What Kind of Suspension Do Go-Karts Have? (3+ DIY Steps)

In this brief article, we will discuss the Go-Kart Suspension and how to build an Off-Road Go-Kart frame with suspension.

Do Go-Karts have a suspension?

Track Application Go-Karts for racing have no Suspension. The axles are supported directly on the chassis with nothing in between. The main purpose behind go-kart racing is the fact that there is no suspension between the driver and the road. This sort of ‘direct’ Road feedback is the reason why go-karting came into existence. It is a unique opportunity to experience vehicle cornering in its rawest form.

Which Go-Karts have a Suspension?

Off-Road Go karts do have a suspension. These sort of Go-karts are generally custom-built and have no standard formula as such for construction. 

What kind of Suspension do Off-Road Go Karts have?

The track Racing Go-Kart Chassis is designed to be flexible enough to handle the road loads of a racetrack without a suspension. Yet, at the same time, the go-kart chassis is made stiff enough in twist so as to get the best cornering performance.

Off-road Go Karting is a recreational sport. Unlike the conventional Go-karts, there is no official body for racing.

Off-road Go karts do have suspensions which are highly customized according to each driver’s preference. The most commonly seen in the front is the double-wishbone “Long-travel” coilover strut type at all 4 corners. Rear suspension for a solid live-axle type of Kart could be a trailing subframe with coilovers that connect to the chassis.

How to build an Off-road go kart Frame with Suspension?

Step 1: Design the space frame

• There are companies that would provide you with a detailed design and assembly instruction that you could procure from a friend or purchase online from the Go-Kart parts supplier website.
• The Design would involve triangular Truss frame sections that 
• See the instructions and make sure you have all the necessary tools and raw materials necessary to execute the build.

Step 2: Building the Frame

• Follow the instructions and use the right type of welding equipment to make all the necessary joineries
• It may be required to use adjustable fixtures in order to make sure the hardpoints of the left and right side are symmetrical to each other
• If required, do take the assistance or advice of an experienced metal fabricator
• Welds should only be tagged and not fully welded until the inspect has been done

Step 3: Quality Inspection 

• Before going any further make sure that the Chassis has come out dimensionally correct. For this, you would require some sort of inspection platform or flat table on which to place the chassis and verify the dimensions.
• The most critical points would be the attachment hardpoints where the mechanical brackets would be attached, like the suspension, steering, axle, etc.
• Once all the dimensions are verified and corrections have been made where necessary, proceed to complete the welds to full welds

Step 3: Mechanicals and Assembly

• Most of the mechanicals that are compatible with the frame you executed would be available with the Go-Kart supplier.
• Steering rack, Coilovers, steering arms, rear axles, engine, brakes would be best purchased from a specialized Go-kart supplier
• The suspension arms and rear subframe can either be fabricated on your own or procured, depending on your budget.
• Once all mechanical parts are available, proceed to assemble the vehicle as per supplier recommendations.
• Make sure to use a Torque-wrench where necessary
• Start the engine and perform Trial Runs to see that the mechanicals work.

Conclusion

In this brief article, we have discussed the Go-Kart Suspension and how to build an Off-Road Go-Kart frame with suspension.

In case of any questions or queries, please feel free to ask.