Improved handling and control

[jonr3]

So I just added some large street tires (26" tall, 13" wide) to my street legal DS that has an Allsports 4-inch double A-arm lift installed.

After driving it at speed (30 - 45 mph), it was all over the place, with every little bump sending it in any direction. I adjusted the toe-in and the camber to specs and it didn't improve.

I then inspected everything and found that there is a ton of play in regards to the bushings - allowing for a lot of lateral movement. I replaced the soft rubber bushings with high quality urethane bushings and it was better but not much.

The main problem is that the brackets are too wide - allowing too much space between the bushings and the bracket (drawing #1).

If you torque the fasteners to spec, then it distorts the bracket and puts uneven pressure on the bushings (drawing #2) and still allows too much lateral play.

I was able to solve the issue by using stainless steel fender washers as shims to eliminate the excess play (drawing #3).

After lubing everything with silicone lube, torquing everything to spec, it handles MUCH better! Yesterday I got up to 51 mph and it handled just like a car - one handed driving!

[jasonojordan]

Lol can not imagine 50mph in one of these things.

[Fairtax4me]

Don't worry, the plastic supercharger on the hood will protect you in a roll-over.

40 is fast in the Ranger 800 we use. I can't imagine going faster in a cart without a roll bar, or much of anything else to hold you in.

[jonr3]

Originally Posted by jasonojordan

Lol can not imagine 50mph in one of these things.

There was definitely some pucker-factor before I got the front end tightened up. Now it's like driving a car.

[jonr3]

Originally Posted by Fairtax4me

Don't worry, the plastic supercharger on the hood will protect you in a roll-over.
40 is fast in the Ranger 800 we use. I can't imagine going faster in a cart without a roll bar, or much of anything else to hold you in.

HA! If the supercharger was real, I'd be looking at 50 mph in my rearview mirror!

Since it's street legal, I do have DOT-approved seat belts, and there is a roll bar that the back passengers use as a backrest. Unfortunately, it's only about as tall as my shoulders so I would have to duck down REAL FAST!

[dundeebarnbuggy]

Is there not a steel sleeve the bolt goes through for the bushings to bear on? This sleeve would also keep the frame ears from pulling together when you tighten the bolt.

[jonr3]

Originally Posted by dundeebarnbuggy

Is there not a steel sleeve the bolt goes through for the bushings to bear on? This sleeve would also keep the frame ears from pulling together when you tighten the bolt.

Yes there is, and most of them were actually a little too long and had to be shortened a bit