converting to live axle

[slowcart]

hey guys im pretty new to the go kart seen. posted up but lost my acc when the site went down in dec. i have a two seater go kart that is one wheel drive. i am planning to convert it to live axle since it will see more dirt then road. just wanna get some ideas on how to go about it.. will post pics of the kart this week

[toystory_4wd]

You can start by looking at pics of live axle karts, that should give you a pretty good idea to begin with. You will need to get an axleshaft (keyed shafting), bearings and hangars to match, hubs for both rear wheels, hubs for the sprocket and brake, new rear rims to match the hubs, and probably a few things that aren't coming to me ATM.

You will need to cut away the old axle tube and all related parts. You will likely have to do some cutting and welding on your frame to create suitable bearing mount locations. There's a pretty good chance you may have to alter your motor mounts and/or jackshaft mounts to locate them appropriately.

You will need to work out how to mount your brake again, likely having purchased a new one.

It's less simple than this, but it oughta give you some food for thought.

[slowcart]

i been looking at alot of pictures i found axles,bearing hangers and all the good stuff. just trying to figure out what keeps the axxle from moving side to side, as for the brake i would be using a disk break from northen tools or tht type

[devino246]

Originally Posted by slowcart

i been looking at alot of pictures i found axles,bearing hangers and all the good stuff. just trying to figure out what keeps the axxle from moving side to side, as for the brake i would be using a disk break from northen tools or tht type

There are 2 set screws on each bearing that keep it from sliding.

Are you talking about those posi-brakes??

[Bluethunder3320]

usually the bearings attached to the hangars have set screws. if not locking collars help, but in most cases the wheel hub is right up against the wheel bearings on each side, allowing no play back and forth.

[slowcart]

i was looking and thinking on going the pillow bearing way

[Bluethunder3320]

i have never tried the 2 bolt pillow blocks, but i ordered these from surplus center, it was in total $14 plus shipping it was $21-22.

i havent had time to set them up but well see how it goes, harder to mount than pillow blocks but half the price.

[slowcart]

i was looking at those too.

[Bluethunder3320]

im yet to see how they work, might be able to get the kart rolling this weekend, but i still need money for paint and then i ordered clutch and chain yesterday.

could be a month until i can tell you how they work.

[Rustydog2010]

I had two of those on my old Sidewinder buggy. Plenty strong enough for that application, that was with a 500cc MB engine.

Jeremy.

[jim454]

Make sure to use loctite on the set screw's.They sometime's loosen up from vibration.

[dave1701]

I decided I was going to convert my kart to a live axle last year, but I'm still nowhere closer to the setup. Oh well.

[slowcart]

ight i picked up a couple of rear tires from a ride on mower. im havin issues tryin to find a axle for them. the wheels r 3/4" and the i need a axle over 42" . i looked at a few site and cant find much in that size