DJM tail wheel feedback
 

Just wanted to give you guys some feedback on the DJM tail wheel. I have been doing my conditional inspection for the last two weeks. During the inspection I found that the tail wheel had some play (side to side). The bearings looked ok but I did notice that the inner spacers had signs of wear

I decided to install a DJM tail wheel. I contacted Dayton Murdock on VAF and a few days later the tail wheel showed up. The swap was very simple. I used washers as spacers and had it installed in about 5 minutes. I did not think it would make much of a difference but I was wrong.

-As soon as I pushed the plane out of the hangar I noticed that the plane was quiet. I ran over the door rails and it did not sound like the plane was going to fall apart.

-As I started to taxied, I notice that a muffled “tud” sound was heard versus the old “bang” as I taxied over cracks.

-As I continue to taxi, the ground handling felt smooth, solid and crisp. Same way during take offs and landings.

I was really surprised that something as simple and small as a tail wheel would have such a noticeable impact on the aircraft. As I put my plane away I noticed that I was very happy with the flight experience. Then I told myself that I needed to write some feedback so others could potentially give it a try.

Attached are some pics of before and after. BTW, if you saw the video of the tail wheel assemble testing, that is the same tail wheel. If it can handle that abuse without any failure, I think it can handle my paved runway without any problems.

Good timing Axel. I just took this picture on Friday (I too am doing my condition inspection.) and called Dayton with the numbers.

It has 201.5 hours and 354 lands, most of which were on pavement.

In all that time, it has only lost 1/8" in diameter. It is hard to tell in the picture but it is 5-3/8" in diameter, down from 5-1/2" when new.

With its sealed bearings, all I did was clean it and put it back on.

DJM Tailwheel Review
 

I too have the DJM tail wheel and think the world of it (and Dayton). It is a very smooth and quiet tail wheel. I like how it "grips" the payment. I have had it on my plane from day 1, and would recommend it without hesitation.

DJM
 

I have had "one" of the first Wheels from Dayton. I have not measured it or kept up with the times or landings,,,, but it has given me good service, shows no wear, and gets a lot of landings,
It has made me more popular, better looking, faster, and improved my memory. I think I will keep it! ;) :D
Good going Dayton!!

Can they glue two of them together? I need two of em...:D

That is funny!
Actually, it's not just the tailwheel. When you hang around Dayton you actually do get better looking! (sorry Dayton, couldn't resist.)
Food for thought; Dayton lives near Dayton Valley. Paul and Louise are moving to Dayton Valley. I am not sure what is going on but I am determined to put the pieces together with this whole Dayton thing.:eek:

PS - Dayon's tailwheel is excellent. I only ran it a short time as it was a bit too light for me c.g. wise. If you need weight off the back, or just a really good tailwheel, his is a great product.

Contact info?
 

Does anyone have contact info for the DJM tailwheel?

Jim

I think Flyboy Accessories is your best bet.
http://www.flyboyaccessories.com/Lig...ire-p/1002.htm

Mark,

Thanks, I have already talked with them and I need some detail about the tire and wheel that I didn't get.

Jim

Plus 1
 

+1 for this wheel/tire. I've had one for a couple of years now and it is so much better than the standard wheel/tire that comes with the kits. Much softer ride, less noise, less vibration. It's worth the price.