Could use some advice

[Hellion]

Most steering shafts are made from hollow tubing with a nod toward weight savings. I don't see a reason why you cannot use axle material.

Never thought of using a keyway (for a Pitman arm) in that manner. Try it!

 

[chancer]

My current Project is using and ols 20mm Axle off a Razor Electric Buggy for the steering rod.
I like the idea of using the Keyway for the pitman arm too, Usually they are welded and a process to change in the future.
Just make sure and use quality Split type Locking Collars to hold it in place.
If you were to lose a Key... NO STEERING!

 

[Ebrownie]

Ok thanks. Yes i would make it very sturdy, I definitely don't want a mailbox in the face at 30 mph if I lose steering... another question, i have been reading on old threads a bit about Ackerman, caster, camber, toe out/in, that kind of thing. I read that it is best to keep tie rods parallel, that a kart should have minimal camber and toe, but 10 degrees of positive caster? Is this correct for my kart (some off road, mostly gravel road, some paved).

 

[Ebrownie]

By the way, I also made this model of it in SketchUp, after revising the plan a bit. I'm gonna be really busy this winter with basketball (I plan to start in February on this project once our shop gets cleared out a bit), so I am perfecting my design so i don't go crazy just thinking about instead of building it. I made the wheelbase shorter so now the wheelbase:track is about 4:3(I think it is 60 inches: 46 inches, not sure). I also decided to put a roll cage on it, which I think looks pretty good. I am using a 2 stroke 125 dirt bike engine, not sure whether YZ, CR, KX or RM yet. Whatever pops up on Craigslist for a good price. I will put the engine on the back right (on top of the shaft) and the radiator on the left. I'm not totally done with the model by the way, I will still do steering and floor and stuff like that. What do you guys think?

Dimensions: frame: 6ft by 3ft. 2ft wide at tapered section up front. 5 inches clearance. Roll cage 3 ft above frame.

 

[Hellion]

I'm not fond of the angled bend on the cage's "B" pillar, to use an automotive designation. I would just use straight tubing from the floor up.

Other than that, no real qualms about the design.