FWD Electric Cart with Suspension?

[Tinodesis]

I want to build a front-wheel-drive electric cart using an ME29 transaxle I was given for free. I also want IFS. Can I modify the solid axle housing to accept a splined output flange and CV axles? I have axles with splines already cut to attach a VW output flange. I could have the other end cut to match the splines on the inboard end of the axle.

Here is a basic model of what I want to do. The frame, a-arms, suspension parts, etc, are not shown in the picture.

Is there a better gear box with suspension axles out there that can take up to 22 HP?

[Revolution]

1 Why front wheel drive? I have a dual motor cart that has front and rear motors, I prefer it in rear wheel drive not front wheel drive. Traction is better at the rear, unless you are climbing over objects taller than the front tires. The only other exception where FWD helps is a slight reduction in turning radius.

2 Why use a belt when gears are stronger and last longer?

[Tinodesis]

Originally Posted by Revolution

1 Why front wheel drive? I have a dual motor cart that has front and rear motors, I prefer it in rear wheel drive not front wheel drive. Traction is better at the rear, unless you are climbing over objects taller than the front tires. The only other exception where FWD helps is a slight reduction in turning radius.

2 Why use a belt when gears are stronger and last longer?

I need front wheel drive because I'm going to use trailing arms for the rear suspension. I will be using a ramp between the trailing arms to load my wheelchair.

I have a 72 Volt buggy now that uses a belt just like the picture. I was going to use it on this project. It makes less noise than a chain and sprockets.

I thought about my post last night and should have narrowed my question down to "Can an ME29 be modified to accept suspension axles?"

[pachanga90]

Look at older(early/mid 90s)Polaris quad front ends for 4x4 models.They are chain-drive,so mounting and connecting the motor would be fairly simple,and the rest of the work is already done.They use McPhearson Struts,which will simplify mounting too.Hope this helps.

[Tinodesis]

Originally Posted by pachanga90

Look at older(early/mid 90s)Polaris quad front ends for 4x4 models.They are chain-drive,so mounting and connecting the motor would be fairly simple,and the rest of the work is already done.They use McPhearson Struts,which will simplify mounting too.Hope this helps.

Hi pachanga,

If I'm understanding your suggestion I would power the Polaris transmission with the electric motor then run chain to drive the front axles.

Wouldn't I need a differential up front for turning without scrubbing the tires? Or are you suggesting using the entire front end?

[pachanga90]

Use the Polaris differential(its chain-driven from trans,so the shaft has a sprocket on it already),cv-shafts,control-arms,steering,etc..Just cut the whole front section out of the quad,and make a motor-bracket.You will need to check the gearing in the differential,and adjust the motor to diff.gearing with sprockets if necessary,but it would be alot easier and cheaper than building an entire drivetrain.With the electric-drive,you won't need a transmission,its built into the drive-system.We had a 93' Polaris 300 4x4 2-stroke,it was chain driven front and rear.Hope this helps.

[Tinodesis]

Originally Posted by pachanga90

Use the Polaris differential(its chain-driven from trans,so the shaft has a sprocket on it already),cv-shafts,control-arms,steering,etc..Just cut the whole front section out of the quad,and make a motor-bracket.You will need to check the gearing in the differential,and adjust the motor to diff.gearing with sprockets if necessary,but it would be alot easier and cheaper than building an entire drivetrain.With the electric-drive,you won't need a transmission,its built into the drive-system.We had a 93' Polaris 300 4x4 2-stroke,it was chain driven front and rear.Hope this helps.

I understand now, thanks. Only problem would be no reverse.

I don't have to build the drive-train my way, just modify the the ME29 to accept CV shafts. I already have the control arms, cv shafts, spindles, steering rack and shaft, brakes, etc. All from a 2006 Yamaha Rhino.

I'm just needing a good FNR gearbox and was hoping to use the ME29.

[pachanga90]

If you use a golf cart drive system(motor,controller,etc.)you will have reverse built in.Thats why i suggested it in the form i did without a transmission.Im sure old quad parts are alot cheaper than rhino/rzr parts too.Then you have a simple, reliable,proven drive system electrically and mechanically.Another option is the polaris trans,it has Hi,Lo,Nuetral,and Reverse,and is chain drive output,belt-driven(CVT like a cart)input,which can be removed and the shaft hooked to the drive-motor.

[Revolution]

Originally Posted by Tinodesis

I understand now, thanks. Only problem would be no reverse.

I don't have to build the drive-train my way, just modify the the ME29 to accept CV shafts. I already have the control arms, cv shafts, spindles, steering rack and shaft, brakes, etc. All from a 2006 Yamaha Rhino.

I'm just needing a good FNR gearbox and was hoping to use the ME29.

You shouldn't need a forward neutral reverse gearbox with an electric motor. I don't even know of an electric cart with a gear box.

Just us a reversing contactor.

[Tinodesis]

Originally Posted by Revolution

You shouldn't need a forward neutral reverse gearbox with an electric motor. I don't even know of an electric cart with a gear box.

Just us a reversing contactor.

I have a series wound motor and Alltrax 7245 controller I was hoping to use. It's not a cart motor. It's a bit bigger, I think 7.5" diameter.

I'm trying to use all the parts I have collected to save money.