Lil'John
Former #278
Title kind of states it. But super short: I've got 8x6.5" wheels/axle. I'm considering going to 8x170mm axle(SD Dana 60). Stuck with wheel decision.
My fab guy has the mantra of: "Don't build a rig around a set of wheels."
Wheels of choice on current rigs:
Only mildly worried on the bead locks but I'd probably lose my ass trying to sell and find 8x170mm... no such thing for Pro-Comp. The other set of rims are no longer made. I would probably lose my ass selling and buying new "plain" rims. I've got the second set on two of my rigs(9 rims total)
So the question I have is which is the best bet to get 17" wheels onto the rigs as I convert the axles to 8x170mm? Partial concern is strength.
1) New wheels will be about $200ea for plain aluminum and about $400ea for beadlock. Biggest problem I have is finding a plain symmetrical spoke type aluminum rim. Almost every aftermarket rim I can think of look like they were designed by ADD person who just drank several gallons of Mt.Dew. I will also need to account for lug nuts.
2) Buy 8x6.5" to 8x170mm adapters. I can't find anything shorter than 1.5". It also looks like quality ones are ~$150 a pair. The axles are going to be custom width so removing 3" of shaft isn't a big deal. Is 1.5" too much leverage on a unit bearing?
3) Machine the unit bearings and rotors. I didn't do an exhaustive search but found Mark Williams charges about $180 a bearing. No idea on rotors. My concern is having to continually do this process on wear items. One of my rigs is a daily driver. Is there concern over strength of the unit bearings getting double drilled?
4) Machine the wheels. I found a place that will charge $150ea for four/five wheels. I haven't gotten an answer on 9-14 Added cost is lugs as well as dismount/mount tires. Is there concern over strength of the wheels getting double drilled?
My math is showing that machining the rims is probably the best route in terms of cost and maintaining off the shelf replacement parts(unit bearings and rotors). Strength is a mild concern.
My fab guy has the mantra of: "Don't build a rig around a set of wheels."
Wheels of choice on current rigs:
Only mildly worried on the bead locks but I'd probably lose my ass trying to sell and find 8x170mm... no such thing for Pro-Comp. The other set of rims are no longer made. I would probably lose my ass selling and buying new "plain" rims. I've got the second set on two of my rigs(9 rims total)
So the question I have is which is the best bet to get 17" wheels onto the rigs as I convert the axles to 8x170mm? Partial concern is strength.
1) New wheels will be about $200ea for plain aluminum and about $400ea for beadlock. Biggest problem I have is finding a plain symmetrical spoke type aluminum rim. Almost every aftermarket rim I can think of look like they were designed by ADD person who just drank several gallons of Mt.Dew. I will also need to account for lug nuts.
2) Buy 8x6.5" to 8x170mm adapters. I can't find anything shorter than 1.5". It also looks like quality ones are ~$150 a pair. The axles are going to be custom width so removing 3" of shaft isn't a big deal. Is 1.5" too much leverage on a unit bearing?
3) Machine the unit bearings and rotors. I didn't do an exhaustive search but found Mark Williams charges about $180 a bearing. No idea on rotors. My concern is having to continually do this process on wear items. One of my rigs is a daily driver. Is there concern over strength of the unit bearings getting double drilled?
4) Machine the wheels. I found a place that will charge $150ea for four/five wheels. I haven't gotten an answer on 9-14 Added cost is lugs as well as dismount/mount tires. Is there concern over strength of the wheels getting double drilled?
My math is showing that machining the rims is probably the best route in terms of cost and maintaining off the shelf replacement parts(unit bearings and rotors). Strength is a mild concern.