Builds Big Red Toy (7 Viewers)

[The Phoenician]

I forgot to add this picture. You can see how the brake caliper sticks out a bit further than where the back of the wheel will sit. Spacers should fix that right up. Now my concern is the tires might stick out too much since it's only 2.5 in backspacing and 1.5 in spacer on each side. It might look ridiculous just as long as it is functional.
Also for those with military tires on, what pressure did you air it up to and how is the ride?Mine are at 45psi right now, but obviously I can't chalk test them until I can mount them.

 

[The Phoenician]

I'm trying to be proactive while I wait for the spacers to show up. I figured I could get the tires balanced in the meanwhile, but no one wants to mess with beadlocked wheels. I have reservations against using beebees in the tires for several reasons but mostly because I don't want to take the wheels apart. Anyone run into this issue before and What was the solution? I'm hoping some small mom and pop shop can do it, but the last place I went to they couldn't work on 37 inch tires.
Oh and happy independence day.

 

[Off Duty]

First off, Happy Independence day to you as well, and thank you for your service.

Do you have a dedicated 4wd shop near you?
4Wheel Parts, or something of the ilk?

They should be able to do it for you.

There also used to be some sort of balancing plates that bolted to the back of the rim (IIRC?).
Probably snake oil, and not even sure if they'd work with wheels and tires like yours, but I remember seeing them years and years ago.

OD

 

[The Phoenician]

I read somewhere that 4 wheel parts doesn't mess with beadlocks either for the same reason discount tires doesn't. I'll call them tomorrow to double check. I'm gonna also call a truck shop and a farm shop. Someone somewhere does these I'm sure.
And thanks OD.

 

[Off Duty]

I read somewhere that 4 wheel parts doesn't mess with beadlocks either for the same reason discount tires doesn't. I'll call them tomorrow to double check. I'm gonna also call a truck shop and a farm shop. Someone somewhere does these I'm sure.
And thanks OD.

I would imagine that any place that works with commercial truck tires, split rims, etc., should be able to handle them for you.

Let us know what you find out?

OD

 

[The Phoenician]

Ok got them kinda balanced. One took about 14 ounces and still looks like it is noticeably out balance. Noticed one tire has a slight bulge on the side of it. They told me to drive them and see how bad they are first. Next step would be to take them off the wheels then remounting them and possibly throw in some bead bags. The guy told me to run 30psi in them, does that sound right? The ones I have on are running 45psi. I guess we'll see when the spacers come in.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

30 psi sounds right. I'm running 28 in mine.

 

[The Phoenician]

so the UPS package I been waiting on finally showed up. My 1.5 in Slee spacers

finished my quiz and I quit working on my paper that's due and started working on Big Red. Took off the tires and cleaned up the drums and painted them a bit then installed the spacers. Torqued them to the required 85lbs. Then I mounted the new tires. They are heavy and with a healing knuckle and torn ACL it wasn't easy mounting them.

Here's what it looks like from the side. I drove it and was pleasantly surprised. No vibration like I was worried about and a much better turning radius. I gotta chalk test them to figure out the best tire pressure. I'll write more after dinner, I'm starving right now.

 

[davegonz]

That came out nice!

 

[Off Duty]

Very nice indeed!

 

[robustbambi]

Too cool man!

 

[The Phoenician]

Thanks guys, I really have to thank my buddy Zeke here who hung out with me the entire time while I was cussing and lifting.



The base came out wider with the 2.5 in backspacing and the 1.5 in spacers, I'm still getting used to the narrower tire look. So far I like the way they handle, no road walking like the creepy crawlers. I'm going to drive it on the highway right now to get a better impression. Will post more pics later.

 

[Off Duty]

It does look more "bad ass" with the crawlers, but I'll bet you're going to notice better overall street performance with these.

 

[The Phoenician]

It does look more "bad ass" with the crawlers, but I'll bet you're going to notice better overall street performance with these.

I already noticed a great improvement on normal drives. It seems to get up to speed faster and it handles more like a pickup than a bus. The tires are also quiter and can drive in a straight line, with the crawlers You can't take your hands of the steering wheel. I think I'm more comfortable taking much longer trips with it now. I do however feel a slight oscillation type vibration in the shifter knob while driving. I'll take it in next week to have the tires rotated on the wheels just to be sure. Next big project is regearing and lockers.

 

[90FJ]

Sweet rig, what backspacing did you order on the TWF wheels? I'm guessing you got the flat centers, I'm guessing no flat centered wheels would work on a 60 without running spacers the way you did?

Could you post a head on shot showing your wheel offset?

 

[The Phoenician]

I got the 2.5in backspacing because I wanted a wider base. I did get the flat center, I should have taken the wheel off and looked first, but it worked out in the end. It has improved the handling of the rig, I can make sharper turns without it feeling like it's going to roll on me, or rubbing for that matter. Still experimenting with it so much can change, but overall it's been an improvement. Here are the pics I got that I haven't yet posted.





The tires will really stick out if I put the old tires on the spacers. I'll save that for wheeling though.

 

[The Phoenician]

for a better comparison

i like the look of this


but these handle better

 

[Off Duty]

I agree, but either way, it looks great!

 

[The Phoenician]

ok it's time to take off the wheels and recheck the spacers. I think I'll get started on it this weekend if it doesn't rain. The tires are still slightly imbalanced and you can feel them on highway speeds. It's not bad, but it's there. I wanted to ask, other than loosening the nuts and bolts and uneven tire wear, is there anything else imbalanced tires could cause. Like could it somehow affect the axles or drive line, tranny and so on?

 

[Pacer]

Could add a lot of wear to your tie rods and steering components if its the front end you feel it in...