Bolt-on/No Weld Live Axle Install?

[Jason2020]

Title pretty much says it all. Curious if anyone has bolted on a live axle and how it worked out for them.

I don't know how to weld and don't have a welder, but I can sure put some nuts and bolts together.

Any kits, techniques, suggestions, tutorials, are welcome

 

[Sparkwizard]

Look at "Pillow block" bearings.

Tritan Pillow Block Bearing, 3/4 in Bore, Cast Iron, Set Screws, 1 19/64 in Shaft Ht, Double Sealed UCP204-12 | Zoro

Order Tritan Pillow Block Bearing, 3/4 in Bore, Cast Iron, Set Screws, 1 19/64 in Shaft Ht, Double Sealed, UCP204-12 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

Most kart axles are 1 inch diameter. These come in different styles. Look for something that can bolt onto your frame after you drill a couple of holes. These are made to do what you are asking.
You will also need wheels and a sprocket to mount on a live axle. I do not like wheels that slide onto the axle. I would prefer to mount a hub onto the axle with a nut and just leave it there, and bolt the wheel to the hubs with lug nuts. Removing rusted-on wheels from an axle is a real pain.

 

[Hellion]

OR you can keep that one-wheel-peel as-is. Everyone who gets one asks the same thing and feels they’ve been cheated out of an extra powered wheel. These karts are getting scarce overall, and that is an oldie but goodie Manco. Makes an ideal pavement pounder and it does burnouts and wipe-outs.

Single wheel/dead axle karts handle well and can out-turn a live axle. With a live axle, the wheels are locked together and one wheel (the outside wheel in a turn) has to break traction (more than the inside wheel) and slip to allow the whole kart to turn. Even a live axle won’t be excellent off-road without suspension. The top mod is probably going to be a differential axle if you’re staying with a rigid frame.

Just something to think about......

 

[Sparkwizard]

Good points. ^^^above^^^. Another thing to think about: If you drill holes in that frame and do not reinforce the bearing mounts with extra steel, the axle will work loose and require a good bit of welding to repair it. Save your money. DO NOT BUTCHER THAT FRAME. RIDE IT, SAVE SOME MONEY AND BUY A WELDER. Sorry for the caps, new keyboard...
New to the hobby? You NEED some fabricating skills and some engine mechanical knowledge. Earn them before you start cutting metal.
Have fun and be safe.