Is it possible to add suspension to a suspensionless go-kart?

[Testin123]

My yard isn't the best for go-karting because it's bumpy. I got a go kart with no suspension whatsoever, and the landing is hard when I get airborne. What could I do with it suspension-wise? I already bent the steering arm on a landing, and I have nothing to absorb the impact. Also, I need a helmet while riding it because my head hits the steering wheel on landing. Pics will come soon.

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

I would say it's not a bolt on or easy way to add suspension.

Is it possible to fab it, yes.
Cut off front axle and make A arms and shock mounts. Re attach with proper geometry.
The rear could be a floating design or independent suspension. Again lots of fab work there too.

You could try grooming your track to where it's smooth. Might be easier.

 

[Testin123]

This go-cart was a mess when I found it. The engine had bad gas, it was yellow and didn't combust at all. The carburetor was clogged up pretty bad, so it went at least 3 Mph. Nasty seat, only a seat belt buckle, no belt. The wheel fell off, and was welded back on horribly, which later ended up having a snapped axle again, bent up steering mechanism, pedals were extremely loose, snapped throttle wire, rusty clutch, cracked chain, and no oil. I didn't expect it to be an easy restoration.

 

[Kartorbust]

A arms in the front, be it single or dual. Singles are simple to make but, have constant camber changes, but can be remided with camber built in. Dual a arms are a bit of a pain to make, more geometry needed, but are a set up and leave it type, tend to get more travel vs single.

Could also do a trailing or I believe J-arm similar to Honda Odyssey or Trx 4 wheelers.

Rear end can be trailing, a arm, or swing arm. Trailing arms can be done with using 3 chains, one from the clutch/cvt to a jackshaft, then a chain to each wheel, will require several sprockets and you may want to run dual rear brakes.

A arms will require a custom spool, which needs a hub for U-joints or cv axles, 2 pillow block bearings, a short shaft to mount the hubs brake and sprocket.

Last one is swing arm. Now you can build one with the engine mounted on it, or move the engine to the side so it's sprocket lines up with the pivot point so you don't have to worry about constant chain tension issues. Best example of such a setup is the Edge Sidewinder.

More than one way to skin a cat. Independent all the way around will give a more comfortable ride, but a bit more work involved.

 

[Hellion]

Anything is possible with enough time, money and motivation.

Any other questions?

 

[Ebrownie]

Or, depending on how much you need, you could build some micro-suspension with valvesprings or something of the like. That probably wouldn't be enough for what you are looking for though.

I say you just buy a buggy with suspension on it! It will be a better set up and probably not too much more expensive than fabricating suspension.

 

[chancer]

So you are Jumping a go kart on your bumpy Property, and banging your head into the steering wheel upon landing! and bending up the existing steering system.

Sounds like maybe a Go Kart is not the vehicle for you or your yard.

 

[Rail rider]

Karts are money pits... To faster dispense of cash.... Get a boat.