IRS rear plans or ideas?

[ryf]

I am adding rear suspension to my mini buggy. I am wanting IRS, but a single swingarm would be SOO much easier... looking for ideas as I have some but want to field the idea to other people who have maybe got good ideas too.

I am looking at using AG parts currently, 1 3/8 6tooth splined shafts with u-joints, the hubs will be 4x4 steel trailer hubs, which I should be able to weld straight to the splined shafting with a little grinding/big drill bit drilling. I will make my own A-arms, bearings will be put in by welding tubing to the bearing points of the spline shafts to give even weight distribution, and using a spline shaft adapter welded to tubing to make a slip sleeve over the splined shaft. 4 u-joints and 6 bearings, some welding and I think I'll have it.

cheaper version uses 1.25" 3/16" square tube and 1.75" 3/16" wall tube for the slip shaft, this is much like the budget drive shaft used on 4x4's. I have to admit this is a tempting solution, and it would be buckets cheaper, problem is it isn't nearly as strong (though probably way more than enough, and requires alot of grease and may click/clank as it isn't as tight as the fit (but may last longer for that reason, grit could ruin the other idea, I'm not sure.)

it will cost for new parts around $250 cheap way 400 dollars the expensive way, hence why I am asking before I spend.

also under consideration, using a ford escort front end, with two short side CV axles, but the CV axles alone will be $300 and that doesnt get me even close to done. this is a bit too costly to be realistic.

 

[SloS13]

Have you tried hitting up an auto junkyard? How about picking up a rear diff/CV's from a CR-V or something. I want to say those are IRS and have small rear diffs.

 

[ryf]

they are an idea, I have looked into Miata, CRV, escapes and more... they want alot for them at JY's so it is prohibitive, plus they are open diffs, so I'd have to spend a few hundred more on a locker or etc... it just wasn't financially within reason.

 

[redcali]

well ill tos these up for you, im not sure what parts were used during its making but this is how it came together

the hubs and rims are from a mini cooper and i guess parts of the drive train are aswell. im not entirely sure though sorry but you can see how it is set up from here. IRS

 

[Pyrotechnic]

The front suspension off a small FWD car idea is a good one. Just take the frame sections where the control arms attach and weld them to your own. You can grab the used matching CV axles (using two of the same side like you said) and attach them to a center piece with a sprocket much like the picture posted earlier. Figure out which length of CV axle you want, then use those to get the final width between the control arms so the whole ordeal works out with stock length axles. Once thats all said and done, just attach adjustable rod links from the steering attachment on the spindle to the frame to hold the wheels straight ahead and you got it.

You should be able to get this stuff fairly cheap since small FWD cars aren't high in demand at the junkyards. Some slightly worn CV axles shouldn't be a big deal unless you are running highway speeds. With this you get disc brakes too.