Allenwrench
New member
What is the benefit of a rear axle being offset? We have an oval kart with about a 2” offset. So the left rear is sitting 2” forward of the right rear.
But is it needed? I’ve been told it creates a drag in the straight away.Probably offset for weight distribution for racing, the amount of offset changes the weight shift point via leverage.
um say what? So your chassis track is not straight?? The rear axle needs to be straight with the chassis. If the axle is cockeyed..... well frankly I've never heard of that on any kart, that's really weird. The front and rear wheels need to run parallel.What is the benefit of a rear axle being offset? We have an oval kart with about a 2” offset. So the left rear is sitting 2” forward of the right rear.
That’s what I thought. It is supposed to be set up to race an oval track. But we are 1.5 secs behind the leaders every race.um say what? So your chassis track is not straight?? The rear axle needs to be straight with the chassis. If the axle is cockeyed..... well frankly I've never heard of that on any kart, that's really weird. The front and rear wheels need to run parallel.
I wonder if your rear axle was purposely installed crooked for racing on some type of small round racekart track? I can see that being an advantage in that situation, but yes your right; this would definitely scrub off speed in the streataways.What is the benefit of a rear axle being offset? We have an oval kart with about a 2” offset. So the left rear is sitting 2” forward of the right rear.
Thank you for the great info. I’m looking at moving the mount this week. I’ll keep you all informed after next weekends races.I wonder if your rear axle was purposely installed crooked for racing on some type of small round racekart track? I can see that being an advantage in that situation, but yes your right; this would definitely scrub off speed in the streataways.
The meaning of "Offset" on offset chassis racekarts is referring to the left rear tire being offset Inward like this pic shows,
not a crooked axle resulting in the left rear tire being offset 2" further forward.
View attachment 128149
If the rear axle is a straight axle, then as a single unit it absolutely will "try to pass around the front" and be a terrible drag on the kart as a whole.The rear axle needs to be straight with the chassis. If the axle is cockeyed.....
You're referring to the spindles. The front axle is the piece, frequently a bent piece of tubing, that connects the 2 front spindles together. That's what ties the weight transfer and everything into the chassis.If the rear axle is a straight axle, then as a single unit it absolutely will "try to pass around the front" and be a terrible drag on the kart as a whole.
The front left and right axles are separate entities though, and you can make all kinds of mods to the steering by changing things from strict parallels and right angles setup, like letting one side lead the other.
If the left front instead of the rear was leading by 2" I can see it being a weight transfer advantage in a right hand turn. Ackermann angle might be hard to get right with that setup, or maybe it would still be as straightforward as on normal steering, just setting each spindle by direct line. My brain can't picture it right now.
1 too many PBR after a fight in the pits last seasonOne can clearly see the cockeyed angle.
I will let him know he has fans in Tenn.Dude....tell little one to give it hell!!
Mountain folks in TN are here rooting for a podium finish