Bead locks

[Severum17]

Just got the 24 Badlands with the Sasquatch package. This truck has 315/70/R17 tires with the beadlock wheels. Beadlocks are something I have never had experience with. Do most tire stores know how to handle these? Where to get tire work done? Specialty shops? What is everyone using for tire work?
Thanks

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[tobyw]

First, you likely don't have actual beadlock wheels unless you, or the dealer/PO upgraded. The factory Sasquatch wheels are "beadlock capable"...

That said, in my experience, no most tire shops will not handle actual beadlocks. There are some that do, but in general they will turn you away. Most off-road shops can and will though.

 

[RagnarKon]

The factory wheels are... as @tobyw said... "beadlock capable". They aren't "real" beadlocks and those rings around the tires are just trim pieces. The tire itself mounts to the wheel like any normal tire. It is illegal in many states to sell true beadlock wheels unless they meet regulatory standards, which Ford's beadlock rings do not—they are intended for off-road use only.

But if you want real beadlocks, those are available here from Ford Performance.

Whether a tire shop knows how to handle them or not is very much a mixed bag. Some shops refuse to handle them, others are willing to mount them onto the wheel, but they won't actually install them on the vehicle. Others will install them on the vehicle, but you have to sign a waiver. Generally speaking, most 4x4 shops are perfectly willing to mount them, but all depends on the shop.

My Ford dealer is willing to mount & balance them, but they won't install them on the vehicle for liability reasons.

 

[woodysfj40]

True beadlock wheels should be a regular maintenance item as well, torquing the ring bolts. On my competition buggy, I torque them every few months.

 

[Fordified1]

Just want to add, many people mount the tires on true bead-lock wheels themselves. No tire machine needed. (Except to be balanced) I wouldn’t want to pay someone $100+ a hour to mount beadlocks. Also, as mentioned above, they require regular maintenance, which I believe is why they are not considered street legal in many states.

 

[Bmadda]

I have them. The beadlock ring set to convert to full beadlock is a Ford Performance part. I install them, and I have asked other shops if they plan to. Most have told me they haven't had any experience w/them, and aren't sure about any risks involved. I retorque mine at every oil change interval, and have had no leaks. They DO need a periodic retorque, especially when new. I have done several sets now, and I'm quite confident they are safe, and work well. I just put a set on my Ranger Raptor...uses the same rings!

 

[Bikeric]

OP, judging from your Avatar you have the beadlock capable wheels with factory "beauty rings". Any tire shop in America can handle them.
I paid for the extra Ford Performance beadlock rings and I would only trust 1 tire store in town with mine.

Welcome to the Bronco club!!

 

[swooshdave]

More than likely you'll never use the beadlocks unless you're into some extreme rock crawling.

The "beauty rings" and bolts can be a pain so read up on the forum about them.

 

[Severum17]

Thanks all. BEAUTY RINGS. Good to know. For me, Im better off with these.
Thanks

 

[swamp2]

True beadlock wheels should be a regular maintenance item as well, torquing the ring bolts. On my competition buggy, I torque them every few months.

After one initial retorqe, mine haven't loosened a bit. I posted about my experience here. Maybe very low pressures and very hard use require retorqing?

 

[Severum17]

More than likely you'll never use the beadlocks unless you're into some extreme rock crawling.

The "beauty rings" and bolts can be a pain so read up on the forum about them.

So for all practical purposes, the factory wheels are a normal mount and dismount. That is what my concern is.

 

[V1Rotate]

So for all practical purposes, the factory wheels are a normal mount and dismount. That is what my concern is.

Correct

 

[Tooold]

So for all practical purposes, the factory wheels are a normal mount and dismount. That is what my concern is.

Except you have to take the beauty ring off the wheel before removing or installing a tire onto the wheel.

Correct fellas? I admit I have not actually replaced my tires yet. So this is an intuitive assumption on my part.

 

[Mlarv]

OP, judging from your Avatar you have the beadlock capable wheels with factory "beauty rings". Any tire shop in America can handle them.
I paid for the extra Ford Performance beadlock rings and I would only trust 1 tire store in town with mine.

Welcome to the Bronco club!!

Howdy. I have the factory SAS package also on my BL. I have not taken off my beauty rings , but if I am understanding your commit correctly. The rim is predrilled with all the holes to turn them into true bead locks? Thanks

 

[ScLeCo]

Except you have to take the beauty ring off the wheel before removing or installing a tire onto the wheel.

Correct fellas? I admit I have not actually replaced my tires yet. So this is an intuitive assumption on my part.

No. Not correct. Very much incorrect.

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