So I just ordered the 17" method 105 beadlocks for my JKU. I'm starting to read some negative comments on beadlocks in general. What are the positives of beadlocks? But mainly im curious what people think are negatives about beadlocks.

 

If you don't know why you need them, then you don't need them.

That said, there aren't really any "negatives." There's a little extra work involved is really it. You'll have to mount the tires yourself. Not hard, but time consuming. You need to check all the ring bolt torques monthly. If you blow a tire, you have to unmount and remount a new one. I've heard rumors of some that are more prone to leaking. I think that is more likely user error (some tires come with some excess rubber from the mold and that should be cut out before mounting).

That's about it.

And before anyone makes a stupid comment about them not being legal, let me say that THERE ARE NO LAWS regarding beadlock wheels. And DOT compliant means nothing (other than they are going to charge people more because they're stupid).

 

What negative things have you read besides not being street legal .... Just curious

 

There are always tradeoffs with aftermarket components and wheels are no exception. WRT beadlocks, the main hassle is the simple process of mounting them up, as most tire stores won't touch them. You'll likely have to go through the steps of dis-mounting your tires (if you're reusing them), then mounting them to the new beadlocks one at a time yourself. Done carefully it's just boring & time consuming. Add to that the necessity of checking the ring bolt torque from time to time. Beadlocks from top-tier manufacturers are quite durable and reliable. El cheapos, which you don't seem to see much of any more, area completely different story. You get what you pay for with aftermarket wheels. I run Trailready HDs and love them. They're the second set of TR wheels I've owned. The first I had on my old crawler YJ. Both sets have performed flawlessly. Friends run Racelines & ATX Slabs, both really like them.

 

This. I'd be willing to venture I wheel as hard as 90% of the folks on here that actually challenge their rigs and I've not once found myself in a position that I wish I had bead locks. Personally, there are plenty of other mods I can benefit more from for 2k+.

Not putting them down and they certainly have their place, but anyone thinking about them should really consider what type of wheeling they want to accomplish for the hassle. But then I guess there's always the "cool" factor.

 

Thanks for all the info. I know what they are used for that's why I purchased them. I've just read a couple forums line "what jeep pet peeves" and other rant forums and they mention beadlocks but don't say why. So I was curious. But you all have cleared up what I was thinking. Thanks for all the info!

 

Anyone have experience with the method wheels? They are about 300 a piece. Like the look and they were recommended by a lot of shops. Would like to hear some real world stories about em

 

the guy that complained about bead locks also complained about how hard his jeep is to drive after a couple beers. a couple months ago he was complaining about the cost of an alignment after his tires went bald after 5k miles. People are stupid and will complain about anything and everything.

 

People complain because of maintenance. You should check the torque of the bolts every so often like with oil changes or when rotating the wheels. The type that have lots of bolts take a while to check and if you are in the rocks a lot they can have the heads worn or broken off. Even the wheels that use recessed hex head bolts can get screwed up.

 

Why recheck torque all the time when you can torque them once with a little light grade locktite and know they are going to stay until you break them loose in the future?