Yes, the jacking effect should be equal on both sides if the driver is sitting in the kart. This is our quick and dirty way of checking if a frame is bent usually.

With the driver out of the seat, it might be slightly different side-to-side since you aren’t completely weighted.

Broadly speaking it should be pretty equal, but keep in mind it needs to be a very level surface, tire pressures need to be in ballpark and your toe in/out needs to be symmetrical on each side too.

If you have all of those factors under control, then you can be more confident in your observation of the amount the front wheels get jacked.

You didn’t say how you are gauging the lift, just by the feel of steering wheel resistance?

I’ve done what you’re saying under very controlled conditions in the shop. It can be off a good bit and still feel right. Also, I didn’t go lock to lock, I set up a pointer and a protractor. Manufactures don’t try to make the lock points equal, it just ends up real close because of modern manufacturing.

If you just want a down and dirty way to check it at the track after a bump then go for it. If you’re setting it up in the shop to be the ultimate chassis I’d look at it different.

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