Beadlock Wheels

Bead-lock Rims

So you’re thinking about getting yourself a good set of bead-lock rims, but are you sure that you want real beadlock rims?  Likely not, unless you have a specific need to do some extreme off-roading where you run your tire pressure very low, or you do some extreme speed where tire slippage is an issue.  The truth is most people who buy bead-lock rims really do not need them at all.  In fact a lot of people who buy beadlock rims buy them just for their looks and nothing else.  Just because they think they “look” cool.

Bead-lock rims are excellent tools for the serious offroad fan, and if you fall in to that category, absolutely by all means go pick up a set.  Just please, be very careful that you maintain them properly.  If you do decide to drive them on the highway (despite them not being street legal), please be certain that you double check all the bolts on all of your beadlock rims on a very regular basis.  At a minimum, check them every off-roading trip, and also every time you get your oil changed.

As previously indicated, real bead-lock rims are not street legal, and if you don’t know how to properly maintain them, they can be deadly.  Imagine traveling down the road and having one of your beadlock rims fail.  This would be worse than a normal tire blow out, as you now you have a big metal ring bouncing down the highway too.  What happens if it hits another vehicle and causes a major accident?

That said, bead-lock rims are incredible when used properly, and the other pages on this site go in to a bit more details about how to use them properly.  However, this page is more for those who want the look, but not the risk and maintenance of beadlock rims. 

Simulated Beadlock Rims

If you want the look, but you don’t really need the maintenance, and you don’t want to pony up the coin (bead-lock rims are very expensive), consider simulated or “fake” beadlock rims.  These rims give you the incredible appearance of having the real thing, without the unnecessary maintenance and expense.

I’ve thrown up two pictures of some very nice models of simulated bead-lock rims.  The first one you see is made by Mickey Thompson Tires known as “Classic Lock”.  They are highly polished wheels that have a very distinct look and real competition style appearance.

The next one you see is a Pro Comp 8128 which is an aluminum alloy.  These fake beadlock rims come in a gloss black finish and the integrated beadlock ring is diamond cut.  With the caps included they come at a great price, and include a lifetime warranty.

There is a lot of other good looking simulated bead-lock rims out there, so by all means poke around your favorite 4x4 store online, and you’re bound to find some excellent deals with exceptional appearances.  If all you really want is the looks, then you just can’t go wrong with simulated beadlock rims.