Any truth to using BB's (copperhead, glass, or airsoft) to balance big tires??

I know that Les Schwab and other commercial tire vendors use what is called balance beads (glass beads) but what about the others? I even heard tale of guys with 41"+ tires using golf balls.

I have an 83 Chevy 1 ton Crew Cab 4x4, 16.5 x 9.75 Aluminum Typhoon Weld Wheels, with 37" x 12.50 IROK Radial Super Swampers. I had a pretty good shake/hop at 45-50, then cleaned up a bit after 50 and up. I just had them re-balanced and it cleaned it up about 75% but it is definitely still there. I don't wheel this rig and I would like to sell these babies http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=661742 but in the meantime I would like to use the truck to haul dirtbikes and such.

Question;
Recommended amount of Copperhead BB's or Airsoft BB's and should I remove the stick on weights when adding the BB's or just leave them on?

try this in genaral 4x4 discusion better results there have you done a search ?

i run 12oz of steel BB's in my beadlocked MTR's. Seemed to do the trick, i have no vibes at all, even at freeway speeds.

i run 12oz of steel BB's in my beadlocked MTR's. Seemed to do the trick, i have no vibes at all, even at freeway speeds.

Thanks for the info...I appreciate it. Guess I'll just have to start experimenting with the amounts. So far I have a range of 12oz to 1.5lbs.

Thanks again

do a search i did and found a lot of info just changed mine lots better

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=591575&highlight=bb+balancing

buy a star so we dont have to post this stuff:shaking:

Try this site http://www.innovativebalancing.com/BigTirechart.htm
They have a chart that should get you started.

So far BB's for balance a myth for me. I went off Dynabeads website for a guide as where to start. Wheels off the truck 3 different times now....10oz = no good, 1 lb = no good, and 1.5 lb = no good. The bb's actually made it worse, the stick on weights were way better. I have 37" x 12.50 IROK Radial TSL's on 16.5 x 9.75 aluminum rims.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff155/raceradam/100_3494.jpg

I've come to terms with the fact that these tires are meant for serious wheeling, not the street, which is where this truck spends most of its life.

I just ordered some 17x10 wheels and some 35" x 12.50 Super Swamper STS tires. SHould be waaayyyy easier to balance out and much more suited for the street.

add hydro assist. Best steering stablizer/balancer I've ever used. :)

So far BB's for balance a myth for me. I went off Dynabeads website for a guide as where to start. Wheels off the truck 3 different times now....10oz = no good, 1 lb = no good, and 1.5 lb = no good. The bb's actually made it worse, the stick on weights were way better. I have 37" x 12.50 IROK Radial TSL's on 16.5 x 9.75 aluminum rims.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff155/raceradam/100_3494.jpg

I've come to terms with the fact that these tires are meant for serious wheeling, not the street, which is where this truck spends most of its life.

I just ordered some 17x10 wheels and some 35" x 12.50 Super Swamper STS tires. SHould be waaayyyy easier to balance out and much more suited for the street.So your super swampers didn't balance and you bought another set of super swampers? :shaking:

It has the IROK's on there now...37 inchers...very aggressive lug patter on a 16.5 inch rim! There are not alot of choices out there for 35x12.50 17's. Interco (Super Swamper) makes an all terrain radial called the STS designed for rigs used primarily on the street, similar to a BFG All Terrain radial. My experience and stories from others indicate that any type of big lugged tire over 35 inches is a pain in the ass to properly balance. If this was just a wheelin rig, I would just get it close and not worry about it, but I actually want to use this rig to haul and tow my toys.

I know it seems kinda weird, swapping Super Swampers for Super Swampers, but they are two completely different tires, that should also have extememly different characteristics.

If you don't wheel it, why not a set of ATs? Why stay with such an aggressive tread?

Well the biggest reason is I get them at cost through a good friend of mine. I looked at the BFG ALL Terrain, the STS is supposed to be in the same category, but the BFG price margin isn't as good. Up close the tread on the STS isn't that aggrassive, but it does look it.

No more hop/bounce balance issues..35 inchers on 17 inch wheels. A way better fit and the Super Swamper STS's are very nice and ride awesome!!
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff155/raceradam/100_3500.jpg

Good deal and good looking truck!

Super Swampers are not known to balence. Maybe the STS are better. I had a set of SSR once and needed 40 onces to balence is what the spin balencer said. I said sorry I'm not buying them...

I think the most the STS's took was 4.5 ounces for one wheel. They ride awesome. These are supposed to be thier version of the BFG All terrain radial So far..so good.