What are beadlock rims? Also how are the Simulated beadlocks different?

 

Beadlocks "lock" the tire bead inbetween an inner and outer ring. Stops the bead from popping off when airing down for offroad use.
Basically a wheel with a ring attached to it (inner ring). Then another ring (outer ring) attached by bolting it to the other ring, or inner ring. With the tire bead inbetween them.

Simulated is just an outer ring look alike with the heads of bolts around it.

MercedesTech might be able to go more indepth if needed. That is just a quick answer.

 

RIght. Also, most true beadlock wheels are not DOT approved for highway use. THe reason being the beadlock bolts loosen constantly and have to be checked regularly.

 

So if I found a pretty good deal on some simulated beadlock rims, are they worth it? and are they a hassle? can you take the ring off and put it back on? Plus does American Racing make good rims? Thanks guys for the previous responses

 

Simulated bead locks are just molded into the lip of the wheel. They are not functional or do they bolt off. If there are bolts they are just plastic pieces "glued" into the wheel.

 

Cragar makes a "streetlock" simulated Bead Lock rim, but it only comes in 16" size. Anyone know if these will fit on the 04-08 trucks? Didnt know if they would clear the calipers, etc.

 

Centerline makes a DOT legal beadlock rim (a real beadlock) in a 17" size to fit these trucks... it starts at $599/each.

A simulated beadlock, as others have stated, is purely cosmetic. Rim makers got to the point where they were unable to design a rim that hadn't already been designed, so rather than just styling the spokes of the rim, they began to style the outer lip of it too.

My Pro Comps have a simulated beadlock, kind of, and they are no hassle as all. They just make it harder to clean the rims.

 

No, you can't fit 16's on your truck. Also, American Racing wheels are fine. And some some simulated beadlock wheels (Mickey Thompson and Eagle) make wheels that allow the simulated beadlock to be removed and replaced with differnt colored ones.

 

walker evans and robby gordon both make simulated beadlocks in both 17 and 20 in.

 

Pro Comp and KMC XD wheels do as well, with the colors offered being chrome, polished and black.

 

I have simulated beadlocks and they are purely cosmetic. They are Pro Comp 7028's. But if I were you I wouldn't even consider real beadlocks. Way too much hassle and unless you really use your truck, they aren't worth the money. I'm willing to bet that you can get simulated beadlocks for 1/3 of what you would pay for real ones.