Beadlock Wheels DIY

[rwhite692]

Since it is almost time to start driving this 72 Blazer around (I purchased it from a guy who had let it sit for 15 years), I needed to put tires on it.

I decided to run BFG KM2s in 35/12.5/15.

Since I intend to air down on trails, I decided to build up a set of beadlock wheels.

I bought 5 Summit "Soft-8" steelies in 15x8 and a set of weld-on beadlocks from Chassis Unlimited. (With the additional width because of the beadlock, it is like running about a 9" wide rim).

Since they are local to me, I was able to stop by Chassis Unlimited during my lunch hour and watch them cut my parts on their laser table:

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/56FDA7F9-F1E1-42FF-B495-A9CC6E102919_zpsv7biayp5.jpg

First I had to prep the wheels by removing paint/powdercoat from the rim lip with a flap disc where the inner beadlock rings are to be welded:

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/6F9CB76F-E22C-43F4-95CA-BBF1BD9899E6_zpsoefo8ry4.jpg

Also stripped paint from the opposite side of the lip, since the paint/powdercoat smokes and stinks to high heaven when it burns

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/2D6DE5B5-D6FE-494B-A9A7-E76A2DCD72F6_zps6i7rr2e7.jpg

Then the inner ring is ready to weld in:

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/D70A9CFC-33B2-40A2-9E69-9CC6546EA69B_zpszp8wurxh.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/735AA63E-E438-422A-8EBA-56A4148CB927_zps6ilacrys.jpg

I welded in stages, about 5" of bead at a time, alternating to different sections of the wheel to keep things from getting too hot

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/6A50618C-C2F7-406C-AF39-9FD421C2213E_zpst9ugp2l0.jpg


Then welded on the anti-coning rings (these prevent the force of the bolts from bending the outer clamping ring into an inverted "cone" when they are torqued down) - followed by a little paint

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/EACCB95B-8BF3-487E-B3EC-5F447B6E2D98_zpsswnhoc0v.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/F0BF5632-A38B-4A92-B712-B4F3270F5FF1_zpswbqdzig9.jpg

[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)

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/2C8BED50-CBCB-49DE-B37F-A0CF9705580D_zps0jlhvxjo.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/CC6F93DE-D348-43EF-9527-817C7C84BE73_zpsomlsel2m.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/C6F96A5E-9120-4F09-80CA-7579FDF22D67_zpsrkrchgrd.jpg

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:

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/D6B72C61-89D4-4309-A66A-C861A00A6FC6_zpsuhvwqkbo.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/77746657-8797-4A40-A52B-D30C6C71E6A4_zps4b4p8zpi.jpg

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

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/88B7A9F1-BC0C-4870-846B-8913CB5FBC2F_zpscufbgtpx.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/367F169C-060C-40C8-B5B3-8A1B1F126D25_zpsn64virko.jpg

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:

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/97E97C6F-BC7F-404D-8A3D-8F5B7FB23810_zpsdblrrmz3.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/43DD65B2-8803-4C6C-926C-0D7CCD66EE3C_zps62sd1org.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/E1E8A314-015F-4FBE-9F18-7EC64AA1C461_zps64jkidui.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/236003F2-948F-43D5-BF4E-CE5B738F911C_zpsfsznwu2a.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/0FB2013F-AC37-4B86-AD8F-5E2202D34533_zpstj8cgrnc.jpg



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.

[geberhard]

Really dig them and great work!!!! I love the early Blazers! How is she driving with the beads?

I am re-installing a couple tires this week, (I re-centered some H1 wheels), and those suckers are heavy!

Gui

[Yelcamino]

Then flipped it over and put in my dynamic balancing media (AKA 200g of competition grade airsoft pellets).

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/2C8BED50-CBCB-49DE-B37F-A0CF9705580D_zps0jlhvxjo.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/CC6F93DE-D348-43EF-9527-817C7C84BE73_zpsomlsel2m.jpg


http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/rwhire692/0FB2013F-AC37-4B86-AD8F-5E2202D34533_zpstj8cgrnc.jpg




So how is your dynamic balancing media working?

Cool Blazer, I had a '71 K5 a few years ago. :thumbsup: