15 X 4 Forged Beadlock Rim, 5 On 205mm, 1-3/4 Backspacing

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing your air-cooled machine through the punishing dunes of Glamis or the technical trails of the Mojave, your equipment cannot be the weak link. The EMPI Race-Trim 15 X 4 Forged Beadlock Rim is engineered specifically for the serious off-road enthusiast who demands the ultimate in strength and lightweight performance. Utilizing a high-grade forged aluminum construction, this wheel offers a superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to standard cast wheels, ensuring that your front end remains light and responsive while being tough enough to handle high-speed impacts. The "Wide-5" 5 on 205mm bolt pattern is a direct tribute to classic VW heritage, making this the premier choice for vintage Beetle off-road builds, rugged sand rails, and custom tube-chassis dune buggies that require a narrow front footprint for maximum maneuverability in soft terrain.

The standout feature of this rim is its functional beadlock design, which allows you to run significantly lower tire pressures than a standard wheel ever could. By mechanically clamping the tire bead to the rim, you eliminate the risk of "burping" air or completely de-beading a tire when carving through deep sand or hitting side-loads in a wash. This 15 x 4 inch configuration is the "gold standard" for front-runner setups, providing the perfect profile for sand tires to bite into the terrain without adding unnecessary rotational mass. Finished in a clean, professional machined aluminum, these wheels don''t just perform at a professional racing levelthey look the part, providing that iconic "Race-Trim" aesthetic that has defined the off-road VW scene for decades. Please note that beadlock rings and hardware are sold separately to allow for custom color coordination and hardware preferences.

FITMENT

This wheel is designed for heavy-duty off-road use and fits vehicles utilizing the classic 5 on 205mm "Wide-5" lug pattern, including:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1946 through 1966 (Front Only for Off-Road applications).
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter: 1950 through 1970 (Front Only).
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback/Fastback/Notchback): 1961 through 1965.
• Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1966.
• Dune Buggies: All Manx-style or fiberglass bodies using Wide-5 drum or disc brake conversions.
• Sand Rails & Off-Road Projects: Custom tube-chassis rails with Wide-5 spindles or hubs.
• Woods Buggies: Specifically those requiring a narrow front wheel for steering precision.

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the EMPI 00-9764-0 Forged Beadlock Rim:

• Brand: EMPI / Race-Trim
• Part Number: 00-9764-0
• Diameter: 15 Inches
• Width: 4 Inches
• Material: Forged Aluminum
• Bolt Pattern: 5 on 205mm (Wide-5)
• Backspacing: 1-3/4 Inches (1.75")
• Lug Seat: Ball Seat (Requires VW style ball-seat lug nuts)
• Finish: Machined Aluminum
• Weight: Approximately 15.8 lbs
• Beadlock Type: External Clamp (Rings and hardware sold separately)

PRO TIPS

1. Always Use High-Quality Grade 8 Hardware for Rings

Since the beadlock rings and hardware are sold separately, it is absolutely critical that you do not skimp on the fasteners. We highly recommend using Grade 8 or higher bolts and hardened washers to secure the beadlock ring to the wheel. When installing, always use a cross-pattern (star pattern) torque sequence and increments of 5 foot-pounds until you reach the final torque spec. This ensures the tire bead is compressed evenly against the rim, preventing leaks and ensuring the tire stays centered. Failing to use high-quality hardware can lead to snapped bolts under the extreme vibration and stress of off-road driving.

2. Confirm Your Lug Nut Seat Type Before Installation

One of the most common mistakes in the air-cooled world is mixing lug nut seat types. This EMPI forged rim is designed specifically for Ball Seat lug nuts, which is the factory standard for vintage Volkswagens. Do NOT use 60-degree tapered (cone) lug nuts often found on aftermarket American wheels. Using the wrong seat type will prevent the wheel from centering properly on the drum or disc, leading to vibration, "wobbling," and potentially damaging the forged aluminum of the wheel or shearing the wheel studs entirely. Always double-check your hardware before the first test drive.

3. Maintenance and Tire Pressure Management

While beadlock wheels allow you to run incredibly low tire pressures (often down to 3-5 PSI in the sand), you must be diligent about maintenance. After your first few hours of off-roading on a new set of beadlocks, you should re-check the torque on every single beadlock bolt. The rubber bead of the tire can "settle" or compress slightly, which can lead to a loss of bolt tension. Furthermore, if you are transitioning from the sand to hard-pack dirt or pavement, remember to air back up to a safe pressure to prevent excessive heat buildup in the sidewalls, even though the beadlock ensures the tire won''t slip off the rim.