Muckmudd's 2018 Build off "Astro Rat" [2018 Build-Off Entry]

Hello everybody! I am planning on entering the build off this year with a Race/ Rat Rod Mower. The base of this mower is a Craftsman Lt4000, and I might just end up using it's frame because I might do a motor swap with my LT130 that has a 13HP. The other parts are off a old 88 craftsman sears. I will use a foote gearbox and I will try to get a live axle for it. I will be using a wheelbarrow bucket type bodywork for this build and I will probably have to make a custom dash. For the front end I will have to re-design the steering if I want to go somewhat fast, so I am planning on a over engine steering system. I will also have to make my own front axle and spindles. I will take my time on this build so i'm not 100% sure it will be done by the end of the build off and most likely most of the work will be done on it during the summer. Here is my pile.






-Approved by Doug, 2/3/2018

Ok so this weekend I am doing the motor swap on the build off and mud mower. I know it may seem like a downgrade for the racer but I think the LT130 deserves the torque. I also want to try to fit the hood of the old sears craftsman so the 13HP might work because it is narrower. It should be a fairly easy swap because they are both Briggs and they have the exact same frame so the bolt holes should line up perfectly.

Motor swap is complete I didn't have to hook up all the electrical for now so it was easy. I found these tires in the shop that I had bought for $5 and they have bearings so they should be good as front tires. I went to the scrap yard today and payed 2$ for this old rustic propane thank that will go on the back and be used as a fuel tank if its not too rusty inside. I will need to get a little fuel shutoff valve and attach it to it and it will look real raty. I also made a deal for a rear engine rider with a foote 3 speed to replace my broken one for $10 however I have not picked it up yet.

Good luck and best wishes, very happy to see your entry. cheers.

Thanks, Its exiting but now I'm at the point where I need to order parts online to get any further.

Get those parts!  Like to see some more updates! 

Yeah planning on buying a lot of stuff online so i'll do it all at once. I will get a 3 ft axle from princess auto, a bearing set from Go power sports and A brake and a sprocket for now. I will worry about the steering later because I am still unclear of how I will do it.

Does anyone have experience with this product? where do you guys get your 1" live axle bearings?

Check your princess auto, you might find those bearings, and those retainers, all you would have to do is make the flange. Might end up a bit cheaper?

The closest princess auto is an ween 2 ferry 1 day trip away from me. I don't think it's really worth the journey but if I had a princess auto locally I would probably just go for pillow blocks or something. The kit is only 30$ which isn't to bad if the shipping doesn't set me back too far.

I’ve bought similar bearings and flanges from gokartgalaxy.com. I’ve machined up my own mounting plates too.

I have used the same kit but bought it from bmikarts.com . They work well but I prefer pillow block bearing holders as they are easier to use on what I make. So your using a foote with an oppy? Cool so am i on my build off, guess we will find out how they take higher horsepower !.

Oooh, that thing will be sick! Good luck in the build off bro!!! 

Nah I did an engine swap with my LT130 mud mower. I figured it needed the torque more than the rat and I didn't just want to have a blown foote after my first ride. The rpm's should be fairly similar so I should probably get a similar speed out of either of them anyways. What is the best company for bearings if i'm in Canada? you say pillow blocks are good and I would agree but I am putting them in a craftsman stamped frame so i think it would just be easier to make a cut out and weld in the brackets. I will go check my local Lordco to see the price on 1'' pillow blocks later this week. I will keep posting updated so stay tuned.

I was looking at BMI karts and they have the same set at go power sports for bearings but it i 10$ cheaper but I calculated the shipping to my home and it will cost me 50$. Do any of you know what the shipping is like at Go Power Sports?

Sadly so does GPS. I just calculated and it turns to to be 92$ all together.

BOOM!  $42 bucks FREE SHIPPING https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Live-Rear-Axle-Bearing-Kit-Azusa-Set-Go-Kart-ATV-Fun-Cart-Parts/263115183838?epid=702127153&hash=item3d42e316de:g:7L4AAOSwEppUQHJ~

Nice... 

BUT..... It's like $40 to ship to Canada.  

Shipping is always killer for go cart parts. That's why I don't order small things since the last time I bought $20 worth of bearings and paid $60 to get it to my door.

Crazy_Carl wrote:

BOOM!  $42 bucks FREE SHIPPING https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Live-Rear-Axle-Bearing-Kit-Azusa-Set-Go-Kart-ATV-Fun-Cart-Parts/263115183838?epid=702127153&hash=item3d42e316de:g:7L4AAOSwEppUQHJ~

Yeah.... Not so fast... It costs 40$ to ship to Canada making it like 90$ all together.

I guess I will see how much pillow blocks cost at my local stores.

Probably just gonna get these because shipping is only 15$ and they should be here pretty soon. I will just see what Lordco's price is first. Is there any any alternatives to lock collars? they are 5$ each and I will need like 8. Can you make then fairly easily?

I buy mine, 2 for 4 bucks at tsc. If you can weld it might be easy

2 for 4$ on pillow blocks??? that's ridiculous. Why is Canada so insanely pricey... But yes I can weld. I am planning on making an inner sub frame out of some 2'' square tube and drill some holes so they are removable.

Since you don't need your lock collars right away, I'd wait until you make a trip to a princess auto or keeping hunting around on-line for the right deal. I might also try to combine them with another parts order to save on shipping costs. I feel bad for you Canadian guys. I order small parts and things from ebay all the time and I never worry about the shipping costs because it's either free or cheap.