Author Topic: Beadlock question  (Read 4526 times)

Offline M3 WRATH

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Beadlock question
« on: December 04, 2008, 07:03:05 pm »
I've been thinking about getting some beadlock wheels (raceline baja cripplers).  I do a fair amount of highway driving but I've heard that beadlocks are not street legal.  Can anyone confirm this or explain why?  I'm sure I don't do enough rock crawling to justify buying beadlock wheels but they look sick on 4x4's!
« Last Edit: December 04, 2008, 07:04:42 pm by M3 WRATH »

Offline choptop

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Re: Beadlock question
« Reply #1 on: December 04, 2008, 07:13:27 pm »
If you dont need them, dont waste the money. There are alot of simulated beadlock wheels out there, and in more options. I dont know about the legality, just need to find out the necessity
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Offline M3 WRATH

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Re: Beadlock question
« Reply #2 on: December 04, 2008, 07:33:51 pm »
I live in Montana and have just started to find some trails to bounce down.  What terrain characteristics dictate that a truck really should have beadlock wheels in order to avoid getting stranded somewhere?  I guess I don't have enough off-road experience yet to know if I'm asking too much of my regular wheel/tire setup.  Any advice?  Admittedly, I like the look of the beadlocks and don't really have a money issue, but if I don't need them then I don't need them.

Offline choptop

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Re: Beadlock question
« Reply #3 on: December 04, 2008, 08:03:07 pm »
I am more of a drag racer myself, so cant answer 100 percent sure, but i think it requires severe rock climbing, or real low tire pressure . Really extreme conditions
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Offline Dragon

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Re: Beadlock question
« Reply #4 on: December 04, 2008, 08:24:41 pm »
Locally and most states that surround me have beadlockers illegal for street/highway use, as most States believe that the beadrings can come loose, allowing the bolts,rings and possibly the tires come off at speed...  Alot of the local Officers will still harrass an individuals, if they have have convincing Mock/Street Locker Rims(Fake beadlocks that have real boltheads, but are welded and sealed in place) on their Trucks/cars....
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Offline Captkaos

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Re: Beadlock question
« Reply #5 on: December 04, 2008, 08:31:19 pm »
Bead locks are for airing the tires down to 5lbs and are beneficial on rock crawling where the tire will wrap around a rock.  With low pressure, the tire can slip off the bead, beadlocks prevent this.
Based on you experience, you don't need them, and they are illegal.  The reason they are illegal is a bolt holds the tire on the rim (there is no lip) and the bolts could loosen and the tire come off, which is a rolling hazzard for not only you, but everyone on the road.

If you like the look, get "street" locks.  They are simulated beadlocks.

Offline M3 WRATH

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Re: Beadlock question
« Reply #6 on: December 04, 2008, 10:29:06 pm »
Wow!  Great feedback - sounds like a pretty easy decision for me then.  Thanks for the knowledge - I LOVE this forum!