Nate's 2002 TJ, Not so simple anymore by gst95dsm

4 minute(s) of a 391 minute read

Wheels are here!  

How or when or has it always been the common practice for UPS to just drop stuff off at the doorstep?? Over 1k worth of wheels just sitting there, probably for hours. Scary!  



First order of business was unboxing and checking inventory and condition. All look good!!! Except that mirror finish on the beadlock rings. I knew I wanted aluminum rings and I knew they were polished so I was expecting to have to scotch brite them..... NOW they are beautiful!

Scotch Brite left..... Polished right

Nice wheels....



Now to go to work and dismount my tires.....

8-4-2012

Got two of them done tonight.   Everything going smooth so far. Just time consuming. I think they look great, I really can't believe they are even mine. Very grateful to have been able to make this purchase. I agonized over what ones to get and feel like I made the right choice in regards to quality and function as well as aesthetically. Looking forward to finishing up tomorrow and getting it all cleaned up.  

The inner bead pops on suuuuuuper easy....



After scotch brite these things are sexy



One done... phewwww

Here's one fresh outta the garage, I need a break photo! Very pleased with the look. Assembly on all 4 went very smoothly.  

As far as the wheels go.... they are nice, but there were a couple things that kind of caught my attention. One was that the powdercoat or paint finish wasn't all that great, definitely not "perfect". Some fish eyes, and heavy spots on every wheel. One wheel had a minor chip. Also the rock rings had some burrs and there was polishing compound all over the back side of them and inside the recessed bolt holes that was annoying to clean. And finally, MADE IN CHINA! For some reason I thought these were American made. As far as I know the Trail ready's, Spyder's, and Hutchinson's are American made. This would have influenced my decision if I had known prior to purchase. I should have asked.  

Now I'm not saying I'm not happy with them and these are obviously a proven wheel under the harshest usage, but when I buy at the "top", my expectations are always HIGH.  

Got her all cleaned up after it cooled off today. Snapped a couple better photos. Looking forward to wheeling next weekend. While driving around today people were looking at the jeep like it was a spaceship or something. Haha it's funny, I think the doors and hood louver are what causes the odd looks. Oh well.







And just like the crackhead that I am..... this is next on the list. PSC rear spreader bars. This will be my first official welding project on the Jeep. Looking forward to it.