Issue with AEV beadlocks and 37" Coopers

AdamH

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2009
Location
Mt. Holly
Hoping somone can help here....

I have a set of 17" AEV beadlocks and picked up a set of 37x12.50x17 Cooper Discoverer STTs.

For the life of me I cannot get the wheel in position to install the lock ring. I think there is a problem with the bead size. Using soap and pry bars aren't helping. If one side is around the rim, the other pops off. Never ending battle.

1st question = on AEVs, does the ring sit flush with the rim? If so, the bead on a tire could only be .5" when I measure from the bottom of the ring to the top of the inner lip on the wheel. The bead on my Coopers is 1". I guess the ring raises up on the tire?? The instructions mention that the ring will form a "cone" shape when tightening down the ring. I can tell by the holes in the ring that it is made to angle up some but not so sure as much as it would take to clamp down the Coopers. I don't even think the ring would touch the rim.

I currently run Champion Beadlocks. I dismounted one of my 35 BFG Muds and the bead is .75" and the Champion ring sits flush on the rim.

They have been inside my house and are at room temperature (72 degrees) to the delight of my wife. LOL

2nd question = Does anyone know the bead size (thickness) on a 37" BFG Mud or Goodyear MTR.
 
It takes a little work but they do go on. I had a heck of a time doing my BFG KM2's on my AEV's. Did you try setting the wheel up on a 5 gallon bucket so that the weight of the tire helps pull the bead down onto the rim.

Once I got them mounted I kept having leaks. I would suggest that you go and get some stainless socket head cap screws from Fastenal before you go any further. this will allow you to easily torque the bolts and get them to seal properly. Since I went to the new bolts I haven't lost any air.

If you are any where near Huntersville I could give you a hand.

Jeremey
 
I live in Highland Creek - about a mile from Concord Mills but could come to you. I may take you up on your offer. A second set of eyes may help the situation.

I hope to hear back from AEV tomorrow in regards to the bead thickness. Again, I have never seen a bead 1" thick. I may return the tires and buy some KM2s. They were my first choice but when I was quoted the price on the Coopers, I jumped on them.

Does your rock ring touch the wheel?
 
AdamH said:
I live in Highland Creek - about a mile from Concord Mills but could come to you. I may take you up on your offer. A second set of eyes may help the situation.
I hope to hear back from AEV tomorrow in regards to the bead thickness. Again, I have never seen a bead 1" thick. I may return the tires and buy some KM2s. They were my first choice but when I was quoted the price on the Coopers, I jumped on them.
Does your rock ring touch the wheel?
Click to expand...

Yeap. It touches once you get them torqued down. That was part of my original problem. I was not able to torque the bolts that AEV sends with the wheels so I went and bought the Socket head bolts from Fastenal.

Are the Cooper's on AEV's list of approved tires? I'm pretty sure if you come over we'll get them on though. The first two I did were a bear too. But once you get them done you will appreciate the quality of the AEV wheels.

Depending on where you are in Highland Creek you are probably about 20 minutes away. That is what it takes me to get to Dui Miches Pizza or however you spell it.

Jeremey
 
Expand more on the Fastenal bolts. My AEVs came with Grade 8 bolts and washers. How are Fastenal better?

Approved tire list?? Is that on their site? Never heard of that.
 
My problem with the factory bolts was because of the recess in the rings I could not get a socket on them enough to torque them so I got Stainless Socket head bolts. No problems now torquing them. I could have a weird set of rings though. I know a few others have had this issue also.

As for the list of tires it used to be on their website but I just looked and don't see it. I think the Cooper's are very similar to the Toyo's which I know where on the list so I think you should be good.

Jeremey
 
After speaking with both a Cooper rep as well as AEV, we decided the Coopers just weren't gonna fit. I am exchanging them for BFG KM2s tomorrow. :)
 
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