Warning: AR, KMC, etc. Custom Wheels

[ntsqd]

Apparently American Racing Wheels, KMC wheels, Black Rhino Wheels and who knows who all else have been purchased by some entity that calls themselves "wheelpros". All dimensional data for their wheels is now privileged information. We feeble-minded customers can't be trusted to figure out what wheels to buy and use. You can't find out which wheels have what back-spacing(s) or bolt pattern(s) without having your hand held by a dealer, who apparently are entrusted with this sacred knowledge, or a CS person at wheelpros. Who, in the case of the latter, are adamant that my Bronco doesn't have 8 lugs and insist on doing the wheel selection for me.

 

[AZ73]

Knowledge is power as they say. You can still get the specs from:

https://www.discountedwheelwarehous...ims_Wheel_Configurator_-_Wheel_Visualizer.cfm

 

[Apogee]

Counter Guy (CG):Hey, what can I do for you?

Me: I need 2X part number HG3336.

CG: Cool...let me just look that up for you. What are you working on? Year, make and model?

Me: This isn't going to work out well for either of us...I just need 2X HG3336.

CG: I can't help you if you can't tell me what it's for.

Me: You can't handle the truth.

CG: What?...Anyway, year, make and model please.

Me: It's for a '77 Bronco, but you're going to need to look at a 2000 Explorer with the 5.0 and 4R70W...

CG: Blank dear-in-the-headlights stare...

Me: Never mind. I'll order it online.

 

[ared77]

Soooo true Apogee

 

[ntsqd]

Knowledge is power as they say. You can still get the specs from:

https://www.discountedwheelwarehous...ims_Wheel_Configurator_-_Wheel_Visualizer.cfm

And when the wheel in question isn't listed there? The point is that wouldn't you expect the mfg, if anyone, would have those simple dimensions available?

Apogee, That is a direct replay of what my email conversation with the CS person looks like. Who just emailed me to say that she can't help me and that I'll need to find a local vendor of their wheels. I have a better idea, I'll spend my money with a company who actually cares about their customer and what they need rather than just their customer's credit card.

They're way out of budget, but I'm liking these a lot and the best part is that they're not a "wheelpros" brand as far as I can tell:
https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/HD_Cast_Aluminum_Beadlocked_Wheel_17X8/trailreadywheels

 

[garberz]

And when the wheel in question isn't listed there? The point is that wouldn't you expect the mfg, if anyone, would have those simple dimensions available?

They're way out of budget, but I'm liking these a lot and the best part is that they're not a "wheelpros" brand as far as I can tell:
https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/HD_Cast_Aluminum_Beadlocked_Wheel_17X8/trailreadywheels

That’s what I bought. A Washington based company. Very strong castings that are made right here in the USA. When I called and ordered them directly, the owner of the company was the one who picked up the phone. I received exactly what I wanted, I highly recommend!

Mark

 

[904Bronco]

Counter Guy (CG):Hey, what can I do for you?

Me: I need 2X part number HG3336.

CG: Cool...let me just look that up for you. What are you working on? Year, make and model?

Me: This isn't going to work out well for either of us...I just need 2X HG3336.

CG: I can't help you if you can't tell me what it's for.

Me: You can't handle the truth.

CG: What?...Anyway, year, make and model please.

Me: It's for a '77 Bronco, but you're going to need to look at a 2000 Explorer with the 5.0 and 4R70W...

CG: Blank dear-in-the-headlights stare...

Me: Never mind. I'll order it online.

Been there and done that... Numerous times.

Even better when you hear the counter guy trying to help two older guys match up a seal for a D44 hub and you rattle off part # 4250 from behind them?

 

[ntsqd]

It is too bad that the investment fund types who have bought these wheel companies have so little understanding of their market. I'm sure that there are customers who do need their hand held through the purchase, but to base their entire sales model on that is belittling and asinine.

This going 8 lug thing is getting pretty spendy for me. Stretching to reach those TR wheels would put a big dent in toy funds for a while.

My LAPS guys know me better. They ask what I'm up to, now.
It is the "big box" counter guys whom I try not to confuse like that. I've had to go as far as to tell them the exact application for a particular part that I need, and then tell them a different application for the next part that I need. When they start to get confused looking I tell them that I'm working on several cars all at once. When I fail to do that they tend to vapor-lock. %)