Broken Axle.....to live axle swap or not.

[wetplates]

Got the Murray up and running today. Drove well although it took forever to get up to speed. Was looking at a sprocket swap and planned to order tonight.

Then the drive wheel side of the axle broke.

So...after one wheel peeling the yard today...a live axle might be nice, but not sure of bolting a live axle to the frame of this Murray. I do not weld...so bolt on is preferred.

The axle on this kart also holds one corner of the engine mount and is welded to the frame. I feel like I can't cut it off without having to do some decent modding.

I thought about cutting the ends of the current axle flush with the frame and adding a new axle by attaching it just behind the current axle. Think that will work?


If I do a live axle swap....what kind of cost am I looking at? Would I have to change any engine mounting?

 

[mckutzy]

As I see it..Your going to have to get creative with U-bolts and some flat stock....
Basically youll need to create a sub assembly that will attach to the frame in about the same spot as the current axle.
Off hand...Youll need new wheel assemblies that will have a keyed hub to drive, A length of keyed axle shaft, pillow block bearings, shaft collars, hardware, and steel flat bar for what ever you are going to do for a "sub-chassis"...also need a sprocket and hub that matches the shaft size....

 

[wetplates]

Update:

Had a the broken axle end (grade 8 bolt that had been poorly welded, then ground down) cut off and a grade 5 bolt welded back in, properly.

Lasted about 2 weeks and now the new bolt has broken. I think it had to do with my clutch not staying firmly attached to the output shaft on the motor, causing some twisting action.

I am planning to cut the ends of the axle off, weld in some additional supports and go live axle on this cart. I may go ahead and install a torque converter as well while I am in there.

With what I have in mind, I don't think I will have to completely remove the dead axle, but leave it in place for frame/engine support.

Now to order some parts.

Thanks again for the help, in my threads and the many others I have been reading through.

chris