first build 4 wheel independent suspension

[Logan Kart master]

I am 13 years old and have been welding for 3 years for 4h.
I am wanting to build a low budget rough terrain go cart with 4 wheel independent suspension on a low dollar budget. are there any plans out there. I have seen the spider but I want to make it 4 wheel independent. I have never built a cart before but I feel I am up to the challange

 

[readymix]

I guess the words "low dollar" need a better definition. What would you consider "low dollar?" I recently built a kart out of a beer keg, and for a basic 1.25" live axle setup, engine, and all the steering and spindle bits, wheels, tires, and a few freebies here and there, I am out the door about 600 on it. I'm completely in the dark on offroad articulated suspension karts, but I would assume you'd need some sort of differential with half shafts to be able to move the rotating axle up and down with the suspension independent of the opposing side. I can't imagine a setup like that would be 'low dollar.' You might be better off making the rear end a swingarm style design, like an ATV or motorcycle uses, with the engine, rear axle and wheels on a moving swingarm and run struts to the swing arm.

 

[souperman000]

To save a bunch of money. I would look into getting a cheap ATV for parts, a 4wd one would be even better.

 

[Logan Kart master]

Thanks guys. I have an old gocart I am gong to steal some parts off of. I have thought about the swing arm suspension but I want a 4 wheel independent. I have a few big questions on the axle. Can I use just a straight shaft with two pillow blocks in the midle where my sprocket and brakes will be. Then use universal joints off of that and sliding shafts like a truck or tractor pto. My big question is where to you get the bearing hubs to slide the shafts through at the wheels. the part I will need to weld my a arms to. and will a set up like this work. I was thinking the sliding shafts for my first build in case I do not get all my geometry queit right. anyone that can help thanks.
OH and far as cost I wanted to try to stay between 500 and 1000 dollars.

 

[OzFab]

I wanted to try to stay between 500 and 1000 dollars.

Wow, that's a bit optimistic, unless, of course, you have all the running gear & that's just for the frame & incidentals.

You mentioned you have a go kart you're using for parts; what type of kart? What parts do you have? Is it worthwhile trying to convert it?

 

[chris_the_poser]

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your build I look forward to your progress

 

[Ozan-fox]

I've been considering Assn independent rear for my cart. I'm going to scout some ATV junk yards. If you can get the front suspension and drive train off of a four wheel drive for Wheeler you would be in business. That's what I'm going to do.