DIY beadlocks; Aluminum or Steel?

[Fungus232]

So I got to lookin' around at DIY beadlock kits & did find some nice alum ones at Sky Lock:
http://www.sky-manufacturing.com/new...uct.php?id=167

They run $125/ wheel with all the hardware (about 2x the steel kits).

I've got my American Eagle wheels (on the '69 now & would look just like the pic on the Sky lock site above) I can do the alum kits on, 15x 10s w/ 3.5" backspacing OR I can run some steel kits on a set of 15x 8 wagon wheels w/ 3.5" backspacing ('68 parts pile). The price difference is not a horrible concern so had the choice, which would all you veterans run? TIG welding the alum kits are a non issue as well! Looking at running some 38x 13x 15 Maxxis Creepy Crawlers on whichever ones I go with.

Thanks,
Fungus

[TBS-POPS]

Re: DIY beadlocks; Aluminum or Steel?

I have heard of wheel failure with DIY beads on alum wheels. They are not cast/forged the same as a wheel cast as one. My vote would be for steel.

[Efibroncoman]

Re: DIY beadlocks; Aluminum or Steel?

Yeah, I would steer clear of converting your aluminum wheels to beadlocks unless you sent them to Champion wheels to have it done. Looks like they charge $188 per wheel... but I would imagine they stand behind their work and I don't think the extra $63 per wheel is too much considering the piece of mind you get....

I'm looking at getting the Raceline wheels when I upgrade to Dana 60's.

[Fungus232]

Re: DIY beadlocks; Aluminum or Steel?

Sounds like I'll stick with the steel wheels then. Save my coin for some 17" Monsters down the road!