A small, family-owned company called B&B Golf Carts in Makanda, Illinois is known for customizing golf carts. They say most of their customers’ campers, who love their decked-out golf carts.
No matter the model, lifting your golf cart gives it a unique look. You’ll get a whole different ride. And, you’ll be able to cover tougher terrain, which is why they are so popular with campers.
The best way to lift your golf cart is by using a lift kit. You can make your own lift, though that takes a bit of precision. Here are our tips on how to lift a golf cart.
What Is a Golf Cart Lift Kit?
A golf cart lift kit is a specially-engineered kit you install on your golf cart. It boosts your cart’s height up to an additional 3″, 4″, 5″, 6″ or 8.”
Lift kits for golf carts give your cart higher ground clearance, which is great for driving through rougher terrain. It also gives you a more stable riding stance, and you can fit larger tires and offset wheels on your cart. Even a lift of as little as two inches can make all the difference in your ride.
Can You Lift A Golf Cart Without A Kit?
Technically, yes. You can build your own, though there are more reasons why you should use a kit rather than not. Safety is perhaps the most substantial reason to go with a kit.
Safety is paramount. Without a proper lift kit, the shafts holding the tires in place can loosen. As you can imagine, this is dangerous, as the tires could fall off as you are driving.
Many cities, like Toledo for example, now have ordinances allowing golf carts on city streets. All the more reason to use proper equipment.
Looks are another reason to stick with lift kits versus building your own. Engineer design these kits for style as well as performance. The result is a balanced and good-looking cart every time.
Finally, you risk damaging the frame of your golf cart if you don’t use a kit. Larger tires stress the frame. Kits are designed with the special balancing needed to keep the tires aligned and support the frame.
Types of Lift Kits
Before you purchase lift a golf cart, take some time to research the types of lifts. Different types of kits are available, and one will best suit your needs. For example, some kits are easy to install, while others take more time and skill.
Other kits give better clearance compared to others, and so on. Below are the most common types of lifts for golf carts.
Spindle Lift Kits
A spindle lift kit replaces the standard spindle length and size. Install it directly onto the factory suspension. Spindle lift kids are relatively easy to install. With this kit, you will have a wider stance.
You will be able to put bigger wheels on your cart to create a custom look without the high expense. Wider and bigger wheels mean your golf cart can move along at a higher rate of speed, which is a nice plus.
Because you install it directly onto your cart’s factory suspension, your cart will function as it should. You don’t need any further modifications.
A-Arm Lift Kits
These kits are designed to replace the factory front suspension system, A-arm kits have circular tubing for the front control arms.
They allow for an independent front suspension, which creates a higher clearance as well as a more comfortable ride.
Keep in mind that you also need a different kit for the back as well. Still, the A-arm is a good value. In addition, it’s easy to install.
Drop Axle Lift Kits
Drop axle lift kits use a longer axle that provides a greater radius to the stock spindle. A longer axle means you get a higher ride without having to replace much more than the axle.
These kits are economical, and you get a fair amount of height and travel from your front suspension.
You can’t install one as quickly as you can a spindle kit, but they are just as easy.
Block Lift Kits
A block style kit functions as a spacer between your cart’s suspension and the frame. It gives a good boost in appearance as well as height. Though, it’s not as flexible as the other types of lifts.
A benefit is that it’s one of the easiest and least expensive ways to lift your cart. If your primary objective is to have an attractive, lifted look, then this may be the kit for you.
Independent Rear Suspension Kits
An independent rear suspension kit switches your rear suspension to a-shaped control arms rather than the standard leaf springs.
This way, your rear wheels can move vertically with one affecting the other. Meaning, they move up and down independently. These kits are often sold with the front a-arm kit or as add-ons.
Getting both front and rear kits provides four-corner, independent suspension. These come out to be more expensive than blocks, but if they are great for riding rough terrain.
How to Lift a Golf Cart
Whichever kit you choose, be sure to install it correctly to ensure safety and top performance. Some kits recommend that a golf cart professional installs them for you.
Installing lift kits involves changing steering angles as well as adjusting specific torques. These steps are necessary to enable movement throughout the suspension without losing structural integrity.
If you have the skill set to handle installation, great. Though if you’re not experienced, consider letting a professional handle it. Either way, lifting your golf cart will increase the quality of your ride.
If you have any questions about how to lift a golf cart, please contact us.
This entry was posted in
Golf Carts.