Wheel Valve Stems (4x4) - Problem

[gfennie77]

Hey all,

Did a quick search (even googled) and didn't find any answers, so here's the problem:

Took the 'new' X out on the trail today for her first 'shakedown test'. Everything went GREAT. Hit 4x4L, 4x4H, and some cool F & R axle action in the mud (Dana 20 - twin stick). Was sweet! Suspension even broke in a little - less wear and tear on my bladder. :>)

OK, so after about 4 hours on the trail I brought her home. Hosed her off for about an hour, and noticed that my R Pass. valve stem had developed a (fortunately) slow leak. I assume that I put that wheel in a 'rut' on the trail and that the valve stem (which is fairly long & flexable) got dug into a bunch of rock & mud and somehow got 'horqued'.

So, I don't want my valve stems getting messed up on the trail. I see a lot of mud & gravel (I'm in NY). Any ideas? Maybe a shorter valve stem or one that is more rigid? Perhaps a valve stem with a 45 degree 'bend' in it to keep it away from the tire?

Thanks!
Graham

 

[RangerX]

What size rims and what size tires are you running?

 

[gfennie77]

33 x 10.5 BFGs w/ stock 15x8 rims.

 

[Ford_Racing_Guy]

maybe try some metal valve stems instead

 

[jrgaylor]

Here's the tickted

 

[gfennie77]

Hmm... doesn't look like a 'stock rim' application. Can stock rims be modified to use this type of stem? Where would I get a set of these?

Thanks,
Graham

 

[jrgaylor]

I got mine with the rims at Les schwabs.

 

[Rhett]

Stocker 1st gen rims are 15 x 7. If you had a deeper rim, (deep dish, like a 15 x 8 or 15 x 10) that might help protect the valve stem. Ultimately, I would look into getting 15 x 10 rims with 33 x 12.50's.

What would really be nice would be some rims with a metal "shield" around the valve stem.

 

[general x]

Or a cap maybe? I have some deep wagon wheel rims that got metal valve stems and it helps none as long as there is no cap on the valve stem. All you need is a leak and you got problems and a cap is simple cheap dirt protection. A bend to keep the valve stem from getting mangled is a good idea thou