Are bead locks really necessary? And why are there imitation ones. I was looking at the Mickey Thompsons but found out they wasn't true bead locks

 

Nah. They're not necessary in the same way lockers aren't really necessary. They're just another tool that helps 4-wheelers go a little more extreme. You don't "need" them to go wheeling, but with them, you can get to lower PSI, which means better grip off-road, and so on. They are more expensive and require maintenance though.

They make fake beadlocks...just because they look cool.

If you DO want to get some good looking true beadlocks, check out

Hutchinson Rock Monsters
Raceline
ATX Slabs
Spyderlock
Method
Walker Evans

...and so on.

 

Champion has some sweet designs also. Beadlocks on th cheap will be Trail Worthy Fab, just spend more on tires because of thier 16.5 size.

 

Thanks I will look into them. Rather spend the money once and do it right the first time

 

Merlin pretty much said it all for you. I will add that I wouldn't buy 16.5" wheels these days. I wouldn't spend more money very time I replaced my tires when I could spend a little more once (when I bought the wheels).

 

So should I go 16s? Since the 35s are cheaper

 

Should I go 16s and what off set? Not too smart on wheel choices

 

How do beadlocks drive on-road? I've heard some nightmare stories about sudden flats, etc. from running beadlocks on a dd.

 

go with 17s you will have more tire choices

 

I can not even tell the diffrence. BUT..... with beadlocks come more maintenace. You will need to always check your bolt tightness after every offroad trip. Also you need to watch for damaged bolts. Never had a flat or a issue with my Racelines.