Bobby's doing beadlocks again!

LukeZero · 02-19-08, 02:42 PM

A couple of years ago- Bobby Long aka Longfield was doing weld-on beadlock kits. Then he discontinued them for a while. Now they are back. I have a set of his previous generation, and they are beefy. If the new ones are built like the older ones, they'll be nice.

link...Longfield Super Axles

Disclaimer: No affiliation with Bobby- I just have been exceptionally pleased with his products and his prompt service.

camcruiser13 · 02-19-08, 06:58 PM

i do like how they come with hardware.

fj40forlife · 02-19-08, 11:25 PM

this beadlocks are great. I have mine and they are the next set im going to buy again for my new rig, i think the reason he stop making them for a while was because he had a bad back and it was hard on him lifting the boxs of bolts,nuts,washer arouild the shop and hes a one man show. so he lay off on them. but im glad he started making them

LukeZero · 02-20-08, 07:58 AM

picture of mine (old style)

Sputnik40 · 02-20-08, 11:46 AM

Those are really sharp looking. Is the hardware stainless? Is the allen keyway large enough to allow for applying sufficient torque to get everything seated right? Curious - as that's a really flush looking setup....

Mace · 02-20-08, 12:24 PM

Torque on those locks is minimal..

The allen is fine.

I just wish he would treat stock birfs again

LukeZero · 02-20-08, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sputnik40

Those are really sharp looking. Is the hardware stainless? Is the allen keyway large enough to allow for applying sufficient torque to get everything seated right? Curious - as that's a really flush looking setup....

Yeah- they are stainless 3/8" x 1 3/4" flat head cap screws (FHCS) I countersunk each of the bolt holes in the mill before the rims and rings went for powdercoating. They take a 1/4" allen wrench and like Mace said, they don't need to be torqued down really hard, just enough tension to keep from rattling loose.

bandy rooster · 02-20-08, 03:46 PM

i like the old design better... (the on in the pic above)

just because it looks cooler

chattfj40 · 02-20-08, 06:36 PM

I've got the old ones too, and love them. I like what Luke did with the counter sinking and, when I get new tires I might do this...I'm gonna re-PC them to get rid of the Safety Orange, but sticking them on the press and drilling the countersinks shouldn't be too difficult

IIRC, the torque is ~20-22 pounds..just takes awhile to get them all torqued to spec

CreeperSleeper · 02-20-08, 07:09 PM

Hmmm... I'm only seeing them for 15" wheels. No love for the 16"?

Mace · 02-20-08, 07:32 PM

With no inner bead on a 16" rim you are shootin yourself in the foot trying a beadlock..

scott67fj40 · 02-20-08, 07:38 PM

What do a set of bead lock usually cost?

Mace · 02-20-08, 07:44 PM

varies from el cheapo's at about $150 to whatever you want to pay.

scott67fj40 · 02-20-08, 07:54 PM

I have a machine shop with full manual and NC mill and lathe capabilities. I have been thinking about making and selling various items on the net like bead locks, link ends ( bungs ), misalignment spacers etc, etc, etc. and whatever custom stuff that came along.
Im just not sure how big of a market there is for this stuff and what people would pay. The more I made the lower the cost would be obviously.
I have been making a few things for Dave over at Javiers Autos/Gulf Coast Crawl shop.
What do you guys think?

scott67fj40 · 02-20-08, 07:55 PM

I may start a new post on this and try to get some feedback.
Dave and Javier have been trying to talk me into it.

Mace · 02-20-08, 07:56 PM

Champion wheel charges about $180 per wheel to add beadlocks (aluminum) can you touch that?

scott67fj40 · 02-20-08, 08:00 PM

I would have to put a pencil to it and get my material cost and see. that really seems doable though.

alkaline747trio · 02-20-08, 09:38 PM

Mace, you sure about 16s? I thought it was 16.5s that were the problem wheel.

camcruiser13 · 02-20-08, 09:40 PM

the problem is that you waste so much material when you cut out circles. i think ruffstuff has it down to a science. if you can compete with dans prices you may be in business

Mace · 02-20-08, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alkaline747trio

Mace, you sure about 16s? I thought it was 16.5s that were the problem wheel.

yeppers.. 16.5 not 16"

CreeperSleeper · 02-21-08, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mace

yeppers.. 16.5 not 16"

I thought you were wrong, but I didn't want to second guess your amazing knowledge!

No matter... I may have to buy some 17x9s before too long.

chattfj40 · 02-21-08, 04:23 PM

Ok...stupid question...why is there a difference between a 16 and a 16.5 as far as beadlocks go?

Got the Nomex on...fire for effect

LukeZero · 02-21-08, 04:39 PM

The profile of a 16.5" rim does not have a raised portion behind the bead of the tire sometimes referred to as a safety bead. The only thing keeping the bead seated on a 16.5 is air pressure.

15s, 16s, and for that matter probably 22s and other crazy sizes have a raised portion that once the bead of the tire is stretched over it- it is pretty difficult to get it back unseated. It can be done by hand, but typically requires a tire changing machine.

So, bottom line, 16.5s are not very conducive to off-roading, ie. if you need beadlocks, you don't want to do it with conventional 16.5s.

Mace · 02-21-08, 04:44 PM

Unless they are hummer rims

BTW, there are a couple of 16.5's that did have good safety beads..
Also, IIRC it is more of a .5 desigination.

19.5" rims do not have safety beads either.

LukeZero · 02-21-08, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mace

Unless they are hummer rims

Quote:

Originally Posted by LukeZero

you don't want to do it with conventional 16.5s.

I figured going into that explanation was probably more than he wanted to know.

chattfj40 · 02-22-08, 08:25 PM

Thanks Luke and Mace! I knew there was a simple answer...just curious

02-19-08, 06:58 PM	#2
camcruiser13 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: in the garage after dark in UT Posts: 5,134	i do like how they come with hardware. __________________ cc ------------- 76' fj40 camcrusier13 build threads the following are links, just click, go on try it Traction Bar Sliders Ram Assist Bumper Poison Spider Style Shackle Reversal Half Doors if your doing it im sure ive done it, need help just ask.......

02-19-08, 11:25 PM	#3
fj40forlife IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Dec 2005 TLCA# 5624562435 Posts: 1,121	this beadlocks are great. I have mine and they are the next set im going to buy again for my new rig, i think the reason he stop making them for a while was because he had a bad back and it was hard on him lifting the boxs of bolts,nuts,washer arouild the shop and hes a one man show. so he lay off on them. but im glad he started making them __________________ What is rock crawling? My build http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=637144

02-20-08, 11:46 AM	#5
Sputnik40 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2005 TLCA# 6187 Posts: 1,457	Those are really sharp looking. Is the hardware stainless? Is the allen keyway large enough to allow for applying sufficient torque to get everything seated right? Curious - as that's a really flush looking setup.... __________________ "The devil made me do it the first time. The second time I done it on my own."

02-20-08, 12:24 PM	#6
Mace what he said Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 11,208	Torque on those locks is minimal.. The allen is fine. I just wish he would treat stock birfs again __________________ I am kinda gay....... My Myspace http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...endid=75712409 "Mary Poppins: In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and - SNAP - the job's a game."

02-20-08, 03:46 PM	#8
bandy rooster IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sunny South Posts: 1,882	i like the old design better... (the on in the pic above) just because it looks cooler __________________ 71fj40-350,SM465,3SPD L/C T-Case,4 WDB's,SAGINAW Dude!, those are my work moccasins!

02-20-08, 06:36 PM	#9
chattfj40 IH8MUD Reader Join Date: May 2004 Location: Chattanooga, TN TLCA# 4920 Posts: 521	I've got the old ones too, and love them. I like what Luke did with the counter sinking and, when I get new tires I might do this...I'm gonna re-PC them to get rid of the Safety Orange, but sticking them on the press and drilling the countersinks shouldn't be too difficult IIRC, the torque is ~20-22 pounds..just takes awhile to get them all torqued to spec __________________ Please donate to the Rescue Tellico Fund and help save the Tellico OHV area --Todd Chattanooga, TN 1980 FJ40, H41/0rion, SOA, 38.5 TSL/SX, LF Beadlocks, Longs, Sag pwr steer w/ ram assist. TLCA#: 4920 STLCA Rescue Tellico Committee (SFWDA) And yep...I am White Trash

02-20-08, 07:32 PM	#11
Mace what he said Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 11,208	With no inner bead on a 16" rim you are shootin yourself in the foot trying a beadlock.. __________________ I am kinda gay....... My Myspace http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...endid=75712409 "Mary Poppins: In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and - SNAP - the job's a game."

02-20-08, 07:38 PM	#12
scott67fj40 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Spring Tx Posts: 267	What do a set of bead lock usually cost? __________________ 67 fj40, Chevy 350 SM420 Trans Saginaw PS S-A-W Racerunner coilovers 3 linked front 4 linked rear Currie Antirock FJ80 axles longfields ARB lockers front and rear Warn 9000 37x13.50 Xterrains and so on and so on..............

02-20-08, 07:44 PM	#13
Mace what he said Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 11,208	varies from el cheapo's at about $150 to whatever you want to pay. __________________ I am kinda gay....... My Myspace http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...endid=75712409 "Mary Poppins: In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and - SNAP - the job's a game."

02-20-08, 07:54 PM	#14
scott67fj40 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Spring Tx Posts: 267	I have a machine shop with full manual and NC mill and lathe capabilities. I have been thinking about making and selling various items on the net like bead locks, link ends ( bungs ), misalignment spacers etc, etc, etc. and whatever custom stuff that came along. Im just not sure how big of a market there is for this stuff and what people would pay. The more I made the lower the cost would be obviously. I have been making a few things for Dave over at Javiers Autos/Gulf Coast Crawl shop. What do you guys think? __________________ 67 fj40, Chevy 350 SM420 Trans Saginaw PS S-A-W Racerunner coilovers 3 linked front 4 linked rear Currie Antirock FJ80 axles longfields ARB lockers front and rear Warn 9000 37x13.50 Xterrains and so on and so on..............

02-20-08, 07:55 PM	#15
scott67fj40 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Spring Tx Posts: 267	I may start a new post on this and try to get some feedback. Dave and Javier have been trying to talk me into it. __________________ 67 fj40, Chevy 350 SM420 Trans Saginaw PS S-A-W Racerunner coilovers 3 linked front 4 linked rear Currie Antirock FJ80 axles longfields ARB lockers front and rear Warn 9000 37x13.50 Xterrains and so on and so on..............

02-20-08, 07:56 PM	#16
Mace what he said Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 11,208	Champion wheel charges about $180 per wheel to add beadlocks (aluminum) can you touch that? __________________ I am kinda gay....... My Myspace http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...endid=75712409 "Mary Poppins: In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and - SNAP - the job's a game."

02-20-08, 08:00 PM	#17
scott67fj40 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Spring Tx Posts: 267	I would have to put a pencil to it and get my material cost and see. that really seems doable though. __________________ 67 fj40, Chevy 350 SM420 Trans Saginaw PS S-A-W Racerunner coilovers 3 linked front 4 linked rear Currie Antirock FJ80 axles longfields ARB lockers front and rear Warn 9000 37x13.50 Xterrains and so on and so on..............

02-20-08, 09:38 PM	#18
alkaline747trio ......what? Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Blacksburg VA or Albemarle NC Posts: 3,972	Mace, you sure about 16s? I thought it was 16.5s that were the problem wheel. __________________ '92 - 3FE POWER'D! -- Slee 6"/OME 863J, Pro-Comp 14" ES3000/N74L, Gen. 2 Slee Front Control Arms, T-G Sliders, Ext. Diff. Breathers, DBA Gold S/D Rotors, Slee SS Brake Lines, 5.29s, Aussie Locker'd rear, 37x14 IROK Bias/38.5x11 Boggers, some black bed-liner on the outside, some orange inside, 180k. '85 Honda Accord - 55MPG!!! -- No air filter, Custom Burple (blue and purple) Paint. Upstate Cruisers

02-20-08, 09:40 PM	#19
camcruiser13 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: in the garage after dark in UT Posts: 5,134	the problem is that you waste so much material when you cut out circles. i think ruffstuff has it down to a science. if you can compete with dans prices you may be in business __________________ cc ------------- 76' fj40 camcrusier13 build threads the following are links, just click, go on try it Traction Bar Sliders Ram Assist Bumper Poison Spider Style Shackle Reversal Half Doors if your doing it im sure ive done it, need help just ask.......

02-21-08, 04:23 PM	#22
chattfj40 IH8MUD Reader Join Date: May 2004 Location: Chattanooga, TN TLCA# 4920 Posts: 521	Ok...stupid question...why is there a difference between a 16 and a 16.5 as far as beadlocks go? Got the Nomex on...fire for effect __________________ Please donate to the Rescue Tellico Fund and help save the Tellico OHV area --Todd Chattanooga, TN 1980 FJ40, H41/0rion, SOA, 38.5 TSL/SX, LF Beadlocks, Longs, Sag pwr steer w/ ram assist. TLCA#: 4920 STLCA Rescue Tellico Committee (SFWDA) And yep...I am White Trash

02-21-08, 04:44 PM	#24
Mace what he said Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 11,208	Unless they are hummer rims BTW, there are a couple of 16.5's that did have good safety beads.. Also, IIRC it is more of a .5 desigination. 19.5" rims do not have safety beads either. __________________ I am kinda gay....... My Myspace http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...endid=75712409 "Mary Poppins: In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and - SNAP - the job's a game."

02-22-08, 08:25 PM	#26
chattfj40 IH8MUD Reader Join Date: May 2004 Location: Chattanooga, TN TLCA# 4920 Posts: 521	Thanks Luke and Mace! I knew there was a simple answer...just curious __________________ Please donate to the Rescue Tellico Fund and help save the Tellico OHV area --Todd Chattanooga, TN 1980 FJ40, H41/0rion, SOA, 38.5 TSL/SX, LF Beadlocks, Longs, Sag pwr steer w/ ram assist. TLCA#: 4920 STLCA Rescue Tellico Committee (SFWDA) And yep...I am White Trash