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16.5 vs everything else

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hickmanfab

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So I am debating on some DIY bead locks either from Kurt or from Ruff stuff, but that is not my question. Is it worth spending the money on bead locks for my 16.5's? they are 16.5x12. Or should I just get 17's? I plan on running 37-42's and at least 13.5 wide (money depending).

I did some research and from what I understand the 16.5 doesn't have a good lip on the inside so bead lock wouldn't help much.

Opinion's and suggestions welcome.
 
If you need new tires anyway than I would probably go ahead and step up to 17's. The tire choices are becoming more limited for 16.5's, and as you stated 16.5's don't have the safety bead. However, the beadlock will help as the vast majority of the time it's the outer bead that is broken.
 
16.5 is just a flawed rim design. If you are at a point where you are not loosing a good set of rims, or fresh tires, id make the jump.

With 16.5 i think you should always run bead locks of some style. I personally am going to run some re centered H1 wheels with the insert.
With 'normal' rims you will be ok at normal pressures, but should have locks when you air down significantly.
 
I like my 16.5's!:D Have them on 3 trucks now and going on a fourth at some point in time.

EDIT: I do agree with these guys though. They need work to be good offroad in an aired down condition. Beadlock the outside and prep the inner bead in one of the other various methods.

I do however like the ability to slip a new tire on in the field.
 
thanks guys. I have seen people make their own safety bead, but not sure if it worth my time:doah:. The rims are just your average run of the mill chrome wagon wheel set up, that and I got them for free so I am not to worried about it, plus I could just sell them and turn over some cash.

And seeing that I need new tires anyways, like everyone is saying might as well jump to 17's. :haha:
 
on second thought, if you are going to be using the truck for nothing but off road fun then 16.5 wouldnt be a bad choice.
With the H1 rims you can get the PVC insert which is an internal beadlock for both beads.
Then you can run any pressure you want and never have to worry about spinning a tire or popping a bead, inside or outside.

If its a daily driver too, then 17's
 
If if could find a decent price on some H1's I would go that route, but in this area (Nor cal) there isn't much and they aren't cheap. I know by the time I get rims and bead lock rings I will pay more, but at least I can do it in stages.

Its not a DD. I will be driven on the street, but definitely not comfortable to drive everyday.
 
There is a guy i found on pirate selling recentered H1's for $200.
Bead lock and rock ring.

Mine look like these, i havent taken pics yet. These are the 12 bolts, but i got the 8 bolts.
recentered2.jpg
 
Factory 16.5 Hummer beadlocks (military) can be flipped around without being recentered and bolted directly to a 8 lug axle, all of the CUCV trucks here at Speicher are like this, take alot of fender trimming though for a factory truck......and tires will be available for years to come thanks to the military......
 
LOGANSTANFORTH said:
Factory 16.5 Hummer beadlocks (military) can be flipped around without being recentered and bolted directly to a 8 lug axle, all of the CUCV trucks here at Speicher are like this, take alot of fender trimming though for a factory truck......and tires will be available for years to come thanks to the military......
Click to expand...

Any pics? I would think this would like kinda' funny because of how far out the tire and rim would stick if put on backwards (would be the same as running a tire with only about 1" backspacing). Also, how does the rim seat on the hub and how do the lugs seat? The lug holes just aren't plain ol' holes drilled in flate plate, but rather are coned out for the lugs to self-center.
 
We used to just put them on the right way with the 36". Would reduce the turning a little, but i dont remember much rubbing.
Then again, the CUCV's were the trashiest of the trash so i doubt id remember some small noise like the fender getting rolled in.
 
6.2Blazer said:
Any pics? I would think this would like kinda' funny because of how far out the tire and rim would stick if put on backwards (would be the same as running a tire with only about 1" backspacing). Also, how does the rim seat on the hub and how do the lugs seat? The lug holes just aren't plain ol' holes drilled in flate plate, but rather are coned out for the lugs to self-center.
Click to expand...

I know, I will have to get a up close shot of one and post it.......its hard right now cause i am very limited to internet access.....
 
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