Rear Axle

[gaspipegokart]

I'm building a go kart and I'm not sure what to do about a rear axle. To me, the best way to go is to put a differential on a regular axle so that both wheels get power, but it still corners well, but I don't have the money to get one of those. I have driven a go kart with a gear bolted directly onto the rear left wheel and it worked fine except for a little bit less traction, but I want to know about a solid rear axle. Is a solid rear axle a normal thing on a go kart or does it ruin the steering? What works the best, solid axle, or just one wheel peel?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

What you are calling a "solid axle", we refer to as a "live axle". You'll want to search on it, there's a ton of info to be had.

And yes- special attention has to be paid to the steering geometry of a live axle kart if you expect it to steer decently.

 

[gaspipegokart]

Thanks, after doing some reading I think I'll drive it with one wheel since I intend to use drive it on pavement a lot.

 

[gixxerkart]

Mah man! Live axle all the way. Here's why- if its for kids, great. It'll understeer like the titanic.
If its for grown ups- you'll outgrow the slow engine and then Get greedy and put in a hot motor. When this happens you'll be happy you have a Thrillbilly engineered axle.