Now that I’ve worked a bit with the suspension by installing new shocks and some aluminum goodies for durability, 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 the stock plastic ones … I’ll get more to that in a second. I chose TopCad’s dynamite-looking 8-Spoke Beadlock Wheels. They’re aluminum, anodized in black and more closely resemble a true beadlock than the stock plastic wheels.
Specifics
Product: Aluminum 8-Spoke Beadlock Wheels
Manufacturer: TopCad, distributed by AsiaTees
Product #: 23031BK (available in other colors as well)
Average Cost: $30.00
Installation Time: About 10 minutes
What’s In The Box
TopCad includes 2 aluminum, 8-spoke wheels plus 4 beadlock rings (2 per wheel) in each package. There is 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 mysteriously disappears (yes, this happened to me, but I’m not bitter).
Installation
The installation of the TopCad 8-Spoke Beadlocks is a pretty simple project, however I did do a quick pre-assembly procedure prior to mounting them up. The wheels do not come with any breather holes; these are typically drilled, machined or molded into the wheels during manufacturing. Since the beadlock forms an airtight seal, these holes are important so air can escape and allow the tires to deform over things like rocks and branches.
I wasn’t about to drill holes in my groovy new wheels, so I used a leather punch to create 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 sides of the tire), give the tire a light tug near the beadlock to make sure it has seated correctly. The stock plastic wheels have the hex molded into them so, if you’re installing these on a stock Wraith, you’ll also need to pick up a set of 12mm wheel hexes.
Performance
Don’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 weight where it’s needed; down low and as far out as possible. They are also extremely durable, easily withstanding some treks on the local trails as well as up and down our rocky route. They held the tires nice and tight throughout the entire trail run, however I would suggest adding a very small dab of blue threadlock to each screw prior to installation. While I didn’t lose any, 1 or 2 (or 4) had loosened up slightly after 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 trail buddies. They kind of look like Volk TE37 racing wheels, giving my Wraith a more ‘offroad racer’ look instead of a ‘look-at-me-and-my-blingy-aluminum-wheels’ look. I think they look awesome!
Conclusion
While most kit wheels are stylish and work great, they are one of the first items most scalers upgrade first. Strapping on a set of new rollers can really set your rig apart, and upgrading to aluminum increases durability as well as adds weight down low. These TopCad 8-Spoke Aluminum Wheels fit the bill in both departments.
Price – 8.5
Fit and Finish – 10
Installation : 1=Complicated – 10=Easy – 8
Durability – 7.8
Value – 10
Connect
AsiaTees, www.asiatees.com
Where to Buy
