Can't beat an aluminum wheel back into round(ish)
Mildly Out of Hand 02 Sahara Build
- Thread starter 02GreenTJ
- Start date
Can't beat an aluminum wheel back into round(ish)
I don’t understand the infatuation with old steelies, or how they even remotely compare in looks to Walker Evans, but if you’re not losing beads you could stay with the steelies. Another route would be to find some alloys that look like old steelies. Might not exist.
Put some rock rings on those steelies and you won't bend up the lip as much.
https://dirtboundoffroad.com/collections/builder-parts/products/rock-grinder-15-rock-rings
https://www.totalmetalinnovations.com/Rock-Rings-s/354.htm
Some examples.
I just like the look. I grew up around Cj's and classic cars so it stems from that. Blingy wheels look wrong on most tj's to me similar to flashy LED headlights vs factory style glass lenses. The Walker Evans beadlocks just look sweet and remind me of the race trucks and crawlers from growing up too.
I'm not opposed to alloys, I went with the steelies for the look intially. I have never lost a bead running 10 psi while crawling. They are difficult to balance according to local tire shops. I've also seen many friends lose beads and even crack or damage alloy wheels to the point of no longer holding air. They make some alloys that look like old steelies but they are expensive and I've only ever seen 17s.
I do dig the raceline monsters, like on your jeep. I've got some decisions to make.
That is something I've also considered as well. My concern when looking into those was balancing and weight. Thanks for the links! The total metal innovations ultra-thin ring may be a good compromise.
Rebar rolled to the diameter of your rims is also a way to strengthen them up. There used to be a company that sold rebar like that but I haven't been able to find them anymore.
Very interesting response. I really look forward to seeing your final decision. I don’t think 17’s would be a bad way to go, but you may have some more life in the 15” tires that you want to use.
I couldn’t help but think of this photo. That’s not a bad idea but I’d probably stick with the slimmer rings if I decide to go the reinforcing these wheels route.
My friend just sent me an action shot from my last trip. The front mid arm really compliments the rear well.
I'm making a career change and between jobs so I had the chance to go wheeling in the sierras for a week. I ran Deer Valley, Slick Rock, Sourgrass, and the Rubicon. It was great weather until Saturday on the Rubicon where it dumped rain and hail all day. I attempted and made it up Soup Bowl for the first time. The Jeep few minor hiccups but was overall great for all the driving and constant trails. I broke my winch pulling my buddy and my drivers side motor mount blew out on the last day coming out of the rubicon into Tahoma.
The groups were my buddy in a 2 door JK, my uncle's 4 door JK, and some friends' spring under CJ7's on 33s.
Here are some photos. I always forget to pull my phone out for good scenery and action shots but oh well.
Deer Valley:
Slick Rock:
Rubicon:
Video From Soup Bowl:
You can hear my PS Pump whining, which it normally doesn't do, maybe high RPM's and the angle causing the resi to sit below the pump had something to do with it. Also you can see my winch move from the sheared mounts from earlier that week. I ended up strapping it to the bumper and winch plate.
All in all it was a good way to end out the summer before it gets some TLC before it comes out again hopefully for another winter JV trip. I also spent 7 nights in a tent so I am excited to sleep in a bed tonight.
The groups were my buddy in a 2 door JK, my uncle's 4 door JK, and some friends' spring under CJ7's on 33s.
Here are some photos. I always forget to pull my phone out for good scenery and action shots but oh well.
Deer Valley:
Slick Rock:
Rubicon:
Video From Soup Bowl:
All in all it was a good way to end out the summer before it gets some TLC before it comes out again hopefully for another winter JV trip. I also spent 7 nights in a tent so I am excited to sleep in a bed tonight.
Got my winch rebuilt with some parts from @Wildman . I really appreciate you bailing me out with the parts an advice with painting. I used the same paint you recommended. I think I like the black but I’m still deciding. It definitely changes the look of the front of the jeep.
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Just skimmed through your thread here. What an awesome rig that’s been built, tested and wheeled hard. Very cool! Love the vintage steelies, personally. 
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Just skimmed through your thread here. What an awesome rig that’s been built, tested and wheeled hard. Very cool! Love the vintage steelies, personally.
Thanks! I have enjoyed wrenching on this thing and wheeling it as much as I can. It's been fun learning what works and what doesn't! I like the steelies too but unfortunately they'll probably be gone pretty soon.
Every one whose sad dont be too upset. Its due to a bolt pattern change coming in the future. I will keep it retro with a the same style wheel or something hopefully similar.
Hate to steal your line, but is someone going “Full retard!!!!!”?