For several decades, golf cars have been the ideal vehicle for grassy terrain and flat grassy landscapes. The flat spaces had numbered flags, tee boxes, ponds, sand traps and fairways. It was, you guessed it, your basic everyday golf course.
Though these vehicles don’t have a natural “predator”, it is essential to continuously upgrade them to help them survive in multiple, unknown terrains and climates. Here are a few adjustments you can make to help your golf car fit in in new terrains and locations:
- All-Terrain Tires
- Safety Grab Bars
- Seat Belts
- Heavy Duty Leaf Springs
However, if you’re adding bigger tires and heavier leaf springs, it’s important to realize your car will need a little lift. But what could make your ride less bumpy? What could prevent you from bottoming out?
Consider, a Lift Kit!
Why You Should Give Your Golf Car a Lift
Lift kits aren’t just for 4X4s and pickups trucks. In fact, many golf enthusiasts are turning to lift kits because they are essential for larger tires and make carrying a heavier weight bearable. Not to mention, they make your vehicle look rugged and heavy-duty. Whatever your reason may be, a lift kit can be practical and give you the biggest, baddest tires possible.
What Kind of Lift Kit Do I Buy?
There are several lift kit options on the market, but it really depends on your preference, how tall you want your golf car to be, tire size and the terrain involved. A few common lift kits available are:
- Drop Spindle Lift Kits
- A-Arm Lift Kits
- Drop Axle Lift Kits
Can I Just Use Bigger Tires?
Bigger tires are a great way to give your golf car extra height, but the all-terrain tires by themselves can cause rubbing and bottoming out. This happens because bigger tires minimize the space between the wheel well and the tire, causing them to rub raw against the underside of the golf car. This means you have to balance the underbelly of the golf cart to make space for extra width and height of your tires.
As you’re probably aware, this can be a hefty project for you to do alone, and will require the help of a golf car tech to get the job done efficiently.
Do I Need Other Parts?
We always recommend replacing or adding one specific part of your golf car and that part is: Heavy Duty Leaf Springs. You may already know this, but Heavy Duty Leaf Springs are essential when you add bigger tires and a lift kit. They prepare your golf cart for more rough terrain and carry a heavier weight. They are quick and easy to install.
What Tools Will I Need to Install a Lift Kit?
This project isn’t laborious and time-consuming, but it requires patience and the right tools. A few tools you will need are:
- Jacks
- A Ball Joint Splitter
- Sockets/Socket Wrench
- Standard Tool-Box Items
- Gloves
Remember, try not to rush the installation process. It’s important to take your time to make sure you do everything correctly.
What Does It Take to Assemble a Lift Kit?
Though this project isn’t extensive, it’s important to realize that there are a few key steps involved with properly assembling your lift kit. You will need to:
- Remove the front axle
- Remove the rack and pinion assemblies
- Replace the spring plate with an extended version
- Use spacers to make room for the new reach
It’s that easy.
Golf is a great use for golf carts, but there are so many more possibilities out there:
- Hunting
- Camping
- Farming
- Hauling
Is your golf car in need of an upgrade? If you’re looking to upgrade your ride, consider purchasing a lift kit. Contact us today for more information.