Choose a sprocket kit with both sprockets, chain, installation shims, wire locking compound, and extra chain links. Change both sprockets when one is worn or damaged. Consider backlash and drive shaft size when changing sizes. Look for fully welded sprocket hubs and two-piece sprocket packs for performance.
To choose the best sprocket kit, you need to determine what parts you need to change sprockets. Some sprocket kit packages include a pair of sprockets, a drive chain, and mounting hardware, while others may include just a pair of sprockets. The best sprocket kit packages will commonly include both the sprocket hardware and chain, as well as installation shims, wire locking compound, and extra chain links. The additional chain links are useful because they allow you to make adjustments to compensate for a change in sprocket diameter up to the half link. You should ask the dealer selling the kits for the parts included in the kit and choose the one that best suits your needs and application.
When changing a sprocket due to wear, damage, or desired performance changes, it is mandatory to purchase a sprocket kit that includes both the drive and driven sprocket. Sprockets wear out in particular designs and simply changing one sprocket is bound to fail the new sprocket or the other original sprocket. Both sprockets need to be changed together and it is often recommended to change the chain as well to avoid damage to the new sprocket set.
There are two limiting factors when changing the size of a sprocket kit, the backlash and the size of the drive shaft. The sprockets must be capable of being secured to the sprocket drive shaft and there must be sufficient clearance to prevent contact between the chain, sprockets and other system components. The chain and sprockets are sized based on the size of the links and rollers used in the chain, therefore the sprocket kit components should all contain the same size components. This is especially important if you are keeping the original chain and simply swapping out the sprockets for a sprocket kit.
The best sprockets have centers welded into the shaft mounting location of the small drive sprocket. Do not choose a kit with only spot welded sprockets to the center hub, because a fully welded sprocket hub will be much stronger. Two-piece sprockets are also used in some performance kits for the large sprocket setup. This type of sprocket pack allows you to change the large sprocket, typically the rear, without removing the rear axle. These kits are particularly popular with racers of go-karts and other chain driven racing machines and the kits commonly represent the best parts available where strength, quality and reliability are important.
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