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very stupid question
Cita - 4/9/04 at 09:55 AM

this is probably a very stupid question but i'll ask it anyway with the chance of being banned from this forum forever!

I'm about to tackle the steering upset for my single seat Gocost (Go-kart/Locost) car.
Obviously the best option would be to go for one of those expencive rack and pinion units available for off road buggy's-monoposto race cars etc..i.e. a very short housing with the steering wheel shaft input in the center of this housing.
As said before those units are rather expencive and i have to import them from the U.S. or the UK.
Now my very stupid question is:do i really need a rack and pinion for such a light weigth car or would it be possible to go for a go-kart approach and use a drop link arrangement.
I think i understand the possible disadvantages for a go-kart steering approach but can somebody explain this,bearing in mind that my car is intended to use for hillclimbs and is probably half the weigth of a Locost.
Thanks for wasting your time on this


Tblue - 4/9/04 at 10:12 AM

Works for Quads, why not on your car? You might need a bigger wheel to get enough leverage, or like a quad, handlebars!

[Edited on 4/9/04 by Tblue]


JoelP - 4/9/04 at 11:03 AM

i believe that a drop link system will work fine. Just makes for rather direct steering, but this is good provided the weight is low enough to keep the steering manageable. Ackerman still works fine on these systems.


Spyderman - 4/9/04 at 03:44 PM

Have you thought of using a VW Beetle steering box?
This could be mounted centrally or where required. The arms can be made to suit.

Just another option!

Terry