I am running 16.1 x 14 rims and 44 x 18" terra tires (http://www.alaskaoffroad.com/images/Tech/terravstsl.jpg) front and rear , and was wondering what people are doing for bead retention. I run mostly mud and dirt trails, but love rockcrawling when I can find some. I never drive this truck on the road. The truck is a 76 Chevy 1/2 ton, 513" Caddy, Th-350, np-203/205, Disc'd and welded 14 bolt rear, powerloc'd dana 60 front, 1350's and 1410's, and aproximately 4500 lbs. (I hope)

1) Who has used it?
2) Why didnt you like it?
3) What did you do to keep the tire on the rim?
4) Any advice, other than to replace them?

I have read the posts about Beadlock Kits, building up a safety bead w/ fiberglass, rim screws, ect.

I know I should just make some steel beadlocks but, I dont want to machine some because of the sheer cost of material (I live in alaska) and time invested. (Basically because I spent all my money on my t-cases and 60.) And Im a cheap bastard :D

I am considering using .25 x .75 flat bar to form a band around the inside for a make shift safety bead (welded on of course). I could also use glue in addition to that.

I dont want to use rim screws because the tires are still in excelent condition and the rims were custom made. $$$

Im totally ignorant about fiberglass, but Id give that a try if someone can tell me how to make it stick to steel reliably.

I have also considered trying to find a low profile tube that is wide enough to contact the bead area of the tire and airing that tube up to like 60 psi. Is that :rainbow: :question:

The tires I am running feel pretty good at about 4 to 6 psi so I know I will have HUGE problems without any safety bead. I really want to make these tires work! They have a 50/32 deep tread (thats 1.5625) !!! Any Help?

Thanks in advance,

Brook Green

p.s. here is a link (http://www.goodyearag.com/tirecatalog/TSGSize.html) to some specs on these tires

There is a guy that has those front and rear on his ford near me, I will ask him what he did. FYI , he used to run 44 boggers and could not keep it together, but with those tires he goes every place he did befor and dosen't have near the brakage. I think it is worth the effort.

Ok, Ill modify the ? a little. What is anyone with out safety beads doing to keep their inner bead on the rim. I am going to build beadlocks for the outside but I still need to retain the inner bead. Any help?

i think 16.1 is used in some drag racing applications you might look around and see if you see anything in jegs or summit. just a thought