X3 on the washers to get some of the slack out, I just ran into this problem 2 days ago when making a new chain. Took me about 30 minutes putting links in and taking them out.
I thought it was a bent spindle, I don't know what else it could be. When I took the spindle off it looked straight to me. I didn't know if maybe that shock was worn it could do it also. If I had welding stuff I would just fix the weld, I will probably have to torch the bolt and bend it down...
I have a carter go kart I just picked up the other day. I'm having issues while driving, go kart will randomly turn to the right. The left wheel is not sitting the way is should. It's bald on the inner left tire. I figure I have to heat up the spindle and bend it so the tire has positive camber...