How to Install a Lift Kit on a Golf Cart
By Jackson Lewis
Golf carts are normally sold with a standard lift on the wheels. Accessorizing golf carts traditionally has focused on the seats, glass enclosures, the front glass, cup and beverage holders, and plexiglass installation. However, golf cart owners have started to use their carts as local transportation around their properties and neighborhoods. As the uses of the golf cart have grown, installation of lift kits in order to handle rougher terrain has become more popular. The majority of lift kits can be installed without having to weld or cut the cart.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Pull your golf cart into your work area. Ensure that the area is covered and will remain dry in the event you need more than a work day to install the lift kit. If you are working over grass, make sure you have a large tarp or drop-cloth under the cart.
Jack up the rear of the golf cart with your car jack. Then place a cinder block under the frame by each back wheel. Slowly lower the cart to rest on the blocks. Repeat the process for the front wheels.
Take the wheels off of the golf cart by removing the lug nuts for each wheel. After the wheels are removed, disassemble the cart suspension one corner of the cart at a time. Keep the cotter pins, bearings and bolts for each corner in its own pile. This will allow you to use the same parts for the same wheel when you reassemble everything.
Starting with the rear wheel base, install the lift-kit components one wheel base at a time. The kit's extended drive axle, frame stiffener and suspension connections all have bolt-on connections for each wheel.
Install the suspension one wheel at a time. Then put the golf cart tires back on the vehicle. After all of the wheels are reinstalled, raise the rear of the cart with the car jack and remove the cinder blocks. Lower the rear of the cart and repeat the procedure for the front of the golf cart.
Drive the cart a short distance from your work area to test the lift kit installation.
About The Author
Based in Memphis, Jackson Lewis has been writing on technology-related material for 10 years with a recent emphasis on golf and other sports. He has been freelance writing for Demand Media since 2008. Lewis holds a Master of Science in computer science from the United States Naval Postgraduate School.
