live axle conversion

[jman98]

hey guys im pretty new here my first question is how hard/expensive would it be to convert a single wheel drive kart into a live axle cart?

 

[hardrock21]

I've got about $300 invested in my conversion. That includes rear wheels/tires/hubs, axle, pillow bearings, clutch, chain, throttle/brake cables, disc brake caliper/rotor, driven sprocket, keyways & misc. nuts/bolts + shipping. I had the metal for all the brackets laying around. You probably wont need all of that though.

 

[mckutzy]

As for the difficulty, I reckon that depends on your skill to accomplish this task.
Do you know how to weld, and have equipment to weld, Or other hand tools to build this conversion?

 

[jman98]

i cant weld but one of my friends does and has already some welding on my cart. i have pretty much everything else tool wise

 

[mckutzy]

Ok good.
Another question... what is the vehicle that is to be converted? pics

 

[jman98]

here are a couple pics of it when i had it down to the frame

 

[Blazkowiez]

In no way do I want to discourage this because I love to see projects. I always told customers its cheaper to sell their kart and purchase one that had live axle to start with. When you convert that cost just adds up and unless you plan to use those parts you took off on another project it never seems worth it in my humble opinion of someone who has build a few karts.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Well said. Mine cost me only a set of bearings because I already had all the other parts. I could see it getting costly to run out and buy everything new.

 

[J_Walker]

Oh god.. its one of "those"..

Yeah I had one just like that.. Give up now. sell it for something already w/ a live axle... Let me just explain, that "engine mount"? Yeah. It don't last very long.... enough said.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Oh god.. its one of "those"..

Yeah I had one just like that.. Give up now. sell it for something already w/ a live axle... Let me just explain, that "engine mount"? Yeah. It don't last very long.... enough said.

I think that is a Murray Explorer. Have they got engine mount problems?

 

[J_Walker]

I think that is a Murray Explorer. Have they got engine mount problems?

The two I owned, fell off, one destroyed the engine. and the other just raddled off. Maybe if you were to tack weld it'll be more stable.. But I've had so much problems with those. Plus I'm sorta tall 5'8 and it still feel's real tight against the steering wheel.

 

[jman98]

thanks for the info man. i havent had any problems with it yet but ill keep an eye on it

 

[hardrock21]

Agreed, this is proving to be extremely cost prohibitive. But, the particular kart I am working on has sentimental value for my wife as it was hand built by her uncle as a childhood present. I'm just trying to restore it to better then it was condition after years of sitting in the weather. I'll have roughly $500 in it after live axle conversion, new engine, new seat, new steering setup with proper geometry, etc. But, it's also a break from building cars and so much, as in ridiculously, cheaper.

Paul