thanks for the input guys, will add them to my order

ed

I never thought of that...

I am seriously considering picking this up:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TEAM-ASSOCIA...item53fd41c255

I have been wanting to experiment with a gear diff for a long time.

Ok need some tire and foam knowledge. I've been using AKA reds for the most part but also some open cell for the outdoor track where I run due to the roughness of the track. Indoors the track is smooth (posts a video a few pages back) and I run JCon BarCodes front and rear with AKA red foams.

So I was in the TLR 22 2.0 thread (please forgive me) and they were talking about the use of rear open cell foams in the front tires but trimmed 1/4" narrower. I haven't measured this but how much different is that really than just using the stock front open cell foam? Personally I hate open cell foams as I feel they don't let the bead sit well when I'm gluing so I've trimmed rear foams so that they fit in the rear better. Now I'm thinking that was a mistake and I should run them full in the rear.

What do you guys do? And should I be using open cell foams in the front on a smooth clay track?

I trim my open cells like I always have. I cut 45 deg off the inside lip all the way around. I never narrow them. As far as bumps and jumps, I would use closed cell in the rear and the 3/4 rears in the front.

Ok so when I trim a rear foam to 3/4 width...what's the best way to get a nice straight cut?

And so is there ever a time to use a closed cell foam in the front? If not at the glass smooth Bumps where and why would it be chosen?

I just use long blade scissors and flatten the foam and cut on one pass.

I like using closed cell when open cell gives too much steering and you want to dial it back without making suspension changes. It will numb the initial turn-in. closed cell is just more consistent turn after turn and doesn't break down like open cell.

Same idea as the scissors, but my wife has a paper cutter. I flatten them out, line it up, and pull down the level and its a nice cut.

Ok see I'd like a bit more turn in than I was getting at Bumps last year...so I'll be giving the open cells a shot for sure. Hmm how does JCon Orange compound compare to Gold for a smooth clay surface? I have some mounted up already with front open cell foams in them...I guess it won't hurt to give them a shot.

Hey...I have a paper cutter...I'm such a dumb a$$. Why didn't I think of that.

I lay a front wheel on a nice flat surface, lay an xacto knife horizonal on the wheel with the blade hanging slightly off the wheel...next, lay a buggy rear foam next to the wheel so that it touches the blade, rotate the foam letting the blade cut as you rotate while slightly putting the blade further into the cut until cut all the way thru...

hope this helps!

can someone tell me the rear/front axle OD for a 4.1/4.2.

Well depends on what you're looking for. Rear axle has a non threaded section that is 3/16" (.1875"). The front and rear axles are 8-32 threaded, major dia of 8-32 thread is .1640", close fit for 8-32 thread is #18 drill .1695", free fit is #16 or .1770".

Do you guys race 2wd buggy in the Fort Mill area? I have relatives in the area and have thought about bringing a car with me when I go to see them but haven't bothered as the only track I found info on their website didn't make it clear they were still open and they didn't return my email.

I always thought cutting open cell foams was a bad idea. You are suppose to pack the whole foam in there. Open cell foams break down a lot faster than closed cell. If you cut it after a few runs the foam will be a lot softer and the tires just get mushy with no support. If you pack the whole foam in there it will be stiff like a closed cell at first then after few runs it will soften up.

Orange is specifically for high temp conditions. When you race outdoor grooved tracks and its 85+ degrees out, the oranges come alive.

As far as cutting the foam... It's not that big of a deal just use scissors and go.

Hmm...ok ticks me off a little that those tires were suggested to me then as for the most part I never race in those conditions. I'll be removing those tires and pitching them for sure. LOL. I hate wasting money...don't mind spending it if it is worthwhile, hate throwing it down the toilet.

I wouldn't throw them away. You can soak them in WD-40 to soften them up to bring them to a softer compound like the gold.