Bead lock wheels

[BigRedXJ]

I currently have a set of bead locks on my XJ. They're a cheap steel rim, and I've had a good bit of trouble keeping the tire centered on the lock ring. There is a bit of a raised edge to help, but it doesn't do much. Though I won't be getting new rims for a while, does anyone have any suggestions on companies that make a good quality bead lock rim? Looking for something that fits a 5 on 4.5 patten, so AEV is out of the question.

 

[irish1371]

you can get aev's in your bolt pattern. You can get alot of different bead locks. from add on's to poison spyder style wheel covers to hutchinson internal bead locks. I run the rock monsters. unless you plan to do some serious airing down off road then bead locks only become a pita. They are heavier killiing some gas mileage and ride comfort. They usually have a bunch of extra bolts/steps to go thru when working on them

 

[BigRedXJ]

I do like to air down to about 8 psi. But my Jeep still sees plenty of road use as well. I looked on AEV's site and only saw the Pintler's for the 5 on 5 pattern. Internal locks also sound nice.

 

[ih8philly]

Are you looking for a 15 or 16 in rim? This makes a huge difference in the options available to you.

 

[BigRedXJ]

I've got 15's now, but am considering stepping up to 17" next time I get new tires. Running on 35's now planning on 37's.

 

[ih8philly]

I've got 15's now, but am considering stepping up to 17" next time I get new tires. Running on 35's now planning on 37's.

I would go with the Hutchinson Rock Monsters which are available in a 17x8.5 or the Trail Ready HD series.

 

[mvbeggs]

+1 for Walker Evans

I'm running Walker Evans bead locks on the Jeep. They have held up to everything thrown at them. Mine were made to my specs regarding offset as well as bolt pattern.

Good luck!

 

[BigRedXJ]

No problems with the tires staying centered? How's the road performance?

 

[mvbeggs]

No problems with the tires staying centered? How's the road performance?

Not sure if this was meant for me, but I'll respond.

No problem keeping my tires centered on the Walker Evans.

Jeep handles great. Doesn't feel like a vehicle on 37's. No unusual sway during turns, wandering, or swimming feeling. Steering is very tight. IMHO, the key is the suspension setup. I'm running Off Road Evolution's (EVO) front coil overs and their rear lever system. I made my suspension decision based on EVO's reputation for great offroad capability and superior on-road handling. 38,000 miles later, I have not been disappointed. Almost anyone can put together a long travel suspension. The trick is making a long travel suspension behave on the road. I have no problems making high speed (55mph+) avoidance maneuvers with my setup.

 

[X-plorenow]

Hutchinsons are nice and are a true double beadlock but they are heavy as hell!

 

[BigRedXJ]

Questions are directed at anyone that can answer! And I'm not really looking for something too heavy, if I was, I'd get the B.A.D. wheels.

 

[X-plorenow]

Then you don't want Hutchinsons. method Race Wheels and Raceline make pretty light alloy beadlocks.

 

[FKreider]

Like mentioned above unless you are doing some serious wheeling and airing down to pressures lower than 10-12psi I would NOT recommend bead locks. They just become a pain, for serious trail rigs they are worth it and work awesome, I have a set on my wheeling rig.

For a vehicle that see's more road and two track than rock crawling I would say save yourself a serious headache and buy a nice set of aluminum wheels.

 

[X-plorenow]

Ditto to what he said!

 

[Oman4x4]

I'll be running AEV's 17" 5x5" Pintler Beadlocks on my TJ Brute build using wheel hub adapters to convert the bolt pattern from 5x4.5 to 5x5 - and add a bit of width in the process.

Long term I'll be putting wider axles under it which I'll have built with JK bolt patterns... depending on funds down the line either new custom axles or maybe just a used set of JK axles... but either way the wheels will carry over.



Can't say how well it works yet as we're a long way from moving under our own power. But it's an option if you do like the AEV wheel.


If that option doesn't appeal to you - Hutchinsons are available in 15" or 17" with 5x4.5 patterns - or I would say go for Walker Evans.