pic: Team 3572 Chassis Project

[Deke]

I like the layout, it is very creative.

It looks like the cim plates are 1/8" thick, if they are, I would suggest at least 1/4" thick with the Cims cantilevered off them. 1/8" works if both sides are supported, but a big bounce or hit will put a large load on that thin plate.

The middle drive pulley to the cims looks cantilevered from the frame tube, I'm not sure if would would be an issue or not, but it would help if you can support it with a bearing on both sides. Some testing of the current layout will let you know, just something to watch out for.

I would suggest the dead axles with blocks for the outside wheels like you suggested, we ran cantilevered dead axles last year and loved the performance over live axles. With your belt layout, it makes it easier to run dead axles versus live axles as well.