New Go-Kart Builder

[Go-Kart Maniacz]

Is making a 2-wheel drive go kart very difficult? Right now I am designing my go kart and need to know how to set it up. If any one could help that would be great!

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Some might say that 2wd (live axle) is easier to set up and build than 1wd. Instead of having to buy a special hub and cram the stuff into a very tight space, you have the entire span of the axle to put your sprocket and brakes...

 

[Go-Kart Maniacz]

Thanks for the quick reply! The one thing I need to figure out is how to make the sprocket not so close to the ground, so if I go over bumps it wont hit the ground? Is their an easy way to do it so the sprocket is not hanging down right in the middle of the go kart?

 

[Go-Kart Maniacz]

We are building it now!!!!! Tell me how to do it. can we put the sprocket next to the tire even with 2 wheel drive?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

With a live axle, you are free to put the sprocket anywhere along the axle. Close to a frame member (bearing) cuts down on leverage on the axle (less likely to bend), and you are correct- closer to a wheel means less chance of dinging it off an obstacle.

 

[Go-Kart Maniacz]

OK that is awesome. We are going to get the metal right now! I cant wait!

 

[Go-Kart Maniacz]

The galvanized steel is the right stuff right?

 

[DS13]

the galvanized steel is the right stuff right?

nnnnnoooo dont get galvanized!!!!

 

[Go-Kart Maniacz]

then what kind of steel?

 

[DS13]

then what kind of steel?

Just regular steel its gonna be either welded tubing or black pipe most likely. Id call your steel supplier and ask the different kinds of tubing and the price per foot of each before you buy.

 

[Go-Kart Maniacz]

just got 3/4 in black piping. Is it good? Got 30 feet

 

[DS13]

Yep black pipe is regular steel with a nominal WT so yeah.

FYI: galvinized steel is hazardous to weld. The zinc fume that comes off it during welding is poisonous to you.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Sch40 black iron pipe is not the best choice for a go kart. It's heavy and thick for what it is. However, it will do in a pinch and if you are new at building it's probably better to be too heavy and strong than light and weak.

FWIW- Such pipe is sized according to the Nominal Inside Diameter- so, 3/4" INSIDE, not out. They tend to be pretty generous with that dimension, as it usually exceeds that by a fair margin. With the thickness of the wall (nearly 1/8") you'll find the outside diameter to be in excess of 1".

 

[Go-Kart Maniacz]

What is an axle bore? I am looking at a tire and it says the axle bore is 5/8 inch. Does this mean my live axle has to be 5/8 an inch?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Yup.

 

[Go-Kart Maniacz]

is there a such thing as a 5/8 inch axle?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Sure. Many go kart front spindles are 5/8", as well as wheelbarrows, dollies, and other implements.

 

[Go-Kart Maniacz]

I am trying to find a live axle and bearing kit for these tires but cant find any that will work. So it has to be 5/8 inch?http://www.harborfreight.com/10-inc...zIjoiMy45OSIsInByb2R1Y3RfaWQi OiI0MDIifQ==

 

[Go-Kart Maniacz]

Where should I look for a 5/8 inch live axle bearing kit?

 

[Go-Kart Maniacz]

Is there any way I can make the axle bore bigger?