Axle flange question

[shadowfocus603]

So with winter finally settling in up here in the northeast my thoughts have turned to modifications and upgrades that I need/want to get done before spring. A mildly built 420cc plus a 40 series are definitely in the cards as well as an axle swap, which brings us to the topic of our discussion today.
To start with, the kart is a Manco 906C full suspension style and it has the old style Manco hex axle. I want to change that out to a 1.25" round axle to have a better selection of brakes and gearing as well as strength and have a question about axle mounting flanges. Is there a remarkable difference in strength between the 2-hole and 3-hole variants? Common sense would lead me to believe the 3-hole would be the stronger of the two but we know what happens when one assumes.

 

[mckutzy]

I would go to a 1" shaft size... 1 1/4" is a significant weight increase... The strength is more than sufficient with the 1", bearing, flanges and other shaft items...are cheaper and more common...

 

[OzFab]

... & also more prone to bending in off road applications but, it depends on what's available to you...

As for two vs three hole flanges, logically, yes, three hole would be stronger...

Logically, three bolts would require more torque to shear, therefore, the twisting resistance is greater, which is why racing karts exclusively use three bolt flanges...

Lateral force is another thing; again, yes, three bolt flanges can take more lateral force but, that depends on how rough the riding terrain is as to whether three bolt flanges are required; if you intend to frequently use this kart on rough terrain, I would suggest three bolt flanges...

 

[shadowfocus603]

... & also more prone to bending in off road applications but, it depends on what's available to you...

As for two vs three hole flanges, logically, yes, three hole would be stronger...

Logically, three bolts would require more torque to shear, therefore, the twisting resistance is greater, which is why racing karts exclusively use three bolt flanges...

Lateral force is another thing; again, yes, three bolt flanges can take more lateral force but, that depends on how rough the riding terrain is as to whether three bolt flanges are required; if you intend to frequently use this kart on rough terrain, I would suggest three bolt flanges...

This kart doesn't get babied so I will definitely be running the 3 bolt flanges.