03-13-2018, 12:47 PM
So I'm getting ready to replace the front axle on my new-to-me Go Kart 800. From what I've read and found in searches, a good setup would include the following:
Kingpin inclination (KPI) 7 degrees
Caster 12 degrees
Camber 0
Toe 0
The NOS spindles available from Azusa appear to have zero KPI. I'm not certain what the KPI is on my existing GK 800 spindles, although they've taken a beating over the years so who knows what they were originally.
I could fabricate new spindles, and suspect this is what I'll do, which opens up a lot of possibilities and a big can of worms. Anyone have any advice or thoughts on this? Should I build the spindles for 1/2 inch kingpins with bushings or just straight 5/8 inch bolts no bushings? And should I build them for 3/4 inch spindle and run tapered roller wheel bearings or are the plain old sealed roller bearings adequate? What's standard practice on karts in general, and what is original to a GK800? How do you get correct Ackerman angle when the tires are so close to the spindle? Thanks.
-Rick
Kingpin inclination (KPI) 7 degrees
Caster 12 degrees
Camber 0
Toe 0
The NOS spindles available from Azusa appear to have zero KPI. I'm not certain what the KPI is on my existing GK 800 spindles, although they've taken a beating over the years so who knows what they were originally.
I could fabricate new spindles, and suspect this is what I'll do, which opens up a lot of possibilities and a big can of worms. Anyone have any advice or thoughts on this? Should I build the spindles for 1/2 inch kingpins with bushings or just straight 5/8 inch bolts no bushings? And should I build them for 3/4 inch spindle and run tapered roller wheel bearings or are the plain old sealed roller bearings adequate? What's standard practice on karts in general, and what is original to a GK800? How do you get correct Ackerman angle when the tires are so close to the spindle? Thanks.
-Rick