Rear Swing Arm - Live Axle

[JBMadMax]

I'm a rookie and I picked up a project kart for my boys. They would like to have a live axle and rear suspension, but I'm struggling with how to build a swing arm into the design without ripping the entire back end off.

1) Is there anyway to get a swing arm around the existing structure?
(a friend suggested a old ATV rear swing arm, but then I don't think I can mount the engine 212cc predator on the swing arm assembly - i'm trying to keep the cost and complexity down too). I have a couple of motorcycle shocks I can work with...

2) It came with a peerless mower transaxle - the thing weighs a ton - I considered locking the axle and using it with the horizontal predator, but I don't know if I have room for sprocket or breaks (tire overlaps end of transaxle by 5")

3) any other live axle suggestions - i think I need at least 32" across to make this thing work, most live axle kits out there are pretty expensive (over $160)

4) It came with wicked rear tires & decent wheels, but the hub assembly is for a mower too (3.4" triangle pattern) and I'm having difficult getting the hub assemblies off of the transaxle.

I appreciate any advice - I'm handy, but new to this!

 

[Functional Artist]

Lookin' @ pic #3, I would cut off the bottom frame area, just behind the crossmember, behind the seat
...& also, the (2) rear up right support posts

Then, build a "simple" swing arm like on the Damien kart
(the swing arm starts @ post #12)

https://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=40084

You could mount the front (hinge) to the existing cross member
...& attach the shocks to the upper frame bars

 

[JBMadMax]

Thanks for the suggestion! I was considering that - my one concern is that the pyramid like structure over the back-end is currently partially supported by the (2) up right support posts, is the structure going to hold if I pull the supports out?

 

[Functional Artist]

Need more info
...& more/better pics of the entire structure

 

[joshualm82]

I'm a newbie at Karts but an old soul at engineering
Keep it simple, unless they are going to be hauling a$$ the rear suspension may cause you more headache and work vs time spent riding the cart.

Drop a live axle with some fat tires on the back end, and they'll be good to go. Save the swing arm for your next project

 

[JBMadMax]

Thanks - I'm considering that too - if I were building it from scratch it might be easier than getting the swing arm to work with this kart...

 

[PanelDeland]

Put a live axle on it and let them have at it. If you want a wing arm frame, design and build it to use the parts you have then swap everything over.

Put a live axle on it and let them have at it. You can design and build a swing arm frame to use the parts you have then swap over when it's ready.

 

[sd3838]

I weigh about 240 and I can’t get my suspension to move much at all. Don’t have any prior experience, so I don’t know how much it’s supposed to have.