EXTREME VIEW:

June 04 Allied Wheels - by Brad Lark
Photos by Brad Lark
“Brad and Brandon Lark coming over a ledge on Sun Bonnet Pass, Johnson Valley, CA during the annual Extreme 4x4 BBQ at the Hammers 2004”
“Severe wheel abuse takes a break for a pose atop Deliverance Canyon Trail, Parker AZ. Parker Splash 2002”
“Wheels, BBQ, tough trails, beautiful desert.. what else is there? Extreme 4x4 BBQ at the Hammers, Johnson Valley, CA 2002
“Allied Wheel bead-locks on the rocks during Extreme 4x4 BBQ at the Hammers, Johnson Valley, CA 2004”
“Extreme4x4.com displays Jeep, truck and Allied Wheels at the annual Jeep Safari at Moab, UT”
“Allied Wheel Dispay at Moab Jeep Safar, Moab, UT 2003”
“Extreme4x4.com display during the Cedar City Extreme Rock Crawling Nationals, Cedar City, UT 2003
“Allied Wheels on display during Off Road EXPO, Pomona, CA 2002

Allied Wheel makes one of the toughest true bead-lock wheels I’ve ever seen. I have tested several wheels over the last 2 years on our Project TJ Experimental rig. While all the wheels I’ve tested have been good, only one company emerges as my personal favorite and gets the nod for which wheels I want on my Jeep. Allied Wheel.

It all started a few years ago when I learned that wheel legend Greg Mulkey had recently spearheaded a new racing wheel division within Allied Wheel. (appropriately called Allied Racing Wheels or ARW) I called Greg, and expressed my desire for a great, no compromise, bead-lock wheel. He assured me that his new bead-locks would meet the test.

Combining a super heavy-duty steel locking ring with 32 grade eight bolts was only the beginning for the Allied Bead-Lock. The ring itself has a beautiful, no pinch, rolled edge that helps to eliminate side wall puncture due to pinching. The wheels I chose to make bead-locks when I placed my order were the series 95 Chrome Star. Allied had never before made a Chrome Star into a bead-lock. Mine would be the first set off the assembly line.

Talk about your eye-candy. These wheels look great! Aside from incredible performance, sometimes you just gotta look good. Now after two years of serious off-highway abuse, I can state that my bead-locked Chrome Stars are the bomb.

The chrome quality is excellent. I’ve seen other wheels begin to show early signs of corrosion, my Chrome Stars are still shinning like the day they were born. Having a few scratches and rock-buffing on the steel rings make for great battle scars. But a couple times a year, I’ll get the ‘druthers to have perfect looking wheels again, and I’ll throw a coat of black paint on the rings and have them looking good as new in no time.

I know there are a lot of companies offering bead-lock wheels at this date. Why choose a new-comer, when you can have something that is tried and true. Allied Wheels makes great bead-lock wheels in numerous size and style configurations. Ask you local dealer for Allied Wheels. If you have trouble finding Allieds in your area, let me know and I will hook you up.

Take care, and we’ll see you on the trail!

Brad Lark
Extreme4x4.com

“Precise placement of Goodyear wrapped Allied Wheel bead-locks on Johnson Vally trail, Extreme 4x4 BBQ at the Hammers 2004”
“Hook and Spin maneuver demonstrated by Brad Lark on True Grit, Parker AZ. Parker Splash 2002”
“Allied Wheels on display next to serving line during inaugural 2002 Extreme 4x4 BBQ at the Hammers, Johnson Valley CA 2002”
“Brad Lark showing how to “air up” tire at Jewel Valley Ranch, Boulevard, CA 2003
“Allied bead-locks show signs of earlier wear and tear on Sun Bonnet Pass Trail during Extreme 4x4 BBQ at the Hammers, Johnson Valley, CA 2004”
“Extreme4x4.com company truck on display during the 2002 Jeep Safari at Moab, UT”
“Extreme4x4.com sharing display space with Allied Wheels during 2003 Jeep Safari at Moab, UT”
“ Extreme4x4.com display during the Cedar City Extreme Rock Crawling Nationals, Cedar City, UT 2003