Bead Lock Wheels

[LarryA]

I just placed my order at RC Boyz for 4 of the black 5 hole composite beadlocks. I also ordered 4 of the Duratrax Nitro Quake tires and foams from Tower hobbies. I understand from the above link article that these tires are rough to fit on the wheels but will fit. They are a fair amount larger than the stock Savage tires and much larger than T-Maxx tires. The total cost with S&H came to about $100 but that's no worse than any other plastic wheel/tire combination for all four axles. Heck, it costs all but that to tire my NRS-4. I'll let you all know how things work out in a week or two when I excpect to have them and mount the tires.

 

[LarryA]

My Maximizer Wheels and Duratrax Nitro Quake tires are now on my Savage. It was a task, to say the least, to get these tires on the wheels. If you ever mounted a motocross tire on a motorcycle with tire irons you have an idea of what it was like in a smaller scale. I purchased foams but there was no way I could get the bead in the sleeve (lock) with the foams in the tires. I opted to mount the tires without the foams. It turned out nice in a way, now the tires are like they are air filled. The wheels sealed the setup good enough that when you press on the tires no air escapes the tire. The new tires are 6 3/4" high and 3 1/2" wide. Also installed are a full set of "Works For Competition" 6lb springs. Granted, this is not the ideal suspension setup for high speed manuvering but it is cool and much larger than the original setup. There are two pictures in my gallery (ones with panneling in background). One side from the front and one from the side. The

 

[LarryA]

Off today to give the truck a good running and see how the new tire/wheel setup works. I'm starting to think these tires are way too hard. Sealed in air or not, there is very little give in the rubber. Well, guess I'll find out if I created a four wheeled beach ball or if I like it. Results to follow later this evening.

 

[LarryA]

Ok, the testing went off today without any real major problems. As I figured, the Duratrax Nitro Quake tire rubber is a little too hard. Overall the setup with these tires, the 6lb shock springs, and the beadlock wheels, worked pretty well. The truck took the bumps rather well considering the stiff suspension setup. I did have one nose dive roll-over but brake adjustment would correct that. I did notice that the tires have a bit of a wobble in them. Probably due to the very difficult fit of the tires on the wheels. The bead is probably a tiny bit out of position and some place. It is not that bad so I'm not going to mess with it. I found that fairly high speed sharp turns where not too much of a problem as long as there was some loose dirt under the tires. On a hard high traction surface the truck wanted to flip over (I slowed quickly so it wouldn't). Overall, I'm satisfied but not overly happy. The ride is a little too bouncy but not uncontrollable. Softer tire rubber would be vast improvement. For all the work it took to get these tires on the beadlock wheels, I would not do it again. Next time I'll buy tires that are soft and insert some good foams inside them. The beadlock wheels show no signs of and hub problems at the hex. Now this was only one afternoon and I can't say how they will hold up for the long run but I'm happy with the wheels.