opinions on AWD go kart

[Routy]

So i came up with the idea of running another socket and chain from your rear axle all the way up to a front axle, it would be the same as having the rear axle in the front but on the end weld some universal joints that you find on a 4x4 truck so its AWD go kart. I would like to here some opinions on how this would work and also would like to know if you would have to gear them a little different or the exact same and the kart will have the same size tires on all four. Here is a pic of the universal joint i mean.

 

[devino246]

Interesting idea. I wouldnt trust a chain that long though.

 

[modelengineer]

I think 4wd just adds unnecessary weight and you'd have more drivetrain losses (so less power at the wheels). It would be more difficult to turn since you'd have basically a live axle front and back (i.e no diff, I know it wouldn't be a solid axle on the front but it's effectively the same thing), and I also think you'd have issues with such a long chain. Lastly, it would cost more initially, probably have more maintenance required, and be more expensive to fix than a 2wd kart.
And really, unless you have a big bike engine you're never going to have an issue with traction.

 

[Routy]

well its not a small motor its a 400cc snowmobile and i figured rails, cover guard and chain tensioners would cover the long chain part. I already have the parts just lying around for the front. steering would be a prob? and you think two wheels is enough? i do see how steering would be a prob. i just came up with the idea on the top of my head but maybe it could help someone for something like if a person has a kart just for mudding.

 

[r97]

do able as long as you got funds and the u joints can handle it, i got some ideas for you when you get to the design processes. i think there are a few threads around about this. it might not be worth it on a performance basis, but its definitely cool.

 

[Routy]

ya but i was wanting it so i could go anywhere but still go fast and stuff i think ill save it for another project. Ill build a mud bogger later lol

 

[bighead]

http://www.affordablegokarts.com/RaceKartsProjectKarts&More.php

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Regarding gearing, you would gear the same front to rear if the tire sizes are the same. If they differ, you'd have to work out the difference, and gear each end accordingly, so all tires cover the same amount of ground per rotation.

Also- fully locked 4wd on clean dry pavement is guaranteed to chew your tires to shreds and likely break driveline parts due to a condition called driveline bind. Here, differentials are your friends, including a center diff. This, of course, will negate a lot of the gained traction of 4wd.

Lastly, powersliding (drifting as they call it now) is waaaaaay too much fun. I'd only consider 4wd for offroad.

 

[Routy]

thanks and ya drifting is extremly fun and i plan on going on road and dirt but dont want to eat my tires. That kart is pretty cool though i wonder how it hadles on road.

 

[huseyinozsut]

If you are not building an off-road kart; but want 4 wheel drive; then I reccomend two differentials (from a small 4wd like subaru justy, suzuki swift etc. or from a small rear powered car.)
Connect these two differentials with a shaft, then connect your engine to shaft. You will need u-joints for fronts; but with 400cc engine, you probably would need grease and plastic seal for them, just like cv joints.

 

[porsche930dude]

we were just discussing that here > http://www.oldminibikes.com/forum/more-than-two-wheels/39707-4wd-gokart.html

 

[Routy]

haha nice seems im not the only one with the idea.

 

[Thedude]

i was going to do this with two differencials using drive shafts

 

[Routy]

are you still going to?

 

[honda-gx-power]

I was thinking the other day about making a front wheel drive kart, as most cars are front wheel drive in the uk and i like rallying my car and thats front wheel drive and handles like dream.
Would be decent if a kart was just front wheel drive, was thinking hard on where the engine would sit ect.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I was thinking the other day about making a front wheel drive kart, as most cars are front wheel drive in the uk and i like rallying my car and thats front wheel drive and handles like dream.
Would be decent if a kart was just front wheel drive, was thinking hard on where the engine would sit ect.

If you don't do suspension, it wouldn't be too hard, you'd just need a couple of U-joints, and fabricate hollow steering knuckles with an outboard bearing carrier. The pivot point of the U-joint must be in perfect alignment with the kingpin.

That said, I'm convinced you'd need a differential. I'm sure it would steer like a train without one..

Imagine the fun you could have in sand or dirt with the rear brake locked and the front wheels spinning!

 

[honda-gx-power]

Thats what i do in the car haha.Would be decent.
Ive just been looking for a front wheel drive kart on google but could only find this fread.
If anyone makes one that would be decent.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I wouldn't count on it, I've never heard of an FWD kart. To have one, I think you'd have to build one.

 

[bighead]

What about 2 front engines like in this pic. One on each side running on it's own axle? Have two gas pedels. One for each engine. Then run your rear brake with a hand lever on the wheel.

I bet you could play with the dual gas pedals for great conering.

Have no idea if this would work. Just my bighead thinking out loud.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

http://www.affordablegokarts.com/RaceKartsProjectKarts&More.php

I just had a closer look at these pics- It's a beast for sure, and really pretty. But I'll bet my next paycheque it handles like he//. I don't see a front diff, and just LOOK at that scrub radius!!! There's gotta be 6-8" between the kingpin and tire centrelines!