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- #842
Customizing My Fuel D124 Beadlock Wheels
When I decided to make the switch from my red Fuel Covert beadlocks to the current bronze Fuel D124 beadlocks I noticed the D124 used a different style beadlock ring. What I did not like about the D124 ring was it did not have drainage holes and held water, mud inside the wheel lip.
Fuel Covert Beadlock
Fuel D124 Beadlock
When I was swapping the Coverts for the new D124's I verified the beadlock ring bolt pattern was the same between the two wheel sets. So, I reached out to Wheel Pros for help with ordering a set of the Covert Style beadlock rings with the drainage hole set up I wanted. There were none in stock and it took 4 months for them to finally come in.
Here's a few pics of swapping the rings. 24 bolts x 5 wheels. If you've ever mounted beadlocks, then you know how time consuming this process is working your way around the ring 3 times as you torque them down.
And here's a few pics of the new custom set-up. Same basic look, much better function now.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw
-Steven
When I decided to make the switch from my red Fuel Covert beadlocks to the current bronze Fuel D124 beadlocks I noticed the D124 used a different style beadlock ring. What I did not like about the D124 ring was it did not have drainage holes and held water, mud inside the wheel lip.
Fuel Covert Beadlock
Fuel D124 Beadlock
When I was swapping the Coverts for the new D124's I verified the beadlock ring bolt pattern was the same between the two wheel sets. So, I reached out to Wheel Pros for help with ordering a set of the Covert Style beadlock rings with the drainage hole set up I wanted. There were none in stock and it took 4 months for them to finally come in.
Here's a few pics of swapping the rings. 24 bolts x 5 wheels. If you've ever mounted beadlocks, then you know how time consuming this process is working your way around the ring 3 times as you torque them down.
And here's a few pics of the new custom set-up. Same basic look, much better function now.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw
-Steven
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- #843
On the trail after dark in Sedona. Arizona skies are always??
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw
-Steven
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw
-Steven
OP
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- #844
Another pic from a perfect day in Sedona, AZ?
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw
-Steven
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw
-Steven
OP
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- #845
It's been a while since my last post...work and family have been keeping me plenty busy.
I put this short video together on 'Jalapeno Pickle' which is the last obstacle on the trail 'The Pickle' in Moab. It was a nice challenge to my driving skills as well as my Jeep.
I am working on the full trail review, look for that soon. Enjoy
?
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw
-Steven
I put this short video together on 'Jalapeno Pickle' which is the last obstacle on the trail 'The Pickle' in Moab. It was a nice challenge to my driving skills as well as my Jeep.
I am working on the full trail review, look for that soon. Enjoy
?https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw
-Steven
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OP
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- #847
I recently posted the video short 'Jalapeno Pickle'- Pickle Trail in Moab. While putting that video together, I realised it might be cool/interesting/informative to quickly discuss my thoughts on how I approach wheeling, crawling obstacles.
Getting a chance to watch footage of various Jeeps and their drivers attempt challenging obstacles as well as seeing myself do it provides great feedback that I can use to improve my driving skill.
I live in the Midwest and I don't get a lot of time on the trail so when we are out with a group say in Moab at EJS, I'm always watching, asking drivers questions on technique to glean any insight I can get.
Over the past several years as I've worked creating content for my YouTube channel I've had the opportunity to work with and observe some very talented people in the Jeep and off road community. Bryce from Dixie 4-Wheel Drive comes to mind. Bryce who was taught by his father Milt Thompson was driving off road at the age of eight. He once told me he learned wheeling driving a stick, no lockers, etc.. He later added, modern Jeeps with lockers, autos make it pretty easy to do now.
One thing I did notice riding with Bryce on the trail was his use of the brake pedal while climbing (one of the techs at Dixie 4-Wheel Drive told me brake pads are the most frequently replaced parts on Bryces' Jeeps). He uses a lot of brake to modulate traction and the ability to put the power down in a very smooth, controlled way. He also showed me the 'Moab Bump' technique. You can see me attempting both brake modulation and the Moab Bump technique in the video.
While I'm on this topic of better crawling ability, closely watching the driver(s) in front of you helps a lot. I call this 'collective knowledge' and I see it action every time out on the trail...the driver behind should have a better grasp of the best line. Of course, driver experience has a lot to do with it. I think it works along the lines of this axiom...want to get better at something, go out with and do that thing with someone who is better at it than you. This has helped me a lot.
Events like Easter Jeep Safari can be very helpful in this regard. While the trail runs will be slow, you do have a chance to watch the good and the not so good and this provides a chance to better your wheeling technique while in the company of those who can help you if/when you screw up.
So, here's my checklist countdown if you will as I get ready to run a trail, crawl an obstacle. Please keep in mind that it does not always go as planned??
1) Let the experienced drivers lead.
2) Watch and learn from the driver ahead of you (collective knowledge).
3) Assess not only the drivers line but how is he/she built... 35's, 37's, 40's? Can I do what they did?
4) Trust your spotter. They see what you can't.
5) Take a deep breath...Are my lockers engaged (if required), sway bar released, in gear? (you'd be surprised).
6) Feel good about what you are about to do, or don't do it. I've seen drivers get in over their heads and have the good sense to stop, or even have someone with more experience jump in your rig.
7) Commit and send it (usually the best part).
PS Don't forget to:
- Use your brakes on a climb to control wheel spin and put the power down in a more efficient manner.
- Detune your throttle if you are running a throttle controller for better throttle application (especially helpful with a turbo equipped Jeep).
- 2nd gear on the auto trans for better traction?
I hope this helps in some way. I don't profess to being great at wheeling...just someone trying to get better each time out. I'd love to hear from you about your approach...keep the 'collective knowledge idea going here.
In the meantime, here's a few more pics from the trail...
Watch and learn from the driver ahead of you...
Trust your spotter...
Commit and send it!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw
-Steven
Getting a chance to watch footage of various Jeeps and their drivers attempt challenging obstacles as well as seeing myself do it provides great feedback that I can use to improve my driving skill.
I live in the Midwest and I don't get a lot of time on the trail so when we are out with a group say in Moab at EJS, I'm always watching, asking drivers questions on technique to glean any insight I can get.
Over the past several years as I've worked creating content for my YouTube channel I've had the opportunity to work with and observe some very talented people in the Jeep and off road community. Bryce from Dixie 4-Wheel Drive comes to mind. Bryce who was taught by his father Milt Thompson was driving off road at the age of eight. He once told me he learned wheeling driving a stick, no lockers, etc.. He later added, modern Jeeps with lockers, autos make it pretty easy to do now.
One thing I did notice riding with Bryce on the trail was his use of the brake pedal while climbing (one of the techs at Dixie 4-Wheel Drive told me brake pads are the most frequently replaced parts on Bryces' Jeeps). He uses a lot of brake to modulate traction and the ability to put the power down in a very smooth, controlled way. He also showed me the 'Moab Bump' technique. You can see me attempting both brake modulation and the Moab Bump technique in the video.
While I'm on this topic of better crawling ability, closely watching the driver(s) in front of you helps a lot. I call this 'collective knowledge' and I see it action every time out on the trail...the driver behind should have a better grasp of the best line. Of course, driver experience has a lot to do with it. I think it works along the lines of this axiom...want to get better at something, go out with and do that thing with someone who is better at it than you. This has helped me a lot.
Events like Easter Jeep Safari can be very helpful in this regard. While the trail runs will be slow, you do have a chance to watch the good and the not so good and this provides a chance to better your wheeling technique while in the company of those who can help you if/when you screw up.
So, here's my checklist countdown if you will as I get ready to run a trail, crawl an obstacle. Please keep in mind that it does not always go as planned??
1) Let the experienced drivers lead.
2) Watch and learn from the driver ahead of you (collective knowledge).
3) Assess not only the drivers line but how is he/she built... 35's, 37's, 40's? Can I do what they did?
4) Trust your spotter. They see what you can't.
5) Take a deep breath...Are my lockers engaged (if required), sway bar released, in gear? (you'd be surprised).
6) Feel good about what you are about to do, or don't do it. I've seen drivers get in over their heads and have the good sense to stop, or even have someone with more experience jump in your rig.
7) Commit and send it (usually the best part).
PS Don't forget to:
- Use your brakes on a climb to control wheel spin and put the power down in a more efficient manner.
- Detune your throttle if you are running a throttle controller for better throttle application (especially helpful with a turbo equipped Jeep).
- 2nd gear on the auto trans for better traction?
I hope this helps in some way. I don't profess to being great at wheeling...just someone trying to get better each time out. I'd love to hear from you about your approach...keep the 'collective knowledge idea going here.
In the meantime, here's a few more pics from the trail...
Watch and learn from the driver ahead of you...
Trust your spotter...
Commit and send it!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw
-Steven
Last edited:
OP
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- #849
Yup... 'Commit and send it'! Good hearing from you Chris
?https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw
-Steven
Last edited:
OP
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- #850
I just finished the edit on the full version of 'The Pickle' trail. I tried to be as insightful (from a drivers perspective) as possible to help anyone who might want to run this trail someday. I hope you enjoy it?
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw
-Steven
?https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw
-Steven
Last edited:
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OP
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- #853
Lining up a tricky obstacle on 'The Pickle' trail...
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw
-Steven
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw
-Steven
JJsJL
Well-Known Member
Steven,
Thanks again for your build page. I thought I would share I got the MC track bar reinforced and the sector shaft bracket in this weekend. That took some work but turned out great!!
OP
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- #855
Hi Justin! Good seeing the new steering/track bar beef on your Jeep. I know that's not the easiest of installs.Steven,
Thanks again for your build page. I thought I would share I got the MC track bar reinforced and the sector shaft bracket in this weekend. That took some work but turned out great!!
Did you notice any difference in steering feel after the Track Bar Reinforcement/Sector Shaft Brace went on?
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw
-Steven
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