Thunder kart spindle question.

[TowIIBravo]

I have the OEM spindles currently on the kart. Question is can I install the new ones in the pictures and will they improve the steering? They are 4.5 instead of the oem 3.

 

[Master Hack]

We can't really tell by the pics, but assuming you found those as a replacement to fit the frame then yes they will improve the steering cus they have the control arm 90 degrees (perpendicular) to the spindle. You could do the same if you changes the angle of the arm.


when ya turn right angle of the arm and the tie rod is too flat. Same left but other side.
if ya can straighten that ya wont need spindles.

 

[Hellion]

Let me ask you, in what way are you trying to 'improve' the steering? It sounds like an Ackermann question (which you or anyone reading should DuckDuckgo).

Just know if you are running a full live axle well that's your problem right there, lol.
Ain't it wonderful?

 

[TowIIBravo]

Let me ask you, in what way are you trying to 'improve' the steering? It sounds like an Ackermann question (which you or anyone reading should DuckDuckgo).

Just know if you are running a full live axle well that's your problem right there, lol.
Ain't it wonderful?

If the new part has a control arm that is 90 degrees off of the spindle compared to the oem control arm that is let’s say 45 degrees. Question is which is the better control arm?

 

[Hellion]

I don't think you want 90° on the spindle. We're always wanting proper Ackermann here and you can check it by reversing the spindles like the photo and drawing straight lines to the centerline of the rear axle. It really doesn't matter what side of the spindle the tie rods are on. Check it, then reassemble the way it was and voilá.



Maybe Denny can explain it better, he's the smartest guy we have here.

 

[TowIIBravo]

I don't think you want 90° on the spindle. We're always wanting proper Ackermann here and you can check it by reversing the spindles like the photo and drawing straight lines to the centerline of the rear axle. It really doesn't matter what side of the spindle the tie rods are on. Check it, then reassemble the way it was and voilá.

View attachment 154421

Maybe Denny can explain it better, he's the smartest guy we have here.

Ok thanks. so maybe adjust the toe to fine tune then?

 

[Hellion]

That's the way I have always done it, a little toe-in, even on the riding lawnmower!

 

[Denny]

If you move your inner tierod ends to the opposite sides from where they are on the pitman shaft. it will improve your Ackerman angle.

 

[Hellion]

if you are running a full live axle well that's your problem right there

What I meant was, a full, honest live axle just doesn't turn remotely comparable to an axle with a differential. It's primitive as all get-out but the early racers basically 'overpowered' the axle (or the forces on the axle) to make the outer tire break its traction or they lifted the inner tire on the turn either with Body English, the natural weight transfer or both, all to conduct a turn. It's science, man.

A live axle can make you think the steering is at fault especially at low speeds. Like pushing a kart with no engine and a kid at the wheel. You're going along at the break-neck speed of 4MPH and the kid turns the wheel to full lock and it's like he slammed on the brakes.