Swingarm vs independent rear custom build advice

[twostrokefreak761]

I'm cooking up a new kart for trails and farm work. I'm torn between a basic rear swingarm and trying an independent rear suspension this time.

I've seen builds using A-arms and CV axles, but those CV joints and axle kits are hard to find and expensive around here. I'm thinking about using U-joints instead since I have some spare ones from an old quad. I know they don't handle extreme angles as well, but it might be okay for the trails and fields I have in mind.

Has anyone built a kart with rear independent suspension using U-joints? I'm wondering how it held up and if there were issues at high RPMs or with suspension travel.

Any advice is welcome! I'll post a sketch of my idea once I get it mocked up.

 

[Borntorace]

I'd say it probably depends on what you're planning to do with it. For lighter trials, the u joints should be fine, but if you need something more, especially with a lot more suspension articulation, you'll need to look at those cv joints and axle kits.