When it comes to enhancing your cart’s style and off-road performance, choosing the Best golf lift kit is paramount. Mostly, you have two primary options: the 4 inch lift and the 6 inch lift. These kits can elevate your driving experience to new heights, quite literally.
Before you start lifting your vehicle, you should consider a 4 inch lift vs 6 inch lift in terms of fuel consumption, tire compatibility, height, gear ratio, suspension, ease of use, installation cost, and any legal implications that may affect your choice.
Today, we will break down the 10 main differences between a 4 inch lift and a 6 inch lift. By the end of this post, you will be able to make an informed decision.
4 Inch Lift vs 6 Inch Lift: The Major Differences
Table of Contents
You can go for either a 4 inch lift or a 6 inch lift for your golf cart. Both are great options when you want to elevate the height of your golf cart and take it off the road.
However, before you finally make a decision, you should know how they differ from each other.
01. Fuel Consumption/Mileage
When you choose a 4 inch lift kit for your cart, it won’t significantly affect your fuel consumption. The tires required for a 4 inch lift are smaller and lighter, so your cart won’t need extra power to move them. This means your mileage (miles per gallon, or mpg) will remain relatively unchanged.
However, if you opt for a 6 inch golf cart lift kit , it is a different story. This larger lift will necessitate larger and heavier tires. Heavier tires demand more power to turn, which means your cart will consume more gasoline.
So, with a 6 inch lift, you can expect your mpg to decrease compared to when your cart had no lift or had a 4 inch lift.
02. Tire Compatibility
If you want to use 33- to 35-inch tires on your cart, a 4 inch lift kit is what you need. But if you prefer bigger 35- to 37-inch tires, then a 6 inch lift kit is the right choice.
With these combinations, your ride quality won’t change too much. Also, your cart will have enough clearance while maintaining a good look.
However, be cautious – if you try to put even larger tires on either of these lift kits, you will run into problems. Your tires will rub against parts of your cart, especially the front wheels. So, you should stick to the recommended tire sizes for the lift kit.
03. Lifting Height
A 4 inch lift kit increases your vehicle’s height by 4 inches. This added height provides some extra clearance under your vehicle. Therefore, you can fit larger tires than what you could use with the stock height.
In contrast, a 6 inch lift kit lifts your vehicle by 6 inches. With a 6 inch lift, your cart becomes much higher off the ground than with a 4 inch lift.
This substantial increase creates more opportunities for off-roading or tackling challenging terrain. Also, it gives your vehicle a more imposing and aggressive appearance due to the greater lift.
04. Gear Ratio Compatibility
When you lift your golf cart and change the tire size, you might need to adjust the gears in the rear differential. This is because the gear ratio should match your new tire size. Here is a breakdown of gear ratio compatibility for both 4 inch and 6 inch lift kits:
For a 4 inch lift kit:
- Generally, a gear ratio of 3.55 is suitable if you are using 33-inch tires. This ratio can maintain torque for various driving conditions, including off-roading, hauling, or towing.
- If you choose slightly larger 34-inch tires, it is advisable to go with a gear ratio of 3.73.
- For 35-inch tires, which are a bit larger, you should aim for a gear ratio of 3.91. This will compensate for the increased tire size. In addition, it will maintain the right balance of power and torque.
For a 6 inch lift kit:
- If you decide to go with 35-inch or 36-inch tires, a gear ratio of 3.91 is recommended. With a higher gear ratio, your golf cart can handle the larger tires and maintain performance.
- However, if you choose substantial 37-inch tires, it is advisable to use a gear ratio of 4.10. This gear ratio provides the necessary power and torque to handle the larger, heavier tires.
05. Suspension Components
Whether you go for a 4 inch lift or a 6 inch lift for your cart, both options require specific suspension components for proper installation. These components include things like shocks or struts, sway bars, control arms, or brackets.
Depending on whether you choose a 4 inch or 6 inch lift, the specifications for these suspension components can vary. So, it is very important to confirm the components are compatible with your chosen lift kit and meet safety standards.
Generally, it is a good idea to invest in higher-quality suspension parts because they tend to be more durable over time. However, if you are not planning to use your vehicle extensively, you might get away with using lower-grade parts.
06. Off-Road Performance
When it comes to off-road performance, a 6 inch lift is the clear winner. Why? That is because it provides more ground clearance than a 4 inch lift. So, it becomes easier to conquer obstacles without any extra modifications.
You can tackle steeper hills and ditches comfortably with the extra suspension travel in a 6 inch lift. But it can be challenging with only 4 inches of clearance.
Moreover, 6 inch lift kits often come with larger tires compared to the standard sizes. These bigger tires offer better traction on uneven terrain, thanks to their larger contact patch with the ground.
07. Legal Considerations
The legality of lifting your golf cart can vary from one state to another. However, please note that if you opt for a 6 inch lift, you might encounter more legal considerations than if you choose a 4 inch lift.
Certain states, such as California, Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, have specific restrictions on how high you can lift your cart. In these states, a 6 inch lift might exceed the legal limits. Therefore, it will be difficult or even illegal to drive your cart on public roads.
On the other hand, states like Texas, Nebraska, Vermont, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Kansas typically have fewer or no restrictions on lift heights. So, in these states, you may have more flexibility in choosing the lift kit that suits your preferences.
08. Installation Cost
The cost of installing a lift kit can vary depending on your golf cart’s make and model. It also depends on the type of lift kit you choose. In general, a 4 inch lift tends to be more affordable than a 6 inch lift. This cost difference arises because 4 inch lifts require fewer parts. Plus, they require less labor during the installation process.
Conversely, 6 inch lifts are usually pricier to install due to their greater complexity. These lifts involve more components. So, you have to consider the cost of the additional parts.
Moreover, these lifts need a longer installation process. As a result, labor costs can be considerably higher when you opt for a 6 inch lift kit.
9. Ease of Use
A 4 inch lift kit offers advantages over a 6 inch lift kit in several ways. For instance, when you install a 4 inch lift on your cart, the overall ease of driving and maneuvering the vehicle doesn’t change significantly.
However, with a 6 inch lift, controlling the vehicle can become somewhat more challenging.
Moreover, a 4 inch lift is generally more user-friendly for people of shorter stature. It will become less convenient for shorter family members and friends to access your cart if you install a 6 inch lift. This might necessitate additional accessories to make it easier for them to get into the lifted cart.
4 Inch Lift vs 6 Inch Lift: Differences At A Glance
I have made a comparison table between a 4 inch lift and a 6 inch lift if you are limited on time. The table will give an overall difference between these two golf cart lifts. So, let’s take a look.
|
4 inch Lift |
6 inch Lift |
|
|
Height Increase |
Adds 4 inches to vehicle | Adds 6 inches to vehicle |
|
Fuel Consumption |
Minimal impact on mileage |
May reduce mileage slightly |
|
Tire Compatibility |
Fits 33-35 inch tires |
Fits 35-37 inch tires |
|
Off-Road Performance |
Good clearance, suitable for moderate off-roading |
Excellent clearance, better for challenging terrain |
|
Installation Cost |
Lower cost |
Higher cost due to more components and labor |
|
Legal Considerations |
Fewer legal restrictions |
There may be legal restrictions in some areas |
| Ease of Use | Easier to drive and access for shorter individuals |
Slightly harder to control, may require steps for access |
Final Thoughts on 4 Inch Lift vs 6 Inch Lift
Whether you choose a 4 inch lift or a 6 inch lift for your golf cart, each option offers its own set of advantages and considerations. As you weigh the above differences, you should remember that the ideal lift kit depends on your specific requirements and how you intend to use your cart.
The 4 inch lift vs 6 inch lift debate ultimately comes down to finding the right balance between style, function, and practicality. Now that you know the 10 main differences, you should be able to make a choice that suits your driving aspirations.
