn't lift it. My preference would be to keep it as classic original as possible. Rims 4" larger with tires only 2" larger will make for some very short tire sidewalls. Like 20" rims on a pristine '68 Chevelle. Not my style. But this is your cart. I would find some 10" rims I like and maybe the 20" diameter tires.

Good luck with your decision but definitely don't lift it.

[Goliath]

Thanks for the feedback.

The sidewalls now are HUGE. It's WAY too bouncy, and I'm afraid stability will be poor at the higher speeds.

I've read for hours on wheel sizes, etc, and the sidewall on a 215/50 is supposed to be a "comfort ride" tire.

I'm looking for stability at higher speeds, non-bounciness, but not being too stiff. If anyone has this size tire on a stock height vehicle, I'd appreciate some feedback.

[Rooster59]

Then stability at higher speeds would preclude a lift kit.

[TexTurbo]

I agree with the "no lift" thoughts...

You have a classic look to start with... I don't think a 215 (21" tall) is going to fit without rubbing somewhere...especially with a full steering turn.

That said, I like the "Cragar SS" style look on a clean cart...
The pics below show a Club cart I did for a neighbor with 205s on 10" rims with the Cragar hubcaps...

To insure no rubbing all I did was make up a set of rear spring shackles 1 1/2" longer and used a 1" spacer block I made between the body and front suspension. I have used this technique on a couple of EZGo's as well..total cost about $ 15-20 and hand tools. I'm certainly not the expert here, just throwing in my $0.02 !

You've really got a nice one to start with. PLEASE be sure to update with pictures....We LOVE pictures !!!

[Ponchjoe]

Subscribing as I have the same dilemma....

[Goliath]

Scotty thought the 20's would fit, so I'm gonna give it a shot, without lifting it.

It's sitting a little low now, as it's got the original leafs on it.

I just received new HD rear leafs, so that will raise it a little. Also, the rear axle is not aligned properly, so that will pick up another .5".
I'm taking out all the Trojans, and putting in a LithiumBoost 48v pack I just ordered, so the weight loss may give me another .25 - .5" (I'm hoping).

If it does end up rubbing, I may just shim it up a little.

Any votes for the black vs the gunmetal version of those wheels (see pic link in previous post)?

[orangeman6]

Goliath, great looking cart! No lift!

Where did you order your lithium pack?

[Goliath]

LithiumBoost has their packs on sale this week. I've done a bit of research, and they seem to have the best bang per buck.

I don't endorse them, but have seen many reviews stating they work well.
They use the CALB vehicle EV cells, and make their own BMS system which has a charger for each cell.

Anyways, it's $250 off the pack price, so for my 48v/72ah pack, it will be 2320.