Hiya

[kenhumphrey]

Hello all - thanks for having me. My 7 year old son and I are building a rat rod kart from a chassis that had been in a back yard a couple of decades. We've got everything welded up and rolling; I need to figure out the rear axle setup - it has stub axle welded on, so I need a gear attached to the wheel, but I'll need to get the engine mounted up and over enough that the drive gear can line up with the axle gear. That, or go with a live axle. We're trying to do it on the cheap (to keep mom happy), so we'll see what happens. If anyone with similar setups has pictures, they would be welcome

 

[Dingocat]

Live axle is probably the best route. If you do mobe the engine and keep it one wheel peel you'll be burning through tires.

Another bonus of the live axle would be better brakes. Especially with the 7 year old. I know when I was that age I liked going fast and good brakes help.

Also I'd recomend replacing those wheels. Look like harbor freight special, they're known for breaking while people are going down the road.

 

[landuse]

Welcome!!

Firstly I will agree with Dingocat regarding the wheels. If they are those cheap ones from HF, please get rid of them. The hubs fail spectacularly at the first turn.

Secondly, if you want to do it on the cheap, then stay with a dead axle. It is already set up for you. With a live axle you are going to have to buy the axle, hubs, hangers etc that you might not need when staying with the dead axle. Also....if your fab skills (I am not sure what your level is) are not that great, then maybe a live axle might not be for you.

 

[kenhumphrey]

Thanks for the advice; I'm looking at axle kits online, and looking at alternatives to that as well. Re: the wheels; they are HF, but they've just been borrowed from a garden wagon to have it roll. The original wheels rusted away, so we're still on the hunt for decent ones.

 

[kenhumphrey]

I've picked up bearings and 30" of one inch steel stock. I think this will work out a little better since I can put the engine output and gear on the inside with a new engine plate. I'll cut off the stub axle and weld a couple plates to the frame to mount the bearings. What would you recommend for a gear to solid mount to the axle? The trans has a #40 output gear and I have a #40 roller chain. I'm thinking we'll probably go with one larger disc brake more-or-less centered on the axle rather than 2 on the outside.