3" BS too much?

[wannabe]

kraziexj you have a good point. I didnt think that it would make that big a dif. and i did like the idea of a slightly wider track. Can someone explain to me what is so bad about beadlocks on a DD, I'm clueless. thankx everyone.

 

[red87cherokee]

Can someone explain to me what is so bad about beadlocks on a DD, I'm clueless.

Beadlocks have 2 major problems with a DD, that I am aware of.

1) They aren't legal, since they are not US DOT approved. I have read about some beadlock manufacturers trying to get DOT approval, but haven't heard if any have succeeded.

2) The bolts that keep the outside/inner ring (most beadlocks only have an outter ring, but it is possible to have both) are a maintenance item. This means that it is necessary to periodically check to make sure that none of the mounting bolts have loosened, so that a tire doesn't go flying off. My understanding is that this maintenance issue is the reason for it being difficult to get DOT approval - the feds like stuff to be simple, so that any idiot can use it without endangering themselves or others.

 

[Phil]

1) They aren't legal, since they are not US DOT approved. I have read about some beadlock manufacturers trying to get DOT approval, but haven't heard if any have succeeded.

Can you cite any references for this statement? DOT publications, your state's vehicle code?

Thanks.

 

[red87cherokee]

Can you cite any references for this statement? DOT publications, your state's vehicle code?

I don't have this info, but a search of Google shows many sites that repeat that beadlocks are not DOT approved, so they are not street legal - much in the same way that racing tires can't be used on the street, because they lack DOT approval.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=us+dot+beadlock+wheels&btnG=Google+Search

Incidently, the search did come up with a couple of manufactures that have DOT certified beadlocks, but as best I can determine they use any internal system to maintain the bead (rather than having a removable rim). Here's one:
http://www.usa6x6.com/civilianbeadlocks/

 

[wannabe]

Someone earlier in the thread mentioned that I would be replacing hubs balljoints and bearing more often than normal. How big of a concern is this.

 

[dellstopjeep]

I have 33 12.50's with 15x10 with 4.5 bs that is perfect you maynot have enough back spacing. and with a 4.5 inch lift and it took some fender triming in the front, I had my neighbor cut the front side of the front fenders and flares even with the top of the bumper. rubbing cured!!!!!

 

[Phil]

I don't have this info, but a search of Google shows many sites that repeat that beadlocks are not DOT approved, so they are not street legal - much in the same way that racing tires can't be used on the street, because they lack DOT approval.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=us+dot+beadlock+wheels&btnG=Google+Search

Different states have different laws on whether you are required to comply with DOT approval, and on what parts

That quote is from the High Impact wheels website FAQ. Now, I agree that most or all beadlock wheels are not DOT approved, but the above quote from the High Impact site makes me wonder if there are any regulations - from goverment publications, not manufacturers - that say beadlock wheels (or anything without the DOT approval) are not street legal.

 

[MaXJohnson]

this drawing might help visualize how the bearing centerline moves away from the wheel centerline with various wheels.