How to Do Beadlock Wheels
It's not uncommon to see people rock crawling or mud bogging on the weekend. One thing that helps maintain the enjoyment of offroading is a set of beadlock wheels. Depending on the situation, a tire may need to be aired up or aired down, and without a beadlock, sometimes a tire can pop the bead and then you're stuck. Problem is, beadlocks are expensive, but making them yourself isn't difficult. It mostly requires welding skills.
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Things You'll Need
- MIG Welder
- Grinder with 80-grit flap disc
- Spray paint
- Torque wrench and socket set
- Beadlock kit
- Steel wheels
- Tire iron
Instructions
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1
Grind the paint off of the edges of the steel wheels that you're planning on using for the beadlock wheels. Don't cut into the edges of the wheels, just make sure the paint is off of the welding surfaces on the wheel.
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2
Place the portion of the beadlock kit with the nuts welded on onto the wheel. You want the side with the nut facing toward the face of the wheel.
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3
Tack the beadlock into place on the wheel in four places opposite each other. Once you have verified the beadlock kit is level and properly fitted, weld up the wheel. Move your weld pattern around so you don't heat up too much in one area and warp either the kit or the lip of the wheel.
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4
Mount the wheel in the tire. Place the assembly on the ground so the beadlock side is facing up.
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5
Place the beadlock ring around the tire. Place four of the bolts into opposite corners of the rim. Loosely bolt them in place so that you have everything aligned.
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6
Continue to bolt the beadlock ring into the wheel. Work around the wheel in a star pattern until they are all seated.
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7
Torque the bolts to 15 pound-feet or the amount recommended by the beadlock kit manufacturer using the torque wrench. Repeat the process for the other three wheels and maybe a spare if you're running one. Air up your tires and everything is ready to go.
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