Different lifts - What's the difference??

[dchance]

I see different styles of lifts available, my question is, what is the difference??
There is obviously a big discrepency in price between them all.

[coldair]

the double A arm lifts will ride way smoother

I have a Jake's long travel after getting rid of the drop life

[dchance]

My old cart (in the profile pic) had the long travel kit, however I am looking at putting one on an old Yamaha G2. I don't think I want to spend the long travel kit money but was curious between the A-arm, block, and other kits.

thanks

[Rick2280]

If you are buying a lift kit, I would suggest buying one that allows you to adjust the camber of your front tires. I have a 6-inch Jacks kit on my Club Car president with no way to adjust my camber, all new hubs and bushings and still my front tires tip inward with no way to adjust. A-frame kits usually give you threaded I bolts on top and bottom for camber adjustments.

[cheenu]

I’ve used both cheap and more expensive lifts, and honestly, it really depends on how often and heavily you plan to use it. The budget lifts can definitely get the job done if you’re just lifting occasionally, but I’ve found they tend to wear out quicker and can feel a bit rough. On the other hand, the pricier ones usually last longer, feel sturdier, and come with better safety features. If you’re lifting frequently or doing heavy stuff, I’d say it’s worth spending a bit more. Otherwise, a cheaper one might be fine for light, less regular use.

[slonomo]

I'll put in my 2 cents....

For me, it depends on the cart. Some carts ride softer than others. If the cart you are using is a Yamaha G2, I'd recommend the Jakes LT for softness of ride. The G2, while known as a well built cart, is also known for a harsh ride due to the fixed rear swingarm. That cart, even with soft rear shocks, rides terrible on rough terrain because the rear axle does not articulate. The G16, on the other hand, and a few other Yami carts, have an articulating rear axle with a better rear suspension, and believe me, it makes a huge difference. There are also other carts that have an articulating rear axle with leaf springs, and they can be modified for a better ride. So, for you and your G2 project, spend the money on the Jakes LT.

Now, if you are only driving on pavement, doesn't make a huge difference unless you are driving at more than 25 mph. At more than 25mph some of the cheaper single a arm lifts can handle a bit sketchy, even worse if any of the steering parts are worn or loose. Factory steering parts are highly recommended, as the aftermarket china parts are suspect in quality, most of the time not holding up to lifted carts with rear seats and extra passengers. The Jakes LT setup uses heim joints and the steering parts are beefed up to handle the extra load, and the high speed handling is vastly superior. I've actually compared several carts back to back with different lifts, and believe me, the Jakes LT is superior.

Now, there have been some recent additions to the LT front suspension market that I have not tried yet. So maybe others can share their "experiences" with those. I find there are people that are quick to give "opinions" about products but lack the actual "experience" of using those products, just be wary of that.

[dchance]

Thank you slonomo for the review and info!

[slonomo]

Originally Posted by dchance

Thank you slonomo for the review and info!

When you get around to working on the cart, start a thread with lots of photos!