Types of Golf Cart Lift Kits Explained

Choosing the right golf cart lift kit can significantly enhance your driving experience, whether you’re tackling rugged terrain or simply want a more personalized look. But with so many options available, understanding the different types of lift kits and their specific benefits is crucial. This post will break down the various types of golf cart lift kits, explaining their features, installation requirements, and ideal applications. We’ll help you navigate the world of drop axle kits, block kits, and A-arm lift kits so you can make an informed decision and get your golf cart riding exactly how you want it.

Golf Cart Lift Kits: A Guide to Types, Heights, and Fitment

What is a Golf Cart Lift Kit?

A golf cart lift kit is a modification package designed to elevate the body and chassis of a golf cart, creating additional space between the frame and the ground. This increased clearance serves several purposes. Primarily, it allows for the installation of larger, more rugged tires, which can improve traction and ride quality, particularly on uneven terrain. Beyond functionality, lift kits also offer an aesthetic upgrade, giving golf carts a more customized and often more aggressive appearance.

These kits come in various designs, each offering different levels of lift and complexity of installation, ranging from simple block kits to more involved A-arm replacements. Choosing the right lift kit depends on the desired ride height, the type of terrain the cart will be used on, and the owner’s mechanical aptitude.

Here’s why people install lift kits:

• Increased Ground Clearance: This allows you to drive over obstacles more easily, especially if you’re going off-road.  
• Larger Tires: Larger tires can improve traction and provide a smoother ride, and they often look more stylish.
• Customization: A lift kit can give your golf cart a more personalized and rugged look.  

There are different types of lift kits available, each with its own pros and cons in terms of installation difficulty, cost, and the amount of lift they provide.  

Golf Cart Lift Kit Types

1. Block Lift Kits:

• Description: Block lift kits are the simplest and most economical way to lift a golf cart. They consist of spacer blocks, typically made of aluminum or polyurethane, that are placed between the axle and the leaf springs (or the suspension mounting points in some cases). This effectively raises the body of the cart without altering the suspension geometry significantly.  
• Features:
  • Ease of Installation: These are generally the easiest lift kits to install, often requiring only basic tools and mechanical knowledge.
  • Affordability: Block kits are the most budget-friendly option.  
  • Limited Lift Height: They typically offer lift heights ranging from 2 to 4 inches, making them suitable for modest tire upgrades.
  • Ride Quality: Because they don’t change the suspension’s fundamental design, block kits can sometimes result in a slightly stiffer or harsher ride, especially on bumpy terrain.
  • Potential for Axle Wrap: In some applications, especially with higher blocks or more powerful carts, there’s a slight risk of axle wrap (where the axle twists under acceleration).

2. Spindle Lift Kits:

• Description: Spindle lift kits replace the existing factory spindles (the part that connects the wheel hub to the suspension) with taller spindles. This raises the front of the cart while maintaining a relatively stock suspension geometry. They are a good middle ground between block kits and more complex options.
• Features:
  • Moderate Installation: Slightly more involved than block kits, but still manageable for many DIYers.
  • Balanced Performance: Offer a good compromise between lift height, ride quality, and cost.
  • Lift Range: Usually provides 3-5 inches of lift.
  • Improved Clearance: Allows for larger tires and better ground clearance compared to block kits.
  • Maintains Stock Suspension Geometry (Mostly): While they do change the geometry slightly, they maintain it better than block kits, leading to better handling.

3. Drop Axle Lift Kits:

• Description: Drop axle lift kits replace the entire front axle with a specially designed axle that has a “drop” built into it. This drop lowers the axle itself, thus raising the cart.  
• Features:
  • Affordable: Generally less expensive than A-arm kits.
  • Significant Lift: Can provide a good amount of lift, often in the 4-6 inch range.
  • Installation: While not overly complex, replacing the axle is more involved than installing blocks or spindles.
  • Ride Quality: Can sometimes negatively impact ride quality compared to spindle or A-arm kits, especially on rougher terrain.
  • Potential Clearance Issues: Depending on the design, clearance between the axle and other components may need to be considered.

4. A-Arm Lift Kits:

• Description: A-arm lift kits are the most comprehensive and sophisticated type of lift kit. They replace the entire front suspension assembly with new A-arms, often along with new shocks and other components. These kits are engineered to provide both lift and improved suspension travel.
• Features:
  • Superior Ride Quality: A-arm kits generally offer the best ride quality, both on and off-road, as they are specifically designed to improve suspension performance.  
  • Maximum Lift and Clearance: Allow for the largest tire sizes and provide the greatest ground clearance.
  • Enhanced Handling: Often improve the handling and stability of the golf cart.
  • Complex Installation: These kits are the most challenging to install, typically requiring more specialized tools and mechanical expertise. Professional installation is often recommended.
  • Higher Cost: A-arm kits are the most expensive option.

5. Long Travel Lift Kits:

• Description: Long travel lift kits are the most extreme type of lift kit, designed for serious off-roading enthusiasts. They take the principles of A-arm kits even further, offering the greatest possible amount of suspension travel and articulation.  
• Features:
  • Maximum Off-Road Capability: Designed for tackling the most challenging terrains.
  • Extreme Suspension Travel: Allow the wheels to move up and down significantly more than other kits, keeping the tires in contact with the ground for better traction.
  • Highly Specialized: Often require additional modifications to the cart, such as upgraded brakes, drive shafts, and other components.
  • Professional Installation Essential: Long travel kits are complex and require significant mechanical expertise to install correctly.
  • Highest Cost: These are the most expensive lift kits available.

Golf Cart Lift Kit Heights

Your golf cart’s lift kit height is key. It affects tire size, ground clearance, and your cart’s look. Here’s a breakdown of common lift kit heights and their typical applications:

3-inch Lift Kits: These offer a modest lift. They are great for a slight ground clearance boost. They also allow for slightly larger tires (up to 20 inches). 3-inch lifts are ideal for paved surfaces or light off-roading. They come in block, spindle, and sometimes A-arm styles.

4-inch Lift Kits: This is a popular choice. It provides a more noticeable lift. You get better ground clearance. You can also fit larger tires (up to 22 inches). 4-inch lifts are good for light to moderate off-roading. They give a more rugged look. These are often block style, but spindle and A-arm options exist.

5-inch Lift Kits: A 5-inch lift offers a significant increase in ground clearance. It allows for larger tires (up to 23 inches, depending on the model). This height is good for tackling more challenging terrain. 5-inch lifts are usually spindle or A-arm style.

6-inch Lift Kits: This is the most substantial lift for most golf carts. It provides ample ground clearance. You can run the largest tires (often up to 23 inches). 6-inch lifts are popular for frequent off-roading. They also create a very customized look. These are mainly A-arm and sometimes drop axle kits.

Tire Fitment & Lift Kit Height Needed

Key Considerations for Lift Kit Height:

Professional Advice: When in doubt, ask a golf cart technician or dealer. They can help you choose the right lift kit and tires. Professional installation is important for safety. This is especially true for complex kits.

Tire Size: First, decide on your desired tire size. Then, choose a lift kit height that provides enough clearance. Remember to check the tire’s diameter.

Golf Cart Model: Not all golf carts are the same. Check your cart’s manual or a dealer. Find the maximum tire size and lift height it can handle. Too large tires or a lift can cause damage.

Terrain: Where will you drive? For paved roads, a smaller lift (3-4 inches) may be enough. For tough off-road conditions, a higher lift (5-6 inches) is needed.

Aesthetics: Looks matter! Consider the look you want.

Gear Ratio and Motor: Larger tires affect performance. They impact acceleration and hill climbing. You may need to upgrade your gear ratio or motor.

Suspension Travel: Consider suspension travel too. A-arm and long travel kits offer better travel. This is important for off-roading.

Conclusion

A golf cart lift kit is more than just an upgrade, it’s an investment in adventure, style, and personalized performance. By understanding the different types and heights, you can transform your golf cart into a true reflection of your individual needs and preferences. Enjoy the enhanced capabilities and head-turning looks that come with the perfect lift kit.