Beadlock Wheels DIY

[rwhite692]

Then muscled the inside bead of the wheel into the tire with the help of a pry bar and a little soapy water (easy) Then flipped it over and put in my dynamic balancing media (AKA 200g of competition grade airsoft pellets). Also added a little bit of 3M 5200 sealant in the bead clamping area for good measure (probably unnecessary)







Then started the fun part - installing the outer clamping ring and 32 bolts/washers/nylock nuts. Luckily for me, I was able to enlist a couple of handy helpers:





Then torqued and re-torqued all of the bolts to the recommended 18 ft.lbs





Then came the moment of truth - Airing up the tires and seating the inner side bead. Having never done this before, I was not sure what to expect. Turned out to be a no-drama exercise. After soaping up the inner bead of the tire and rim lip, I connected a ball air chuck with retainer clip to the valve stem, and while airing up, flipped the tire over and with just a little foot pressure on the rim center, the tire bead sealed to the rim, and began to inflate. After about 60 seconds, the inner bead seated with *POP* and that was that. It only takes about 8-10 psi in the tire to get the bead seated.

Aired up to 35 PSI and no leaks after a week, so I'm happy. These wheels are bomb-proof.

The truck is sitting low in front in these pics, due to the sagging front springs:













Next Project is a DIY4x4.com Shackle flip for the rear to get rid of the lift blocks, and installing new springs up front, along with a little fender trimming.

My seats are at a local upholstery shop getting a low-buck makeover, should have them back next week.