15T AC Racing 888 Freewheel

[Paul_G]

I found a 15 tooth freewheel that will fit the Bomber.  It’s a 15T AC Racing 888 and uses a shimano bottom bracket tool to remove it that has a hole of 1” so it will fit right over the axel.  AC has found a way to place the pawls outboard, making a 15 tooth viable.

http://www.planetbmx.com/shop/bike-components-parts/freewheels/ac-15-tooth-888-freewheel-fits-all-skyway-wheels-/prod_305.html

 

Removal tool for the 15T http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B002V16050/ref=dp_otherviews_1_MAIN?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&img=MAIN&color_name=x

Now all I need is a BMX type remover for the 16T that came with the bike and I can see if it fits as advertised.

Paul G

[Jim_Kirk]

Paul,
    How does the chainline look for the 15T vs 16T.  Will it be the same?

-Jim

[Paul_G]

Looks very close to the same chain line.

Picture isn't the best but maybe you can see the dust cap comes close to the hub where it screws on and might hit first locking the freewheel. If it does it will require a custom made washer to space it a tad.

Paul G

[Paul_G]

I just got around to install the 15T freewheel. The removal tool fits over the axle without modification and locks in FAR better than the stock 4 prong type....it was a monster to remove the old one as the 4 prong kept slipping off and I needed a 24" pipe wrench to fight with it....the new style will not be a problem to remove due to all the splines it has as it locks in far better.

The old freewheel came with a spacer that I had to grind the outside down a tad to clear hitting the 15T but not a big deal.

Paul G

[Paul_G]

Chain line is right on the money :)

As good or better.

Paul G

[Jim_Kirk]

Paul,
    If you put an axle nut on and lightly bring it in contact with the Freewheel removal tool you will eliminate the problem of the 4 prongs slipping out 
so you can concentrate on Torque.  Also I use anti seize on the freewheel threads when I reinstall-makes a big difference on the next removal.
 -Jim

[Paul_G]

Great idea but hopefully the 15T holds up and I wont need the 4 prong tool again.

paul G

[Jim_Kirk]

Paul,
    You can buy stainless steel shims for the threaded hub of your Crystalyte motor for spacing the Freewheel away from the hub.  The size of the motor thread is 1 3/8" x 24 tpi.
     Get the shims at Mcmaster-Carr by filtering on round>1 3/8" ID>1 7/8" OD
http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-shims/=gxz5ze
     These shims work perfect for adding a 7 speed Freewheel to the Fighter and for spacing any Freewheel away from the hub so it doesn't rub against the hub in use.  If your Fighter or Bomber chainline is not to your satisfaction it can be with these shims
     Don't grind - buy-its always a lot less work :)

-Jim

[Paul_G]

I had to grind it to fit inside the 15T but I now see where the peeps that sell the 15T also sell spacers for it at $1.00 and comes in diff sizes. So I just ordered some and a 2nd 15T as backup as some said the freewheel does not hold up to BMX but I bet mine will last as we have motors and dont jump hard on a Freewheel.

Paul G

[Jim_Kirk]

I prefer stainless steel shims.  What is the OD of the spacer that is required for the 15T?  I'm hopeful 1 7/8" will fit.  Let me know.

-Jim

[Paul_G]

Spacer was SS as it was hard to grind down the few thousands off the OD. Bike is assembled and ordered spacers did not arrive yet so no clue what size I ground it down to and even if the ordered washer will fit inside the 15T.

paul G 

[Jim_Kirk]

Just let me know when the spacers and spare 15T arrive.  I may go this way with my Bomber also.

-Jim