Front Spindle Ride Height

Steve F · Joined: 05 Sep 2001 Posts: 134

So I scored this old Invader for next to nothing and have been running it in the Yamaha can classes just for the heck of it. I noticed that the previous owner had both front spindles shimmed all the way to the top, so that the front ride height of the chassis, relative to the ground is as low as it can be.

Has anyone experimented and noticed the changes that the spindle height has on the kart? Obviously, if each side is different, it will change the corner weights, but what about moving both spindles down the same amount effectivly raising the front end of the chassis?

Mark Dismore Jr · Advertiser Joined: 21 Jul 2001 Posts: 1097

quote:
Originally posted by Steve F:
So I scored this old Invader for next to nothing and have been running it in the Yamaha can classes just for the heck of it. I noticed that the previous owner had both front spindles shimmed all the way to the top, so that the front ride height of the chassis, relative to the ground is as low as it can be.

Has anyone experimented and noticed the changes that the spindle height has on the kart? Obviously, if each side is different, it will change the corner weights, but what about moving both spindles down the same amount effectivly raising the front end of the chassis?

In my experience if you lower the spindle (raise the ride height) the kart tends to push. The lower the front the more grip until you start to hit to much.

Mark

Mark

Rob Linders · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 725

Mark,

Thanks for answering that, since I haven't yet played with my front ride height. I have my front spindles down to raise my front end. This keeps me from scraping the front of my Tony Espirit at Adams. I've played with my rear and got the opposite effect. In my case if I raise rear of the chassis by lowering the axle it will bicycle easier and slide less. So in your experience is that correct as well.

Thanks,
Rob

John Valerio · Joined: 24 Jul 2001 Posts: 650

Steve,
I have an Invader also, When I had a suttle push on turn in. I lowered the spindle one spacer and the push went away, lowering the spindle transfers more weight to the front end.

just my 2 cents
John Valerio

Mark Dismore Jr · Advertiser Joined: 21 Jul 2001 Posts: 1097

quote:
Originally posted by Rob Linders:
Mark,

Thanks for answering that, since I haven't yet played with my front ride height. I have my front spindles down to raise my front end. This keeps me from scraping the front of my Tony Espirit at Adams. I've played with my rear and got the opposite effect. In my case if I raise rear of the chassis by lowering the axle it will bicycle easier and slide less. So in your experience is that correct as well.

Thanks,
Rob

That does sound correct since you are raising the center of gravity and putting more load on the axle. Though I haven't messed with rear ride height a lot to be perfectly honest though that is in the works!

Mark