Fast Lane T-Maxx Bulkheads

Introduction

One of the areas, on a T-Maxx, that takes the brunt of an impact from a crash or a jump is the bulkheads. Even if you hit an object with the bumper, the bulkhead will take most of the impact because the bumper is attached to the bulkhead. So a very popular upgrade is to swap the stock bulkheads for something stronger made of aluminum.

Fast Lane Machine is one of several companies who offer aluminum components for the T-Maxx. Upon opening the package you are greeted with a very nicely finished, solid looking set of bulkheads. Fast Lane Machine uses 6061 T-6 aluminum to manufacture their parts, so not only do they look good but they're tough as well.

Fast Lane stands behind their products in addition to manufacturing them. If any of their products becomes bent or broken, they'll replace it for $8.00. That's the sort of backing that many aftermarket manufacturers don't even offer. So it's nice to see someone stand behind their products in this manner.

For the weight conscious among you the Fast Lane Bulkheads weigh in at 3.8 oz a pair. That's a little more than the 1.8 oz for the stock plastic bulkheads they replace, but considering the extra strength you gain, it's very much worth the small amount of weight that's added.

These pieces fit very well, and are a direct replacement for the stock bulkheads. However there is one thing you should keep in mind when replacing components on your truck for some stronger replacements. That would be stress on other components. In the case of the bulkheads, when they are plastic they will flex some before breaking, at times providing a small amount of "cushion" for other parts that are connected to the bulkheads. The suspension arms are an example of this. Aluminum bulkheads are much stronger but they do not flex like plastic does. So if you replace the stock bulkheads and leave the stock suspension arms in place, you may find that the suspension arms are more likely to break. This is something to keep in mind and, in this case, I would recommend also upgrading to a different suspension arm as well. You can go with RPM suspension arms, which are made of a much stronger plastic. You can also use some aluminum suspension arms such as the ones Fast Lane, or other aftermarket companies, offer. Either route should ensure that the aluminum bulkheads doesn't just transfer the stress to another component.

Part One:	Introduction
Part Two:	Installation
Part Three:	Testing and Final Thoughts