Need help batteries, range and general advice

[Dan7man]

Questions on range, batteries, whine - ruff n tuff 4x4
I currently have an 08 Ruff N Tuff Hunter 4x4. It has cheap batteries in it and I get about 5-7 miles per charge (off road and hills). My overall concern is long range of cart. Here are my questions:

1. Was thinking of going to Trojan T875 or Crown CR165 - will they increase my range dramatically (have 2awg wires already)?
2. Could I switch to 8 6V Trojan T105s without any other mods and would that increase my range dramatically (have space for 2 additional batteries under rear seat if I need to)?
3. Would disconnecting the front drive shaft (I haven't had a need for 4 wheel drive and have a winch) harm the motor/cart and would it increase my range (the 4x4 system operates on a single motor)?
4. I have a whine while driving - not in reverse but just in fwd - is that something with the gears/drive or could that be in the motor?

I know alot of people don't have experience with Ruff and Tuff but thought your technical expertise would be beneficial. Thanks!

[Great white north]

Welcome to BGW; You will def . Get more range with 8- 6 volt batts then the t875 s . I have CR260
Amp/hr 8 --6 volt Crown batts under the seat . Get approx 13 miles to 75%soc
Loads for what I need for hunting, have TXT PDS 48 volt with 400 amp Alltrax

[Dan7man]

Thanks - I use mine only for hunting purposes. Do I have to change out anything else in my cart - controller, charger (have delta qui q), solenoid, etc? The batteries I have are ac delco - they test at 8.4v individually and 51.1v system after charged and rested for 12 hours but don't have any sustaining power. I didn't know if I remove the front driveshaft it would help (less resistance, etc). I like the cart but was thinking of selling and building my own 2 wheel drive instead with all upgraded components motor batteries etc. to get better range. Would hate to dump $1000 on new batteries and not get what I want...