Drift kart front spindle brackets

[BigKid90]

Hi all,

Im currently in the final planning stages of a small drift car build.

I’m comfortable with most aspects of it, but really unsure how to measure and calculate the front frame and knuckle angles that house the front axle spindles.

Most other similar builds seem to have the C knuckle brackets tilted upwards and back or forward slightly (castor?) and then inwards slightly (camber?).

I have no idea where to start with this. Any pointers or suggestions?

I also have no idea how to ensure the frame is level given the above.

I’ve attached a couple pics for example.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Functional Artist]

Nice lookin' frame. Looks pretty "beefy" (strong)

I've built a couple of go kart frames
...& I usually set the Castor at ~8 - 10* toward the rear of the kart.

This helps the front wheels stay "true" (going straight)
...& also, helps it (the kart) to automatically "correct" (return to center) after a turn.

IMO
The "leaning inwards" concept is to "over correct" the front wheels
...so, while in a hard turn, they (the outside tire, anyways) are actually "true" (straight up)
...which helps the wheel to maintain a "fuller" contact patch, for better steering traction

As far as level, it's not so important that the frame (itself) is level.

You need the steering to be level, as the kart sits, with the wheels on
...then, you can adjust the spindle brackets, to where you want them.

Check out my Excalibur kart
The spindle mounting info is in post #6
...& Ackermann info is in post #38
https://www.diygokarts.com/community/threads/2020-excalibur-electric-racing-kart.43462/

 

[BigKid90]

Nice lookin' frame. Looks pretty "beefy" (strong)

I've built a couple of go kart frames
...& I usually set the Castor at ~8 - 10* toward the rear of the kart.

This helps the front wheels stay "true" (going straight)
...& also, helps it (the kart) to automatically "correct" (return to center) after a turn.

IMO
The "leaning inwards" concept is to "over correct" the front wheels
...so, while in a hard turn, they (the outside tire, anyways) are actually "true" (straight up)
...which helps the wheel to maintain a "fuller" contact patch, for better steering traction

As far as level, it's not so important that the frame (itself) is level.

You need the steering to be level, as the kart sits, with the wheels on
...then, you can adjust the spindle brackets, to where you want them.

Check out my Excalibur kart
The spindle mounting info is in post #6
...& Ackermann info is in post #38
https://www.diygokarts.com/community/threads/2020-excalibur-electric-racing-kart.43462/

Awesome build, mightily impressed!

It hadnt really clicked to me how I could measure the angles for both backward and inward tilts, but I can see how youve done it, thank you!

I've seen a few examples where the spindle brackets also turn outwards toward the back of the kart. Any logic in that? Or should I just focus on mounting them perpendicular to the frame at 90 degrees?

 

[Functional Artist]

Awesome build, mightily impressed!

It hadnt really clicked to me how I could measure the angles for both backward and inward tilts, but I can see how youve done it, thank you!

I've seen a few examples where the spindle brackets also turn outwards toward the back of the kart. Any logic in that? Or should I just focus on mounting them perpendicular to the frame at 90 degrees?

Thanks
...& your welcome

I'd keep 'em square @ (90*)

 

[madprofessor]

TUNING TIPS: How Ackermann Adjustments Affect Kart Performance - POWER REPUBLIC - YouTube
Go-Kart Steering Knuckles | TYRANIS TIPS - YouTube
Front Suspension Geometry| EP. 3 Ackerman & Toe - YouTube

 

[BigKid90]

Thank you all.

many tips on how to ensure the front spindles align level with the rear axle so the kart rests level?

im trying to figure out how much bend to put in the frame that hold the front spindle mounts to ensure it levels up with the wheels on

 

[Functional Artist]

First you need to be working on a nice-n-flat-n-level surface. (Like a garage floor or workbench)

I have been building kart frames on old/used flat solid wooden doors, lately
...& use that surface as a "jig" (with "props" like shims or blocks of wood)
...& a "true" surface to measure from

I also, use the "old door" to clamp the pieces "down" to
...to keep 'em where you want them (once you get them there)
...& to help ensure that they "stay there", during welding

IIRC my Excalibur & Hell-raiser kart build threads both should show this concept, pretty well.

Hell-raiser

 

[madprofessor]

how much bend to put in the frame

Your weight will warp the frame? Were you born on Uranus? Forget the bending, reinforce your frame.

 

[BigKid90]

Your weight will warp the frame? Were you born on Uranus? Forget the bending, reinforce your frame.

Apologies, I meant the front axle. How much to bend the front axle where the spindles mount to ensure the the frame sits level

 

[madprofessor]

Now I can see the slumposis of the front of the kart, in the middle picture of original post, missed it before. Take a look at the slumposis on the kart in this video, and you may decide there's nothing at all wrong with yours........Why I Run Negative Camber On the Drift Go-Kart - YouTube.