Golf cart recovery kits are expensive. So how do you get around it? If you’re not sure what the problem is or don’t need a complete kit, some things can help. Golf carts can be moved without a kit and are surprisingly easy to do so. But if you need something more than just moving the cart, this article will teach you how to do it with expertise.
If you’re trying to lift your golf cart without a lift kit, it’s going to be tricky. As we all know, you’ll need to raise the height of the cart to do this. So, let’s talk about the easiest way to do so: A homemade lift kit. Here’s how it’s done:
Step 1: Remove Your Cart Wheels
Carefully take the wheels off your golf cart. Remove the nuts and bolts and keep them near where they came from. That will help you avoid having to search for missing pieces when you put the cart back together.
Step 2: Take the axles off
It would be best if you prepared yourself for the more complicated task of removing your axles. This will require you to have manual skills that are difficult to get but not impossible for you to get. However, if you feel comfortable, you can remove your A-arms now.
Step 3: Put the Support Plates in Place
The axle and the arm should be taken off before you install the support plates. The plates can go on the front and back of the cart where the axles were, and they will provide extra support for your lift kit.
Step 4: Add the steering parts
You’ll need a second person to help you with this step. First, attach the springs to the arms. Then position the arms, so the springs are compressed in the center of the plate. Finally, add your shocks to the ends of the arms.
Step 5: Put on Your Axles
You are now ready to attach the axles you drilled earlier to your A-arms. First, you have to make sure to measure the height of your front axle before attaching it. Then, compare the height of your back axle. Finally, you may need to add or remove washers to balance the height of both axles.
Step 6: Get the Angles Right
If you have a lifted car, you will need to adjust the camber and caster to keep your steering in line with the rest of the car. If you don’t, your steering will be off and may lead to a bumpy ride. So the next time you visit your mechanic, ask them about the angles.
Vehicle owners who want to boost their rides might want to consider the model of the DIY lift kit before installation.
The benefits of lifting a golf cart without a kit
Golf carts don’t always need a kit to be lifted. Yes, there are benefits to using a kit, such as attaching the wheels and making the cart more stable. But kits aren’t the only way. Here are some reasons you may want to forego a lift kit on your vehicle.
Save Your Money
After lifting your cart without a kit, you may feel like it’s not as heavy. However, this is a wise investment whether you choose to invest in a kit or do it yourself. You will save money on the kit itself, as well as installation costs if you hire a professional.
Give your cart a personal touch
Lifting your cart may seem easy, but a prefabricated kit is a more efficient and more accessible experience. In addition, a pre-made lift kit will allow you to achieve specific effects with your style. Finally, without a prefabricated kit, lifting your cart can be frustrating as you’ll have no limitations on the process.
You Can Prove Your Mechanical Knowledge
Why not test your skills? Some professionals or enthusiasts may feel the need to take on a challenge. For example, lifting a golf cart without a kit is a unique and exciting challenge. If you’re up for it, go for it!
Why You Shouldn’t Lift A Golf Cart Without A Kit
Golf cart lifting is necessary for periodic maintenance, but certain precautions must be taken into consideration. First, a golf cart must be lifted carefully since it has a load rating that can be exceeded if the cart is not lifted correctly.
Here are three reasons you should always use a lift kit: appearance, safety, and preservation of the frame.
1. Appearance
People usually use lifts on their golf carts because do-it-yourself projects often turn out to be very ugly. Likewise, DIY home improvement projects are often unsuccessful. In addition, it is not uncommon for tires on a cart to stick out at odd angles.
2. Safety
Golf carts must be safe. One way to do this is to use a lift kit that holds the tires up. If you do not use a lift kit, it is possible for the axle shafts to come loose, which can lead to the wheels falling off at high speeds.
3. Preservation of the frame
Without a lift kit, you are at risk for frame damage. Larger wheels can put significant stress on the frame of your golf cart, which needs unique balancing and support to stay in the proper position. Any misalignment will permanently damage the frame of your golf cart.
Final Words:
Safety and installation are essential, no matter what golf cart lift kit you get. Some aftermarket kits recommend professional installation, even if you can get it to work with a lot of effort. For example, in golf carts, the counterbalance is a serious consideration for mechanics. If not handled properly, it can negatively affect torques and steering angles. They are mostly avoided because they are easy to do at home. Still, mechanics must be careful not to damage the structural integrity of the golf cart while changing the counterbalance.