Tri Hub Replacement With Billet Wheels

[Viper_Dean]

I am looking at replacing the tri-hub this summer on my RTX for safety reasons even though it only has 800 miles. I was looking at getting the Big Nutz axle from OFT along with 8" wheels. J & T says that all 129" models have 7.120" wheels in the rear with the ltx and xtx having the 8". Does this size matter, and can I move up to the 8 without problems? Also are any of these billet wheel bearings able to be serviced over time? I know a lot of them use some good NTN bearings. I asked before about this topic but haven't gotten much info....

 

[Mike P]

I installed the J&T 7.12” unit on my RTX and it works great. You might be able to install the 8” and it might fit but can’t understand why you would. Installing an 8” wheel will create a pretty significant gap between the hyfax and the rail.

 

[hibshman25]

I offer a true solid axle kit. Utilizes a 1/2" bolt for an axle, which is the maximum size allowed with out rail modifications.

https://www.barnofparts.com/solid-axle-4-wheel-kit

 

[Viper_Dean]

I installed the J&T 7.12” unit on my RTX and it works great. You might be able to install the 8” and it might fit but can’t understand why you would. Installing an 8” wheel will create a pretty significant gap between the hyfax and the rail.

I probably will go with that kit, but was trying to understand why the models have differing sizes. Its only a half inch more of gap so it cant be that large. I don't want to spend a bunch of money and cause incorrect wear though.

 

[TD Max]

Like Mike said the key is the distance between the center of the axle slot and the hyfax. Sure you could put a 8" or larger wheel on, but the wheels will push the track further away from the hyfax than is efficient. I saw a guy on Doo talk stating he had larger wheels with an offset axle which properly engineered should work.

 

[blueironranger]

Stick with the 7.12 kit.
I have the JT 2 wheel replacement in my XTX (8") and it great so far.

 

[03rx1mn]

Well. my trihub grenaded on the trail this past weekend. I wish I would have read about all the troubles. 2015 viper RTX se. After reading many posts I went right to jtatv.com and ordered the big wheel kit. Looked great. Unfortunately, they are out of stock (Does not mention that on the website at all !) . I tried to message back and forth and see if there was anything they could do to get me up and running, but got no responses. I asked for a refund. I called Dean at Larson Products. They have plenty in stock, and they look amazing.. Just wanted to let everyone know. I hope to be up and running soon. season is short as you all know.

 

[InRBigness]

Well. my trihub grenaded on the trail this past weekend. I wish I would have read about all the troubles. 2015 viper RTX se. After reading many posts I went right to jtatv.com and ordered the big wheel kit. Looked great. Unfortunately, they are out of stock (Does not mention that on the website at all !) . I tried to message back and forth and see if there was anything they could do to get me up and running, but got no responses. I asked for a refund. I called Dean at Larson Products. They have plenty in stock, and they look amazing.. Just wanted to let everyone know. I hope to be up and running soon. season is short as you all know.

I have two Larson kits. They are extraordinarily well built and designed. You will be very happy. no issues for a total of 28,000 km between them.

edited my math.

 

[03rx1mn]

I have two Larson kits. They are extraordinarily well built and designed. You will be very happy. no issues for a total of 36,000 km between them.

That is great to know. Dean @ Larson is a great guy. Loved doing business with him.

 

[FrozenTows4]

These are all good alternate kits.
However the TriHub is not a bad design. Not servicing the bearings is bad by design.
I just replaced all idler bearings, including the TriHub bearings, at 9500 miles.
They were still fine, but I wanted to start fresh for the next 9500+ miles.
I do run outside wheels, in the rear, for more stability & easier track alignment.
Bearings are serviced every spring.

 

[03rx1mn]

Mine has 3k miles. Maintained every spring as well. All good. I’m looking forward to new setup.

 

[InRBigness]

These are all good alternate kits.
However the TriHub is not a bad design. Not servicing the bearings is bad by design.
I just replaced all idler bearings, including the TriHub bearings, at 9500 miles.
They were still fine, but I wanted to start fresh for the next 9500+ miles.
I do run outside wheels, in the rear, for more stability & easier track alignment.
Bearings are serviced every spring.

I am not so sure it is a very good design.

Knowing about the issues I ordered a Larson one before my sled was even delivered. So happy I did as I have 18,000 km on that machine with it. When we bought a used '14, I ordered another one but did service the bearings in the existing tri-hub just in case while waiting.

It broke after about a 1000K for us or 8K on the sled. The bearing did not seize, the plastic broke by out side wheel if I remember right. The bolt was still in the rail, but the other side was not attached to the tri-hub.

Due to Covid, my Larson was at my daughter in laws parents place in North Dakota. Dean personally dropped it off at their house as "Hey, that's only 35miles from my shop, I will drop it off". So I put the original tri hub out of my sled, with ZERO miles on it in the 14. My son folded it up in 400km and it took out the track, both rails and two wheels and a shaft. It broke where the two halves are screwed together.

Larson on, 10,000km later..... no issues. Much cheaper than the carnage that was caused by failure.

 

[GR8BBQ]

I offer a true solid axle kit. Utilizes a 1/2" bolt for an axle, which is the maximum size allowed with out rail modifications.

https://www.barnofparts.com/solid-axle-4-wheel-kit

I've got the BOP solid axle kit with 4 wheels and it's been awesome and trouble free for 2500 mi on my 2017 Viper XTX. Solid and easy to install. Way better than stock.