Please help with chinese dune buggy suspension improvements

[BK911]

Have a Kandi Spyder dune buggy.



I knew it was cheap Chinese junk when I bought it, but figured I could improve it as things broke. Well, the time has come!
The front suspension is so loose you cant hear the engine over the rattling!
Everything is as tight as it will get but there is still a lot of play.
Bushings were shot after a few months, but they are not a standard size so I could not find direct replacements.
Top and bottom ball joint attachments are simply a hole, and by now that hole has ovaled.
So, I would like to replace the entire front end with something more durable.
But I have no idea where to start.
Any suggestions?

[LWJ]

Not certain about the ovalized holes. Perhaps weld up?

On the bushings you could have some nylon or delrin or similar turned to size. I suspect you don't have a lathe. I don't either. It would not be so difficult to drill the center hole and then sand to diameter with a synthetic material.

Good luck!
Larry

[john70t]

The front end frame looks randomly overbuilt, but the suspension connection points underbuilt.

In terms of looking at a single plane:
The for/aft/lateral forces could be reinforced a bit better.
The A-arms could have a small brace if the metal is sketchy.
The bushing-frame housing could be reinforced, or upgraded with something beefy and more standard.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by BK911

I knew it was cheap Chinese junk ... any suggestions?

add some dim sum to it

[Rusty Heap]

for now, I'd be looking at the local ATV dealer for items.


all I can suggest, is upgrading/emulating this standard of engineering.


Long Travel Suspension is your Friend!



Tatum Motor Sports

[ckelly78z]

My FIL bought one of those cheap crap Chinese ATVs and i've been fixing it ever since. Honda, Yamaha, Polaris is what's in my barn.

[Bill Douglas]

It might be a good excuse to buy a lathe and turn some brass bushes, maybe even buy a welder

[FrankyV]

Try AmericanSportworks.com for replacement parts. They sell similar Chinese made karts and parts and are pretty good on customer service.

[BK911]

Thanks guys.
I can find replacement parts.
The original parts wore in less than a year, so I dont want to use replacement stuff.
I want to upgrade.
Per Bill's suggestion, I am looking for a better design.
Turning better bushings seems simple enough.
Not sure how to improve the upper / lower ball joint area.
Been googling but still unsure best / easiest way to proceed.