TopCad Aluminum 8-Spoke Beadlock Wheelscompetitionx.com /reviews/topcad-aluminum-8-spoke-beadlock-wheels/

Now that I’ve worked a bit with the suspension by installing new shocks and some aluminum goodies fordurability, I wanted to further boost performance by outfitting the Wraith with some new wheels and tires.Aluminum wheels were a must based on the fact that they’re heavier and perhaps more durable than thestock plastic ones … I’ll get more to that in a second. I chose TopCad’s dynamite-looking 8-SpokeBeadlock Wheels. They’re aluminum, anodized in black and more closely resemble a true beadlock thanthe stock plastic wheels.

Product: Aluminum 8-Spoke Beadlock WheelsManufacturer: TopCad, distributed by AsiaTeesProduct #: 23031BK (available in other colors as well)Average Cost: $30.00Installation Time: About 10 minutes

What’s in the BoxTopCad includes 2 aluminum, 8-spoke wheels plus 4 beadlock rings (2 per wheel) in each package. Thereis also a tiny ziplock bag full of 2-56 screws; 33 in all. While the wheels only require 32 screws to complete,TopCad was nice enough to include an extra screw in case one falls off your bench and mysteriouslydisappears (yes, this happened to me, but I’m not bitter).

InstallationThe installation of the TopCad 8-Spoke Beadlocks is apretty simple project, however I did do a quick pre-assembly procedure prior to mounting them up. Thewheels do not come with any breather holes; these aretypically drilled, machined or molded into the wheelsduring manufacturing. Since the beadlock forms anairtight seal, these holes are important so air canescape and allow the tires to deform over things likerocks and branches. I wasn’t about to drill holes in my groovy new wheels, so I used a leather punch tocreate 2 holes on opposite sides on each tire. Final assembly is easy; simply press the wheel into the tire,set the beadlock in place and screw together using the 2-56 screws. Once completed (rings on both sidesof the tire), give the tire a light tug near the beadlock to make sure it has seated correctly. The stock plasticwheels have the hex molded into them so, if you’re installing these on a stock Wraith, you’ll also need topick up a set of 12mm wheel hexes.

PerformanceDon’t expect the TopCad Aluminum 8-Spoke Beadlock Wheels to give you mind-blowing performance,however because they are aluminum, they are a little heavier than the stock wheels and add that weightwhere it’s needed; down low and as far out as possible. They are also extremely durable, easilywithstanding some treks on the local trails as well as up and down our rocky route. They held the tires niceand tight throughout the entire trail run, however I would suggest adding a very small dab of bluethreadlock to each screw prior to installation. While I didn’t lose any, 1 or 2 (or 4) had loosened up slightlyafter a full day’s run.

One of the biggest benefits you’ll get from these wheels is the amount of ooohs and aaahs from your trailbuddies. They kind of look like Volk TE37 racing wheels, giving my Wraith a more ‘offroad racer’ lookinstead of a ‘look-at-me-and-my-blingy-aluminum-wheels’ look. I think they look awesome!

Now that I've worked a bit with the suspension by installing new shocks and some

Excellent Upgrade Choice

Linkswww.asiatees.com