Repurposing zero turn front spindles.

Ok Iam bouncing back and forth on my plans for the spindles and need some feedback.

I've had a couple of ideas ranging from regular go kart spindles with or without bearings and even Springer spindles.
An idea that also floated around for a long time is to use the spindles for a zero turn mower as I have tons of those lying around.



I already have some amazing hubs for a 25mm shaft which I will be using whatever happens so I would be using bushings even if I use a 3/4 shaft.

My plan was to remove the fork entirely and weld a 25mm shaft on the bottom aswell as some tabs for the steering
It's surely unconventional but I know from experience that these can take a beating.
They do have bearings but they are conical.

I could really use some feedback on this from you guys to see if this might be a viable option.

I've never seen it done but don't see why it wouldn't work. It sounds like it would be really strong with the bearings,  you might have to be the first to try it then give us the feedback!  Lol

Well yes, I am going to use parts of this in some shape or form as theres definitely some benefit to be had here.

Execution wise however Iam just not sure however.
Question is if that weld there would be the best thing.
I guess I could also bridge the tabs for steering and tie rod over both the vertical and horizontal shafts.

Another issue is that considering that the tube is about 2 inch thick and 6 inch long and I might have to angle the top of the spindle a few degrees inward to clear the wheel
Now I am a bit new to steering geometry so Iam wondering if that might have some negative impact

I think you could make them work, but I have a couple of concerns.
First, there is a HUGE amount of caster. That would make it difficult to control the steering. And, they look very heavy.
Put on the thinking cap and see if you can figure out the issues.
Watching!

No that fork will go, the fork is welded on a shaft inside that goes through the top of the fork
Instead of that there will be a shaft going at a 14 degree or so angle at the bottom

King pin inclination will be around 14 degrees if my calculations are correct

So this is kind of what Iam up against.
The rims I have are quite deep and if possible I'd like to avoid spacers as much as possible.
But they're free so I am working with what I got.

Another thing I am trying to avoid is making the shaft way too long and creating a big lever which causes strain on the weld.

So I could really use some suggestions on the king pin inclination.
Ideally I want it around 14% or about 1,5 inch inwards on the top but I don't know if that's pushing it

10 degree



15 degree