Keegan's Kiddie Kart

[Keegan]

Thanks for your input guys! I have thought of those downfalls to this design. You both are 100% correct that this is a poor design for something that has to handle well. I certainly wouldn't want this in a autocross vehicle!

As I see it, with the rear axle being wide (40 inches plus those wide tires) and fixed with no suspension and the frame being so stiff I don't see this thing having really any body roll. Also, as I've stated before this is a low speed ride for little kids (ok Dad may have to drive it too)

I've never built a suspension system before so this is kind of a "see if I can do it" type of build. If it totally sucks (better than 50% chance I hate it) then I can add the second shock and make it a traditional setup.

By all means keep calling out flaws and mistakes because I'm sure there are plenty. I just felt I should explain why I'm continuing down this path without looking like a moron.

 

[Keegan]

Got some parts in the mail! Some 3/8" rod ends from ebay (about $3 each). Used them to make the pushrods for the suspension.

Welded a sleve into the upper arms for the pushrod and mounted the shock temporarily with some visegrips (can never have enough of those!). I took a video with my phone of the first ever test of the suspension. I'm running about 80psi in the shock right now but I'm sure it will be more once it's all finished with a driver. It's rated for 150psi so I have a ton of room to increase the pressure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jozapcs2rrg&list=UUG1LTQHl9_7PeJClg_0XJjg&index=1&feature=plcp

 

[theo]

What happens when you push down on one side?

 

[fowler]

ya staighten the wheels and push down one side

 

[Keegan]

The steering isn't hooked up, so the wheels freely pivot. That's why I've got them sitting on the wheel dollies. The suspension can cycle without the wheels interfering.

So here's another video just for you guys showing what happens when you push down on the side of the kart.

I still may hook up the other air shock for true independant suspension. It would be more for aesthetics than performance, and I could probably run slightly less air pressure in each shock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0vPGFqaIcA&feature=g-upl&context=G2c879e9AUAAAAAAAAAA

 

[theo]

Problem I see from the vid is that both sides go down when you push down one one side. Can you prop up one side so it can't move and then try it?

 

[Keegan]

Theo, I have to remind you that this has a fixed rear axle. This acts as a hinge, similar to the bathroom door. When you push the door open from the bottom it doesn't just move the bottom of the door, the whole thing moves. Same situation here. The frame is just too stiff to allow articulation.

 

[wheels]

i think it looks good Keegan! i think the psi is just right for that setup.

 

[theo]

Ya, you could be right. It just seems to me that when you push down on one side that it would lift the other.
I saw a sidewinder on the edge site with one front shock, but I cant find it. He did something to the shock but I can't remember what.

 

[Keegan]

Thanks guys! Now I'm going to start cutting down the Geo rack and pinion.

 

[cant kech me]

sweet! with a front suspension that nice you might as well go with a simple swing arm in the rear

 

[Keegan]

I'm thinking rear suspension is next winters project. Just have to get it finished, because it's already taken longer than I wanted it to. I've just been too busy at work.

Got the steering arms made and tacked into place. I also managed to cut 7.5 inches out of the steering rack. I picked up a rear brake from ebay off of a suzuki motorcycle and I'll tackle that after I get the steering sorted out.

I'm going to try and thrash on this thing every day, even if it's only a few minutes. Can't let it stall out before I get really busy again at work.

 

[Keegan]

So, jump ahead two months and BAM it's done. I finished the kart some weeks ago, but I have been very lacking on the updates. Figured that I'd post the finished product. I say finished, but is a project ever really done? Max speed is about 9-10 mph. Fast enough for learning to drive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cWghqAO3-U&list=UUG1LTQHl9_7PeJClg_0XJjg&index=1&feature=plcp

 

[souperman000]

truned out well, I like the red!

 

[bighead]

I really like it as well. I know it only goes 10mph. But if you make it faster best to have no seat belts with no roll cage. If you roll it you do not want to be belted to the kart with no cage. Rule of thumb thing. Looks like a car seat. Did you finish the seat and this is a temp thing?

 

[Keegan]

I've got a cage planned if the speed increases, for now though I'm pretty satisfied with any safety concerns. There's a few things yet to do, like a dedicated kill switch for the motor. I'm also drawing up a front bumper.

 

[Keegan]

The Kart worked great all summer. Now it's back in the shop for some winter conversion.

Stay tuned for updates as they develop.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I like the cantilevered IFS. I'm a big fan of stuff like that. Q- With the weight of the occupants on board, does the frontend sag any? I know this isn't a hi-po machine, but there's a little part of me that can't ignore a front suspension that won't allow any droop...

At any rate- What have you got planned for that beastie? Rear suspension? A little regearing? Cage? NOS? LOL

 

[Keegan]

Shocks are air springs. More weight in the cart...put more psi in the shocks. So you dial in ride height as you see fit. The suspension has droop when you've got it dialed right.

First thing planned are ski's. We'll see what else I have time for.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Sweet! And yes- it had been long enough that I'd forgotten about the air pressure adjustment.