Zac Quinn 
While the Ford Bronco is offered with what looks to be beadlock wheels on the Sasquatch Package, they are in fact only beadlock capable. In other words, it’s up to the customer to add the functionality of a beadlock ring to their vehicle as an aftermarket purchase, as beadlock wheels remain on the wrong side of DOT approval for the road. But that’s okay, as Ford Performance Parts is now offering true 17″ Beadlock wheel kits that fit the Bronco. Note that this add-on is meant for off-road use only.
Ford Bronco Beadlock Wheel Kit: Two To Choose From
The first of two Ford Bronco beadlock wheel kits resembles the design of what we see on the Sasquatch Package, and includes a 17-inch Gloss Black bead-lock capable wheel along with the standard trim ring with warm alloy finish as found on the package. In addition, the Ford Performance bead-lock ring kit and a Bronco center cap are also included. The wheel measurements are 17″ x 8.5″ wide.
The entire kit is available to purchase for $770, and is sold in increments of one. That’s per wheel, so a set of four would run you $3,080. $3,850 if you account for the full-size spare.
On the other hand, if you prefer the look of the wheels found on the Ford Bronco Badlands, then the alternative option will be your preference. Measuring 17″ x 8″ wide, the Ford Bronco Badlands Beadlock Wheel Kit includes a Gloss Black beadlock capable wheels with Carbonized Gray finish, a Bronco center cap, of course the Ford Performance beadlock ring kit, which can be had on its own for just $220 USD per unit. The pricing of the full Ford Bronco Badlands Beadlock Wheel Kit is otherwise the same price as the Sasquatch kit: $770 apiece.
Why Beadlock Wheels?
Serious off-roading tends to entail airing down the tires to a low, low pressure, sometimes 10 PSI or less. The befits to such low pressure allows for the tire to expand its footprint along the earth and rocks, yielding superior traction at low speeds. What can go wrong, however, is that the tire bead can loosen itself from the wheel rim in these events, when either too much torque or lateral forces are applied, and the tire can separate itself from the wheel completely. That’s bad news if you’re off roading in the middle of nowhere, which tends to be the case. A beadlock ring prevents this from happening by securing the tire bead to the wheels during events of reduced tire pressure.
And it’s not just for off-roading, as serious drag racers can be seen running beadlocks around their racing slicks at the track on any given test and tune or competition.
