New to karting, need axle help

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tjpocalyko

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Hello, I just bought a kart frame off of CL in my town, and I have some questions about the rear axle. I cannot find any markings on the frame at all (there is about 2" of paint layers on it), but from what I have read, I think it may be an old Carter Bros kart...

It has a tube for the rear axle (with a grease fitting in the middle), and the tube openings are 3/4". I have found a dealer that sells these axles, but I am unsure of what the driveline should look like, as there is no clearance for a drive sprocket and brake near the center of the axle.

I am picturing a sprocket and brake drum attached to one wheel (similar to a one-wheel drive) on the live axle. Are there bearings that fit the tube openings? Can anyone confirm? Maybe upload a pic or two?

Thanks!
 
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tjpocalyko

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I was thinking this...a 3/4 inch live axle with a wheel, sprocket, and brake drum (bolted together, similar to a one-wheel-drive setup) on one side...

Think that might work?
 
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mckutzy

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That looks like bushings, I don't think you can put different bearings with out work and at the least having to make new cups for them. If cup are needed, I'd say cut it out, and put proper bearing hangers an and a live axle. You can get a disc brake instead.
 
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tjpocalyko

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Thanks McKutzy, I've decided that's what I am going to do. I am going to cut out most of the old axle tube, and weld bearing hangers on the bottom and install a live axle.

Do you think I need to be concerned with rigidity after cutting out the center section of that tube?
 
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mckutzy

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Well after some thought, although it is hard to tell with the pics as it is not flat on the ground, something like this needs to be done,
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19011
post 20 is a start.

Your project will be a bit of a challenge, as the main frame isnt square-ish. It will need some flat reference points for the hangers to be mounted to.
 
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tjpocalyko

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I was thinking of cutting notches in the axle tube to give me a flat surface for the hangers. Then I could run beads on both inside and outside of the tube...
 
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OzFab

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Better Late Than Never...

1. They look like brass bushes to me. You could try replacing them with roller or needle bearings with a mod or two.

2. Cutting the whole tube will definitely affect the rest of the frame; not only is it an axle tube it's also the main tie bar...

3. There are a number of different ways to attach bearings to the frame:

i. Get yourself some flange mount bearings & a pair of flange bearing hangers

ii. Weld a length of angle to the frame to attach a pillow block to
 
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mckutzy

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Fabro- ya that's what I was sayin about needing some bearing cups for the bearings. Needle bearings I think are too small for this application.
 
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