2.2 Sized Beadlocks that can be narrowed
 

I don't know why these don't get more attention. They do EXACTLY what a beadlock is supposed to do and cost less than most regular wheels ($6.69/pr). They're not the best looking, but you can handle that with some rock rings or similar dress up item. Credit goes to Toyofast for turning me on to them in his post here. http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/tamiya-tlt-crawlers/4811-2-2-beadlaocks-real-ones-cheap-too.html

Here's the Tower link (Stock number LX2954)
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LX2954&P=7

Strangely no one seemed that excited about them so I though I'd try to reinforce his impression with some pics and info of my own.
First pic is of the three pieces. It's relatively easy to narrow the wheels. To cut the wheel I mounted the outer half of the wheel on a spare axle in my Dewalt drill. The I spun it while cutting with a grinding bit in my Dremel. Then I cleaned it up with a file. On the inner wheel I just cut off the nubs with a x-acto and sanded a bit.
http://www.datascape.net/crawler/images/beadlock1.jpg

Inner ring installed
http://www.datascape.net/crawler/images/beadlock2.jpg

Outer halves installed and screwed together
http://www.datascape.net/crawler/images/beadlock3.jpg

Inside of the wheel
http://www.datascape.net/crawler/images/beadlock4.jpg

The end result works very well. Once narrowed the offset is the same as my narrowed HPI Splt 5 wheels (~3/8"). Wheel width inside the rims is 1 7/16" which is pretty good. If I wanted I could easily narrow them another 1/8" more without significantly weakening them. I'd just have to use locknuts on the inside of the rim to hold the screws.

This combo is actually lighter than my HPI Split 5/Imex G-Hawg combo (5.2oz vs 5.5oz).

I haven't run them yet but I'm a strong guy and using my hands was unable to move the tire in relation to the rim. There is no way this is coming loose while crawling.

Hope you guys find this useful

2.2 sized bead locks
 

do you happen to know what kind of width you will get running these, given i upgrade to the tg10 axles or blackfoots.

I have the Blackfoot axles. I'll measure and post the width later.

I was going to get a pair, however a few people who had them say that the beadlock doesn't hold the tire tight enough in rough situations.

Knowing how folks are I'm betting they didn't have the wheels set up correctly. I think they're more secure than my glued on tires.

I don't see how they could be more secure than glued wheels unless you spot glue them. But give them hell and let us know how they do. Oh, and do you know the offset?

Welcome to 3 months ago when I mentioned the AE wheels also...... ;-)

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showt...ight=beadlocks








I too have had people tell me that the AE beadlocks let loose but I don't see it unless the person putting them together screwed up. I have ran them and those suckers are super tight on the rims. I tore the bead when pulling on the Mashers too.... must be some-what strong.

I have my AE beadlocks holding together some experimental "2.2" Savage tires :twisted:

Ya, he kinda mentioned that... and linked to the same thread :mrgreen:

FWIW, AE does not call those "beadlocks" :roll:
Those are simply 3 piece wheels. But if you want to call them beadlocks, that's fine by me :flipoff:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LX2954&P=7

I love how the product notes tell you to use CA. haha

Doh! See what happens when you mix crappy Coors and the internet.... I go wacky all over everyone :twisted: I need more cheap-azz beer :flipoff:

My beer ain't cheap, but I will trade you some Homebrew for a Bulu ;-) . Problem is, I can't ship the beer, so you have to make your way to Texas. But, once you try my brew, you will be spoiled and begging for more. :mrgreen:

since we are on the subject, would the fronts work for a 2.2, they are already narrowed, http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LX2907&P=7

no because the front wheels on a stadium truck run on a bearing. so way to transfer power to the wheel.

thanks, i wasnt sure on that,

OK I measured the width. Outside of tire to outside of tire is 10 1/4". Center to center is 7 3/4". Don't forget I'm running Blackfoot axles.

It's about 1/2" negative offset.

Well beadlocks is exactly what they are so http://datascape.net/images/shrug.gif

Easy on the beer there sparky. http://datascape.net/images/wink.gif

Do you have a link to them, I have searched multiple times on tower and can't find them, I did however find the tg10 axles, are they the same thing?

Here's the TG10s
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXGM26&P=7
And the Blackfoot axles
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXGG15&P=6

I don't think the TG10s are as long as the Blackfoot axles. In fact they look really close to stock length. They do appear to have a longer threaded portion of the axle which will let you run wheels with thicker centers. According to Tower the TG10s are 1 1/2" where the Blackfoot axles are 1 11/16".

There was a brief discussion about this in the small scale forum which included links to another source for longer axles. See here.
http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/tamiya-tlt-crawlers/10387-tlt-1-wider-axles-blackfoot-stock-tower.html

how bout these: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LX2445&P=7 They are rear buggy rims. only thing is that they say they are only 2 inches. Not sure if they would hold a 2.2 secure enough.

Toyo: I'm glad to hear someone is finally trying out a 2.2 modded maxx sized tire. I had wanted to do that but have been too lazy and low on cash and i don't even have a TLT! ...yet (its in the mail yay!)