Bead locks

[TopRunner]

CLICK HERE to see the wheels

I saw a set of these "Rock a thon" bead lock rims and thought the looked the teets but then read up on them and learned that not only are they not DOT approved but the are heavy.

I checked out a couple of faux bead locks but then I thought "why bother".

Maybe some one will find a way to interperate the law and make these Rock a thon's street leagal.

 

[fourwd1]

There are a few street legal beadlocks available, but I can't think of the manufacturers names.

 

[TopRunner]

OK, did a bit more reading and research on the bead lock. There are more myths and rumors on these wheels than anything else I have researched on the web thus far.

Basicly you need to check your state laws and make sure the alough 2-piece wheels and check anything else concerning wheels.

Next is the wheel itself, there are 2 kinds. One is cut and welded so it can recieve the lock ring. The other is cast with the intent of being a bead locking wheel.

The welded wheels might be hard to balance. Also because they were altered from there original form means that whatever DOT test they past before alteration, is now nul and void.

I am still interested and will likley do a lot more research. I recomend the same for anyone else that might be in the market.

 

[Bowtie3]

The only Beadlock wheels that are DOT is Stauns I think....The best beadlock wheels are ones made from one piece aluminum...Walker Evens, Trail Gear. Beadlocks are hard to balance because the bolts that hold them together are not consistent(equal weight, length.etc) Most shops will not balance beadlocks.

For Toyota beadlocks I would go with Trail gear. PM me for price.

 

[Good Times]

I am currently running a custom beadlock setup from OMF performance. The wheels were originally a stock 2000+ Tundra (16x7 alum wheel) and was modified to 16x8.25ish after the beadlock was added. (I wanted to widen the wheel so it worked out perfectly).

As you can see it's a very clean setup and works great. To date I have had zero problems and have not heard of anyone experiencing any issues with the OMF beadlocks.

Balancing has been all done at Discount Tire / America's Tire with zero problems (In several shops in CA and NV). Even with the 315/75/16 Goodyear MTR's balancing has not been an issue. I have been told by the shops that they won't be able to balance them perfectly due to the tires but to date I've been fortunate. I also have some rock domes which I thought would make it harder to balance but this has not been an issue.

As for legalities, to date, no CHP or any law enforcement officer or BAR has questioned my wheels. I know of no code in the vehicle code for my state (CA) that states beadlocks are illegal. So until someone proves me otherwise I'll continue to use them.

Btw, for the average abuser, I'd say beadlocks are an overkill. Until you start popping lots of beads on your wheels it probably is not worth the $$.

Side note which is important:
None of the tire shops will install tires on a beadlock wheels. This means that you will have to buy the tires from them and install it yourself. The reason is due to the liability for the improper installation. Shops do not want to be liable so they force the customers to install the tires on their own prior to balancing. So what I've done so far is to bring my beadlock wheel and just install the tire at their shop in the parking lot. Once the tire is installed and all of the bolts are properly set in place, all they have to do is inflate and balance. Can't get any easier than that for them.

Good luck