When it was time to equip Team ORC'S TRX 330R desert racer with a new rear axle, we went directly to Dura Blue for their X-33 equipped with adjustable pin drive billet hubs. This axle is forged from carbon ASX 600 steel for maximum strength, heat treated for durability then polished and chrome plated to achieve great looks also. Unlike standard ATV axle designs that neck down to about one inch at the hub locations , the Dura Blue X-33 maintains a 1 3/8'' axle shaft all the way to the hub locations. This provide a noticeable difference to the eye and overall strength of the axle.

The installation of the hubs is another point where Dura Blue sets itself apart from any other race axle on the market. The hubs are clamped solid by a single drive pin that attaches through a hole in the axle. Multiple holes are provided in the axle at different locations for adjusting to your preference and individual riding style. The axle is also rifled which reduces weight near the rotational axis of the ATV. The X-33 is also said to be much lighter than the stock unit. Though we didn't have the means to weigh them, there was a noticeable difference between the two at the time of installation.

The axle is shipped complete with the sprocket hub intact and fiber reinforced hubs, or you can choose to upgrade as we did to the billet hubs for even more strength and exceptional good looks. The final attraction - how about Dura Blue life time warranty against bending or breaking?

To go with our new X-33 axle we also chose a Dura Blue anti-fade brake hub and lock nut. Made to work together, the anti-fade brake hub is manufactured from a different grade billet aluminum to prevent ''GALLING '' (the transfer of similar metals which causes the part to lock up solid) and also had steel inserts at wear areas for increased durability. This unit is also made such that it draws heat away from the disk rotor. Cooler disk temps equals better stopping power and longer pad life. The unit virtually eliminates the problem of your axle nut becoming loose by using a single allen set screw, that when tightened, actually clamps the axle nut even tighter to the axle threads to assure it won't back off.

To top things off we also picked Dura Blue's all new ''BULLET SERIES LUG NUTS'' which are a great addition to any machine. They provide excellent protection for stud threads and remove over one pound of un-sprung weight from the quad. They are also made from billet aluminum and poses the same great looks as the rest of the package.

Installation

After receiving the axle it was out to the shop to begin what turned out to be one of the simplest tasks yet on the road to improvement for our desert racing R. We started by loosing the back lug nuts,so we were still able to use the rear brake to prevent the axle from slipping on us. We then lifted the rear or the quad and removed the rear wheels.

While having someone hold the rear brake lever, we removed the nut that holds the hub in place on the kick start side of the quad .Then we loosened the axle jam nuts on the stock unit,hmmmm, now which way do those go again ? Trust me it gets easier.... remove the stock retaining cir-clip (carefully as you will need to reinstall this on the new axle). Now you can remove the brake caliper. Slide the stock jam nuts and brake hub off the end of the axle. Loosen the pinch bolts and remove the chain. You can now slide the axle out the other side of the bearing housing.

After removing the stock axle, we installed a new rotor onto the Dura Blue anti-fade brake hub (we used an EBC brake rotor and it would not have cleared the brake hub to be installed after the fact). We then slid the new axle into the re-greased barring carrier and slipped the new anti-fade brake hub over the axle. Slip the chain onto Dura Blue's already installed trick looking sprocket hub and re-tighten the pinch bolts at the bearing carrier.

This was followed by the reinstalling the stock axle cir-clip. You then back off the nut side of the brake hub until it is snug over the cir-clip and tighten the single allen keeper to prevent the nut from coming loose. The Dura Blue provides a much cleaner look as opposed to that of the stock jam nuts. When installed properly it will never need re-tightening Reinstall the brake caliper and that part is done.

Now for what seems to be the easiest and simplest concept yet, installing the pin drive hubs. There are two holes in either side of the axle, one hole is a plus two setting and the other a plus four. After deciding which length best suits your riding style it is
as easy as slipping the hub over the end of the axle and lining the holes in the hub with the holes in the axle. You then push a single retaining bolt through the holes and torque to 50 lbs/ft.. (Note: we opted to use blue lock-tite to keep everything in its proper place.)

Reinstall the rear wheels and finish it all off with Dura Blue's sharp looking castle nuts.

Summary

What a difference an hour an a half makes,with Dura Blue's unsurpassed quality and good looks our desert racer is once again ready for action in what we think to be one of the toughest challenges in off-road racing.

Parts List:

ELIMINATOR X33 Part #20-1151ex List price: $516.08
Application: Hon - trx250r '86-89/250r '86 - Pin Drive

ANTI-FADE BRAKE HUB Part #: 20-1600 List: $282.67
Application: Anti-fade Hon trx250r '86-89

BULLET NUT SERIES Part #: 20-1881 List price: $41.38
Application: Bullet Nut - Alum 10mm flat wheel lug nut - 8 pieces

Dura Blue Inc.
20521 Crescent Bay Dr.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 770-5533 • FAX: (949) 768-4273
www.durablue.com