Considering upgrading to 17" wheels (internal beadlock)

[74BroncoCO]

I have wanted to upgrade my older 15" champion beadlock wheels for quite some time, but as you know, this is an expensive endeavor! So, I am looking at options that aren't $500+ a wheel.

My idea was to find some 17" wheels that have a sacrificial (replaceable) rock ring, but were not traditional beadlocks. Then I can run some internal bladder style beadlocks and achieve my goals for cheaper. However, I am not finding anyone who makes these wheels within my budget. I DO NOT want steel wheels or flimsy rock rings. Anyone know otherwise?

In all honesty, I have never lost a bead on my Champions and go down to 9psi most the time while wheeling pretty hard. So that brings up another option...find some 17" beadlocks 2nd hand, but my guess is these are like hens teeth. I haven't come across any yet.

Still running 5 on 5.5" lug pattern.

Thanks!

 

[Yeller]

in my experience, I'd just get a regular set of 17" beadlocks. I've used a couple of different inflatables, never lost a bead as long as we didn't pop them. the only real issue was once we ran them, we couldn't get air out of a tire with it inflated, which means we couldn't check the pressure of the tire either, this was with both companies that we partnered with, one was orange and the other was green.... they were a maintenance nightmare to the point it was one of the few times that we broke ties with a marketing partner (sponsor) over the issues we had running their product. I think they are fantastic in theory but a PITA in reality. They do hold the beads on though. We gave them a second opportunity because we liked what they brought to the table but at the end of the day it wasn't worth it.

Suck it up and just buy the wheel you like LOL I know it sucks but we only live once

 

[carter2772]

Method makes a new style wheel called Bead Grip... They have an extra couple ridges on the internal bead, i believe on both sides. They look to be a little over $300 per wheel

https://www.methodracewheels.com/collections/bead-grip-wheels

Here is the video i saw, how i found out about them. Its a good channel, and a pretty informative video about putting the wheels through the paces.

 

[74BroncoCO]

Method makes a new style wheel called Bead Grip... They have an extra couple ridges on the internal bead, i believe on both sides. They look to be a little over $300 per wheel

https://www.methodracewheels.com/collections/bead-grip-wheels

Here is the video i saw, how i found out about them. Its a good channel, and a pretty informative video about putting the wheels through the paces.

I am familiar with those, but I can't stomach scrapping them up the first rock run I do. No rim protection on those.

 

[carter2772]

 

[Yeller]

View attachment 918242

That bit of tech was patented, now expired, by Marsh Racing Wheels in the early 80's. It works fantastically. Can be a bit of a nail biter getting the bead seated, pressure gets pretty high but they do work. Scuffing the outside of the bead can be a problem if it concerns you.

 

[Yeller]

in my experience, I'd just get a regular set of 17" beadlocks. I've used a couple of different inflatables, never lost a bead as long as we didn't pop them. the only real issue was once we ran them, we couldn't get air out of a tire with it inflated, which means we couldn't check the pressure of the tire either, this was with both companies that we partnered with, one was orange and the other was green.... they were a maintenance nightmare to the point it was one of the few times that we broke ties with a marketing partner (sponsor) over the issues we had running their product. I think they are fantastic in theory but a PITA in reality. They do hold the beads on though. We gave them a second opportunity because we liked what they brought to the table but at the end of the day it wasn't worth it.

Suck it up and just buy the wheel you like LOL I know it sucks but we only live once

I'll explain further. This was in professional rock crawling competition car, where things are pushed beyond comprehension. For the average wheeler, that isn't a 1 percenter that breaks 300M axle shafts on the regular, they are probably fine, I just have not experienced that in my history.

 

[Broncobowsher]

I can't remember if it is Method or Icon that has a dozen bolts that go through the wheel radially. They make a protrusion behind the tire bead that keep it from slipping into the wheel. But doesn't actually clamp the bead. The only wheels I have seen like that, all other bead locks are axially bolted.

 

[gnsteam]

I can't remember if it is Method or Icon that has a dozen bolts that go through the wheel radially. They make a protrusion behind the tire bead that keep it from slipping into the wheel. But doesn't actually clamp the bead. The only wheels I have seen like that, all other bead locks are axially bolted.

Those would Icon, Rebound wheels.

https://www.iconvehicledynamics.com/wheel/15050/icon-alloys-rebound-pro/?finishID=275

 

[OX1]

Those would Icon, Rebound wheels.

https://www.iconvehicledynamics.com/wheel/15050/icon-alloys-rebound-pro/?finishID=275

Looks like a lot of spots to possibly lose air.

 

[36Fan]

Search the desert racing crowds for 17" beadlocks, you'll have better luck there.

I would be interested in your Champions if you sell them depending on what style and size they are.

 

[74BroncoCO]

Those would Icon, Rebound wheels.

https://www.iconvehicledynamics.com/wheel/15050/icon-alloys-rebound-pro/?finishID=275

You are correct. Innovative design with the high potential to lose air as they age, but they don't offer a replaceable outer ring.

 

[74BroncoCO]

Search the desert racing crowds for 17" beadlocks, you'll have better luck there.

I would be interested in your Champions if you sell them depending on what style and size they are.

That is a good idea. I don't follow any desert racing groups, but I suppose I should start.

I won't have a use for my Champions, so I will likely sell them. I don't expect to make any changes in the next few months.

 

[phred]

Hutchinson rock monsters lock internally. No rock ring for wheel protection though. They are also heavy which can be good depending on what you are doing.

 

[74BroncoCO]

Hutchinson rock monsters lock internally. No rock ring for wheel protection though. They are also heavy which can be good depending on what you are doing.

They are some amazing wheels to be sure, but as you say, no protection and $775ea!

 

[74BroncoCO]

Had a local deal pop up that was too good to pass up. Got these from a guy who only ran them on a street bronco, and for very little at that.

Plan is to sell the tires (35's) to help fund the purchase of 37's.

I am sure it will be a slow process in acquiring the 37's, but at least I am making ground!

 

[Yeller]

Nice when things work out!