The 3 Best Live Axle Kits For Racing Go-Karts
You already know go-karts don’t have differentials. If you’re considering using a live axle, this is the right place for you.
We reviewed the best go-kart live conversion kits available for your convenience. Among them, WPHMOTO Live Axle Kit remains our favorite because of its compatibility.
But, selecting one of them is a bit challenging. You’ll be better able to make a decision if you know all the critical aspects of the complete go-kart live axle kit.
Discover more as you read on.
Our Top Picks For The Best Live Axle Go-Kart Kits
TDPRO Live Axle Kit
TDPRO Live Axle Kits are also a great choice if you’re building your go-kart or replacing an existing one. Axle installation and operation require all the essential components contained therein.
A live axle kit consists of an axle, a brake, a sprocket with 58 teeth, a disk brake, and two pillow blocks. Axle dimensions are 740mm (29 1/8′′) long and 22mm wide.
Go-karts with wheels around 6 inches in diameter can use this product.
Specifications:
- Axle Length: 740mm
- Axle Width: 22mm
- Kit: 6 Components
WPHMOTO Live Axle Kit
In our list of the best live axle kits for go-karts, the WPHMOTO Live Axle Kit holds the number one spot. People interested in building a go-kart will benefit from this kit.
The kit is complete with everything you need for adding a live axle to your kart. There is a live axle, components for assembly, a sprocket, brake disk, and pillow blocks.
The axle measures 740mm long and 22mm wide. A live axle kit from WPHMOTO is a great way to build your go-kart.
Specifications:
- Axle Length: 740mm
- Axle Width: 22mm
- Kit: 5 Components
MotorFansClub Live Axle Kit
If you are building a go-kart or looking to replace an existing axle, you may also appreciate the MotorFansClub Live Axle Kit. You will get a large number of components with this kit for your go-kart.
Two pillow blocks, a sprocket, a brake disk, and brake components go with the rear axle. Its high-grade steel components are all compatible with each other.
The live axle measures 80cm (31.49″). Moreover, a T8F sprocket and corresponding chain fit perfectly onto the live axle.
Specifications:
- Axle Length: 80cm
- 31.49″ in length
- Kit: 7 Components
Factors To Consider When Buying Go-Kart Live Axle Kit
Our guide to buying a live axle kit for your go-kart discusses what you should look for when purchasing a kit. The application, construction quality, kit contents, compatibility with other parts, and price are important considerations.
Application
As go-karts do not use differentials, you would want to use a live axle to build your own. Despite having so many applications for live axle kits, you can use them on any go-kart you want.
Live Axles For Racing Go-Karts: You’re looking for the most space and weight-efficient kart if you’ve decided to build one yourself or replace an existing live axle kit. Unlike off-road go-karts, racing go-karts are powerful and lightweight.
Choose a smaller live axle with a width of between 1″ and 35″. Be sure your axle is long enough to accommodate your wheels.
Live Axles For Off-Road Go-Karts: A live axle needs to support a go-kart’s weight when building or replacing one. In off-road go-karts, the live axle makes a difference for supporting the additional strain and weight.
Choose a live axle whose width is at least 1″ and whose length is at least 35″. Your axle must be long enough for your go-kart’s wheels and tires.
Contents
A live axle consists of all the components you need to operate and install it. You will frequently find axle accessories such as pillow blocks. Occasionally, kits include sprockets and brake disks that match the axle center hole diameter.
In a go-kart live axle kit, you’ll find the following components;
- 1 x Live axle
- 1 x Assembly hardware
- 2 x Pillow blocks (with bearings)
There are sometimes more components in live axle kits. It is convenient for you since you will not have to make these parts yourself. Below are some additional features:
- Chain
- Brake disk
- Brake disk assembly
- Sprocket
- Clutch
Material
Go-kart axles made of heavy steel must support the weight of the go-kart through pillow blocks, as they are required to bear this weight. Steel is the most common metal for go-kart axles, not any other.
There are other components, such as high-grade aluminum hubs, that you may find occasionally.
Standard Measurements
You’ll find manufacturers using metric or imperial units of measurement for live axles. Some axles may therefore have 22mm or 1″ width or diameter.
There is a disparity in the length of axles, and components in the kit may differ. Live axle kits contain standard parts, while others may have brakes, sprockets, and chains.
Compatibility
It is vital to ensure that all the components are compatible when purchasing a live axle kit for a go-kart. As each component in the equipment requires the use of another, you must confirm that it will work with the system you currently have.
As a result, you will have to modify the sprocket and brake disk if the axle dimensions are different from the existing excel file.
You can be more flexible if you’re building your go-kart. For those who already have sprockets and brakes, you can simply use a standard live axle kit.
When you think about compatibility with other components, here are some things to consider:
- Sprocket Center hole diameter
- Brake disk center diameter
- Live axle length
- Live axle width
- Hub center hole diameter
Go-Kart Axle Kit
Which kit you should buy depends on your go-kart. Ensure that the specifications are identical for a new live axle. It will require several modifications or part swaps to install a new axle if not.
According to its application, you should choose a live axle kit for your go-kart if you’re building one. Whether you are building an off-road or racing go-kart, we recommend a more sturdy and stronger live axle kit. If you are making a racing go-kart, maybe choose something smaller and lighter.
Price Range
Materials, brand, and number of parts determine the price of a live axle kit. Costs for live axle kits range from $120 to $200. The slightly more expensive kits often include more components than the affordable ones.
FAQs
Is a live axle better on a go-kart?
The entire rear axle of a live axle rotates at the same speed, allowing power to be distributed equally to both rear wheels. The engine on the go-kart will drive both the rear wheels simultaneously.
You can mount one sprocket to the live axle to accomplish this. Acceleration and speed are great with live axles. On dirt and sand, it is easy to slip the outside wheel.
But on hard dirt and roads, the wheels have much more traction, and therefore it’s harder for that wheel to slip.
How do you make a go-kart live axle?
Live axles are actually rear axles that evenly distribute power to both rear wheels. A live axle must have a long shaft attached to both ends with both wheels on it.
With a sprocket connected to the engine crankshaft by a go-kart chain, it does this. Each rear wheel spins at the same speed as the rear axle.
What size go-kart axle do I need?
A heavy live axle is necessary for off-road go-karts since they typically sport a larger weight and more strain than racing go-karts. Choose a live axle with an overall length of at least 35″. It should have a minimum of 1″ of width.
Final Thoughts
Buying live axle kits is essential, but there is a drawback.
You’ll have to buy the axle assembly hardware separately if you only buy a live axle without the kit.
Getting a live axle kit is a smart move if you want for greater convenience and compatibility. Get ready for an adrenaline rush!