Solid Axle Swap BS Thread

Assist is fine if done right. I drive lots of highway time 75+ with no issues. Streetability is where it's at these days. Heat, AC, staying dry. All things I like.

 

NEvermind I'm a tard

 

To beadlock or not to beadlock, that is the question. These are siting in the garage

 

Everything deserves beadlocks.

 

In your case, based on what you have described about what you'll intend to do with the truck, it seems like it would not be worth it.

I think bead locks are not always needed - though it would be nice at times to air down to single digit PSI without worries. I would personally would not run them on a rig that would see a lot of highway use. It is just one more thing to worry about re-torquing so many damn bolts all the time, wheel balance issues, etc.

I helped a friend install bead locks in his rig and quite frankly by the end of it I was even more convinced that I did not want to mess with it on my dual-purpose rig. Maybe I'm too lazy LOL.

I usually air down 10 psi without bead locks and that seems to work well. I will probably get bead locks when I have a trail-only rig, OR, when I can afford to have a dedicated set of bead locked wheels/tires that I can swap to go wheeling and then remove for driving around.

 

I was just reading up on them. Coning issues, tire centering issues and debating "Do I really wanna fuck with this." I'm kinda thinking the same thing you are. It would be different if I was getting a nice set of aluminum beadlocks. But thes DIY locks...probably not a good idea

 

Beadlocks for sure! I would look for a used set or buy some before i ever fucked around with DIY, and thats coming from my cheap ass!!

 

My first three set of beadlocks were diy/converted. When done properly like mine, no issues at all in daily drivers.

 

Define properly

 

Wish I could run "true" beadlock on mine...Comifornia strikes again

 

Welded properly so it doesn't leak and then using an outer ring that is press formed so it self centers the ring. Never have tried the cheaper flat rings but I assume if you weld in anti coming spacers, you can get it pretty centered off of those.

 

The goons at discount tire looked at my trail readys when I brought them in to get balanced and questioned if they were real or fake. I told them they were fake and then 20 minutes later get called back out because they wondered about the two stickers per wheel saying not for highway use and non DOT approved.
I told them it was probably just a cover your butt policy from the manufacturer and they bought it.

I have never been hassled by the police or any emissions centers in Utah Colorado or Wyoming.

 

And for that reason it'll wait for now. If I wanted it to be a trail rig only i'd go for it, but the DIY sounds like more hassle than its worth at this point.

On a related not I talked to Pittbull last week. I should have my tires in the next week or so.

99% sure I'll need to order new wheels. The steelies I have are 4.25 BS, I'm pretty sure I'll need 3.5s. Truck had 2" spacers that I want to get rid of.

 

Here in illinois the same thing. Rockcrawlers are so rare around here that i dont even think a cop knows what a beadlock is.

 

I miscalculated with my steel wheels...and this is why is always a good idea to borrow friends' tires/wheels before you buy

I really thought I would be ok with 4.25" because the axles are so wide as they and they push the tires out pretty good...plus I did not want the truck any wider. Well, they "almost" clear everything but the rear of my front tires touch the lower links at full lock. It is just a little bit and I could probably get away with it if I am careful.

But I don't want spacers, so next time I find wheels on sale I'll probably get some 3.75-3.50" spacing and deal with the wider stance.

And yea...when I get bead locks it will be aluminum ones.

 

Adjust the steering stops.

 

...i want my steering right where it's at

 

I'm pretty sure about half the width of my front leafs have the paint worn off where the tire contacts at full lock. I'd rather the truck be narrower so you don't have clearance issues with the body/sliders/bumpers and have it kiss the links instead. Throw a 1/4 inch spacer in there if it really bothers you.

 

These bastards got dropped off yesterday. THey look huge next to my mostly worn out 37s

 

Still debating hydro assist vs full hydro steering.