Rock Warrior ring removal and installation

[Snapper194]

I finally got a used set of Rock Warriors, and I'm getting ready to have tires installed on them. I wanted to remove the rings and clean wheel / rings before I installed the tires. Trouble is, I can only remove about 75% of the ring fasteners. I let them sit for several days soaking in Aerokroil, and used a cordless Dewalt impact driver, but no good. I'm a little afraid to try something with more torque because I'm afraid of possibly breaking the bolts or stripping them out. Suggestions? I'm thinking about possibly heating them with a torch but I was hoping to hear what's worked for others.

According to the Toyota TRD 17" Wheel Installation Doc sounds like the rings should NOT be on the wheel when the tire is installed, then install the ring before balancing. Makes sense to me. Any advice contrary to this?

Thanks!

 

[nwfl4runner]

Rings are rock guards, like on the Tacoma Baja wheels. Remove before mounting/dismounting tire. Some heat or a breaker bar!

 

[JZelnick]

I got every torx bolt out except for the very last one. After breaking 3 bits, I sent it to the machine shop who carefully drilled it out for me.

 

[Rigger]

I bought my RW’s used. Had tires mounted and balanced without removing rings. No issues. None.

 

[FA18Cruiser]

Actually just did this myself today w/ a used set of RWs. Turns out PB Blaster, propane torch, and impact wrench were what did the trick.

 

[Markuson]

I’ve never removed the rings over five sets of tires.
No need.

Only time I remove the rings is when I buy another set to pass along to other mudders. For cleaning only. Never for tires.

 

[Chocolate]

Also mandatory:

I understand the reason for 7, because of the unnecessary (and very thin) metal clips that like to pop off when the center cap is inserted. I removed them immediately after getting my Rock Warriors. I have found the center caps have plenty of tension on the wheel with the combination of the plastic clips and overall size of the center cap. If you have one handy, the best tool to put them in is a rubber mallet to protect the finish.

 

[Snapper194]

Perfect, thanks for all of the responses. So it sounds like:
- Install center caps when wheel is off the truck. The ones on the wheels that I bought were pretty much destroyed, so I bought a set of 4 OEM caps on eBay for $68 including shipping.
- Rings do not need to be removed when tires are installed / removed. I don't have a lot of faith in installers, so I need to do some research on who is doing a good job in my area.
- I'll try a torch next on the stubborn bolts. At this point I'm trying to clean the wheels, it's pretty nasty behind the rings that I have removed.

I'm open to any other suggestions!

 

[FA18Cruiser]

Also mandatory:

View attachment 1961449

I understand the reason for 7, because of the unnecessary (and very thin) metal clips that like to pop off when the center cap is inserted. I removed them immediately after getting my Rock Warriors. I have found the center caps have plenty of tension on the wheel with the combination of the plastic clips and overall size of the center cap. If you have one handy, the best tool to put them in is a rubber mallet to protect the finish.

Any chance you have the full RW install guide? My search skills must be weak.

 

[gaijin]

Any chance you have the full RW install guide? My search skills must be weak.

Original:Original Install Guide

Revised:Revised Install Guide

Note: If installing LT285/70R17 on a LC200 the correct Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pressure (RCTIP) is 40psi F/R. If installing any other size or on a LX570, the RCTIP would be different.

HTH

 

[FA18Cruiser]

Original:Original Install Guide

Revised:Revised Install Guide

Note: If installing LT285/70R17 on a LC200 the correct Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pressure (RCTIP) is 40psi F/R. If installing any other size or on a LX570, the RCTIP would be different.

HTH

Thanks!

 

[Snapper194]

Thanks for the correct inflation for LT285/70R17. I just scored a set of 4 KO2s with fewer than 1500 miles plus a 5th one with no miles for $650.

I tried heating the bolts with propane and MAPP gas, neither one did the trick. I'm going to try a set of impact sockets in my air impact wrench next. Part of me thinks I should just give up and not worry about cleaning them, but now I feel like I'm on a mission...

 

[Yossarian]

OP. Here are a few ideas from a previous thread.

Rock Warrior Wheels - Trim Ring Screw Stuck

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Snapper194]

Thanks for the old thread, didn't see that. Think I'll try bringing to a welding shop next, I don't have a welder (or welding skills) unfortunately.

 

[GatorBait1551]

When you guys are reinstalling the rings & screws, are you using the same blue loctite on the screws or anti-seize/something else?

 

[Chocolate]

I think either is fine. If you use anti-seize, add extra torque to compensate for the lubricity on the threads.

 

[JZelnick]

When you guys are reinstalling the rings & screws, are you using the same blue loctite on the screws or anti-seize/something else?

Use Blue locktite on each screw or they will come loose

 

[SQRRRL]

I had the same problem. Used an “easy out” to get the last ring fastener out.
The new fasteners I have do have blue Loctite from the factory.

 

[Chocolate]

Yep, that's how new bolts come. Part # PTR18-35093.

 

[SQRRRL]

Yep, that's how new bolts come. Part # PTR18-35093.

View attachment 1987406

I didn’t get washers : (