Questions on Ford Bead Lock wheels

VortexTed · Jul 19, 2016

Hello,
I'm a bit confused how the Ford bead lock wheels work.
There is a even a youtube video with Mike Levine from Ford here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ewMNOVynq4

From what I understand, is you have to convert them somehow for when you want to go off road? They have to moved from the inside bead to the outside bead, then bolted on.

How difficult is this? Does the whole wheel have to come off every time I want to do this? Other then an air compressor for airing up and down do I have to have other special tools?
How do you do this out in the field before going off road then putting the bead back on the inside bead when you want to go back ON road?

I plan on taking my Raptor off road a lot so the bead lock wheels are enticing.

Just wondering how much maintenance they are.

Thanks

bmacked · Jul 19, 2016

This may help you a bit. It's for the gen1 beadlock capable wheels but its probably safe to assume it'll be the same for the gen2.

http://performanceparts.ford.com/download/instructionsheets/fordinstshtm-1007-dc1785.pdf

Deleted member 12951 · Jul 19, 2016

I asked this very same question on the GEN1 and the GEN2 would be no different.

http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f25/beadlock-wheel-question-29017/#post563870

It is not practical. You would be better off having a permanent set of wheels that are setup as true beadlocks when off-roading and another street set. Or you can do what others have done and run true beadlocks all the time, even on the street (not DOT approved) but don't think any cop would know any different. Then you just have maintenance to keep the bolts torqued.

VortexTed · Jul 19, 2016

Is it safe to run the beadlocks on the street all the time? I did some reading and there are no laws stating bead locks are illegal on the street.
http://www.liftlaws.com/are_beadlocks_street_legal.htm
I'm just wondering how safe they are to leave them on all the time, such as a high speeds etc. This articles gives the impression you have to change your driving patterns and not take corners at high speeds.
It seriously looks like it would be a big hassle to constantly change them, but leaving them locked all the time sounds ideal if it's safe.
Even having a separate off road tire and wheel set seems like a hassle to change them every time I want to go off roading.

What is the stock size wheel width? 8.5?

Erock4129 · Jul 19, 2016

I thought bead lock wheels were no different than a standard wheel on the road, same ability, not functionally different, the only difference is their off road transition ( with ring). I would expect a tire to adhere to a bead lock wheel just as it would a standard wheel during normal inflation and street use, is that correct?

SilverBolt · Jul 19, 2016

Erock4129 said:
I thought bead lock wheels were no different than a standard wheel on the road, same ability, not functionally different, the only difference is their off road transition ( with ring). I would expect a tire to adhere to a bead lock wheel just as it would a standard wheel during normal inflation and street use, is that correct?

Not correct. The out bead of the tire is placed on the outside of the wheel rim. The beadlock ring is then installed sandwiching the tire bead between the beadlock ring and the wheel lip.

2014RubyRed · Jul 19, 2016

I would not suggest running beadlocks on the street. They are designed that way so that you can run much lower tire pressures in offroad situations. The torques on the beadlock ring bolts will need to be constantly checked if using them on the road, making it impractical and a total pain in the ass. Do a little reading online regarding running them on the street as it is illegal for street use in some places.....

VortexTed · Jul 19, 2016

2014RubyRed said:
I would not suggest running beadlocks on the street. They are designed that way so that you can run much lower tire pressures in offroad situations. The torques on the beadlock ring bolts will need to be constantly checked if using them on the road, making it impractical and a total pain in the ass. Do a little reading online regarding running them on the street as it is illegal for street use in some places.....

It appears LiftLaws already did the research and there is no laws in the US about beadlocks. They are street legal.
LiftLaws.com - Are Beadlocks Street Legal?

One has to wonder how a beadlock can be run 60mph through the desert off road and be safe but can't be safe on the streets? That doesn't make sense. Manufacturers put "off road only" on the wheels for liability reasons to cover their ass.

I have to wonder for the casual 4 wheeler if bead locks are even necessary, if simply airing down to say 20psi on the stock BGS KO2's is sufficient.

Sitdown · Jul 19, 2016

As mentioned above its a lot of work simply getting them mounted and more so constant maintenance. Many people do run them daily, but not for the faint of heart

chiefy · Jul 19, 2016

WE RUN beadlocks 24/7 on our jeeps no issues on roads or highways, but yet check the torque every 3 months.

Questions on Ford Bead Lock wheels

VortexTed

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bmacked

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Deleted member 12951

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VortexTed

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Erock4129

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SilverBolt

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2014RubyRed

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VortexTed

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Sitdown

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chiefy

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