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are beadlocks worth it.

Old 01-07-2012, 10:01 AM
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Default are beadlocks worth it.

Runnin a 96 xj
4.5 in long arm
35" km2's 4.56 gears
15x8 rims.

I just got my km2's
still haven't put them on.
And I'm just considering the option of Weldon bead locks from atozfabrication

Curious what peoples experience with these Beadlocks are?
Curious what people think of only beadlocking the outside.
Curious what tire pressure I cud run after beadlocking compared to before locking.
And curious if anyone has any suggestions on the matter ( better place to get my beadlocks from? Tips on installing? Talk me into it? talk me out of it? )

Any input anyone has is apprieciated
Old 01-07-2012, 10:08 AM
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Have you ever poped a bead on a trail?

If your answer is no then you probably don't need beadlocks.

What do you mean by only beadlocking the outside? Unless you're running 20's I've never seen a beadlock on the inside. I've seen internal beadlocks and miliary rims but not on a weld-on kit that locks the inside...

Tire pressure: I used to have to run 15psi in my front tires to keep from blowing a bead. I run around 7 with the beadlocks now.


Also, if you're not a damn good welder then I've have someone else install them. They'll leak like crazy if you don't weld them air tight.
Old 01-07-2012, 10:29 AM
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If you have to ask you prob don't need them. Like said above are you popping beads and if so how often. I ran 8-10 psi in my 35s on an 8" rim without beadlocks and only popped a bead once when I came down hard on the sidewall. I run 4psi in my 38s now without beadlocks, wish I had them but have other things that take priority. Most don't recommend running dyi beadlocks on the street since your welds won't be perfect and you'll have balance issues but it's all in what you're willing to put up with. If you aren't big on maintenance stay away from them because you need to check all the bolts pretty often.
Old 01-07-2012, 10:33 AM
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Are they street legal in all 50 states?

I swear I read somewhere they weren't.
Old 01-07-2012, 10:40 AM
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Street legal is hard to say but very few are DOT approved and they usually run 300+ each.
Old 01-07-2012, 10:43 AM
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i run allied beadlocks. depending on the tire i have run as low as 2psi for crawling. they are worth every penny.
Old 01-07-2012, 10:47 AM
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thanks everyone for your input
i think the first 2 guys summed it up nicely.
and i think ill bump other stuff up on my priority list.
like some 2x6 sliders.

when i dont have to ask if i should get them
then ill know i should get them
Old 01-07-2012, 10:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Gee oh Dee
Are they street legal in all 50 states?

I swear I read somewhere they weren't.
That's up for debate as far as I know. Depends on where you live, really.

Here, they're "illegal" but I've stopped and talked to 50 cops and never had one say something to me about them...
Old 01-07-2012, 11:57 AM
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Originally Posted by ktmracer419
i run allied beadlocks. depending on the tire i have run as low as 2psi for crawling. they are worth every penny.
i run allied locks also. they don't look quite as flashy as the weld on kits.
no problems with MOT inspection.

before locks, with 33's on 8 inch rim, i aired down to about 12psi.

now with 36s, 10 inch locks, i air down to 2psi warm, at the end of the day, they don't even register on the gauge.

i love the beadlocks, won't run without from now on. lower air pressure, smoother trail ride.
Old 01-07-2012, 06:23 PM
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Originally Posted by lowrange2
That's up for debate as far as I know. Depends on where you live, really.

Here, they're "illegal" but I've stopped and talked to 50 cops and never had one say something to me about them...

Mine have a big ol DOT stamp on them. According to your state there is no reference to beadlocks in current laws. Your cops are full of **** or whomever told you that is full of ****.

http://www.liftlaws.com/south_carolina_lift_laws.htm
Old 01-07-2012, 09:39 PM
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Originally Posted by cdawall
Mine have a big ol DOT stamp on them. According to your state there is no reference to beadlocks in current laws. Your cops are full of **** or whomever told you that is full of ****.

http://www.liftlaws.com/south_carolina_lift_laws.htm
True but wheels are required to be DOT approved an most beadlocks aren't and weld on ones def aren't. The original wheel might have been but once you weld on them they no longer are.
Old 01-07-2012, 09:53 PM
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there legal in ca.

theres a link out there somewhere for the 50 states laws on vehicular mods.
cant remember where i saw it tho
Old 01-07-2012, 10:43 PM
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They are legal IF they are DOT approved. Most aren't though.
Old 01-08-2012, 02:19 AM
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Originally Posted by xjmarc
They are legal IF they are DOT approved. Most aren't though.
Actually that's not even true. You don't own a commercial vehicle. Nothing actually states rims must be dot approved and there are quite a few non-beadlock rims sold without dot stamps. Notice how most are not listed offroad use only.
Old 01-08-2012, 11:17 AM
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http://www.liftlaws.com

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