Go Kart Advice

[foos]

I bought this frame and a new predator 212 6.5 hp engine for me and my son to work on. It will be used mostly in the 10 acre field beside us. I have no experience so I'm hoping you guys can offer some advice...the axle is 27" now and has a 40 tooth sprocket which is too far to the right to line up with the clutch. After reading a bit I'm thinking I will replace the axle with a wider one and add a 72 tooth sprocket and disc brake (or some type of brake). How far can I safely extend a 1" axle outside the frame? Is a 1" steel axle sufficient? Should I go the easy route and connect 72 t sprocket to 12 t clutch (6:1) or add jackshaft? What type of seat should I get that is comfortable but not too expensive? I know it's rough but hopefully will look better after a good sand and paint. Thanks for any advice you care to offer.

 

[Jake.B]

What is your tire size in diameter?

 

[B.M.800]

Its got a diff, you could move the engine mount to line it up. Or add in a jackshaft. Or you could indeed get a new axle for a live axle.

 

[foos]

current rear tires are 16 x 6.5 x 8...fronts are 15 x 6 x 6...would like to eventually go with larger knobbies for rear...

would a live axle be better for dirt than the diff?

 

[klicky96]

If your goin for dirt, Id go with a live axle. A lot of guys wont recomend thuis but I would because your puttin power to both tires and from experience, Its easier to get traction with a live axle except a 1 wheel drive.

 

[klicky96]

By the way, doesnt it already have a live axle on it??

 

[foos]

it has a differential as B.M. 800 pointed out...I thought it was live too. I'm guessing the live axle would allow for drifting and the diff would have better traction?

 

[South Kart3377]

it has a differential as B.M. 800 pointed out...I thought it was live too. I'm guessing the live axle would allow for drifting and the diff would have better traction?

You have backwards, diff= drift live axle=no drift both wheel are going to turn.

 

[Rookie25]

are you sure you cant drift with the live axle better since both wheels are spinning? i figured the diff would transfer power to the side with with the least amount of weight. but i could be wrong lol i havent been messing with karts for very long.

 

[South Kart3377]

are you sure you cant drift with the live axle better since both wheels are spinning? i figured the diff would transfer power to the side with with the least amount of weight. but i could be wrong lol i havent been messing with karts for very long.

Yep, I'm sure. Cars have diffs, SOME karts have live axle and those are off road karts it is hard to steer on cement on a live axle kart. I've had both types, guess which one is the off road kart?

 

[Sentrek]

Yep, I'm sure. Cars have diffs, SOME karts have live axle and those are off road karts it is hard to steer on cement on a live axle kart. I've had both types, guess which one is the off road kart?

I would have to disagree, I don't want to say "all" because I am no expert either, but all of the racing karts that "I" have seen, including the one I own are live axle, and they zip around asphalt tracks at 60+ mph and turn and drift just fine.

 

[klicky96]

Yep, I'm sure. Cars have diffs, SOME karts have live axle and those are off road karts it is hard to steer on cement on a live axle kart. I've had both types, guess which one is the off road kart?

hmmmmm ima have to say the live axle? am I right? whats my prize? I love prizes

 

[South Kart3377]

I would have to disagree, I don't want to say "all" because I am no expert either, but all of the racing karts that "I" have seen, including the one I own are live axle, and they zip around asphalt tracks at 60+ mph and turn and drift just fine.

They have slicks, and a lot of them have slightly different tires.

 

[klicky96]

They have slicks, and a lot of them have slightly different tires.

just because they have slicks means nothing. They are also on asfault where those slicks catch a lot of grip.

 

[foos]

If I could get this axle out without destroying it I would prob just replace the sprocket with a larger one for now and move the engine mounts...shouldn't I be able to remove the outside bearing plates and slide the bearings out? I've beat on it but it don't want to budge...what am I missing?

 

[klicky96]

If I could get this axle out without destroying it I would prob just replace the sprocket with a larger one for now and move the engine mounts...shouldn't I be able to remove the outside bearing plates and slide the bearings out? I've beat on it but it don't want to budge...what am I missing?

It could be rusted up. I would clean up all around the axle with a wire-brush and look around the bearing for a set-screw. It may have one in it.

 

[anderkart]

If I could get this axle out without destroying it I would prob just replace the sprocket with a larger one for now and move the engine mounts...

If we could find the right split-sprocket, you could instal it without disassembling the axle.
You could either cut the old sprocket off, or bolt the new one on right over it with 1/4' longer bolts.

There's several different split-sprockets for sale here:
http://www.gokartgalaxy.com/shifter_kart_&_quarter_midget_sprockets.htm
http://www.gokartgalaxy.com/racing_sprockets_for_larger_chain_sizes.htm

You could start by measuring the circle-pattern of the bolts holding your old sprocket on. You just need to measure across the hub to the center-points of the holes/bolt heads like this pic below.

Then post your measurements and how many bolts it has.

 

[OzFab]

Yep, I'm sure. Cars have diffs, SOME karts have live axle and those are off road karts it is hard to steer on cement on a live axle kart. I've had both types, guess which one is the off road kart?

Yes, cars have diffs, but you can't drift most cars. Drift cars either have limited slip or locker diffs forcing both wheels to spin. LIVE AXLE is better for drifting.

 

[OzFab]

are you sure you cant drift with the live axle better since both wheels are spinning? i figured the diff would transfer power to the side with with the least amount of weight. but i could be wrong lol i havent been messing with karts for very long.

You're absolutely correct! With a diff, power is transferred to the wheel with the least amount of weight causing it to spin... & that's it. A live axle means both wheels will spin (or neither depending on how much power you have) & create the drift effect due to the lack of traction.