Builds Big Red Toy

[The Phoenician]

Here's my attempt at a better profile picture.

Was suppose to start on tires today, but family had other plans. Maybe tomorrow I can at least get one done.

 

[The Phoenician]

I finally got the afternoon to myself, finished some homework and decided to give the tires a try. first thing I had to do was clean out the grease from the new tires. They put that grease in there to help prevent fires should the tire pop and the run flat insert rubs on the inside. It's a dirty job and I wish I took a picture of before. Here's the after.

Next was taking off the old tire, releasing the air and unbolting the wheel. Not a hard job, but requires some force.

Here is where it gets to be a pain. Need two oak trees and two ratchet straps and some freaking patience.

it split it open on one side leaving the other side in. It's a pain getting the other side out, just requires more force and more cussing.

Once you get the red piece off, you need to get the PVC insert out. Without it or without the runflat the tire will come off the wheel.

after the PVC insert is out, you are done with this tire.

 

[The Phoenician]

Now time to mount the new tire. Insert the PVC piece in it. I found it easier to sit my fat ass on it.

Next add 10 oz of ceramic beads. It's the poor man's way of balancing a tire.

Next is rebolting up the wheel. It's not easy, you have to go in series and tighten it down slowly, keep repeating until the steel pieces touch. Then air up.

After that it's a matter of putting the tire back on.

I did the rear axle and took it for a spin. I don't know if it's the weight of the bumper, the air bags or the ceramic beads but there's 0 vibration. So far I'm loving the tires, they are E rated and newer. I hope to do the fronts tomorrow, but we'll see what time I get back from work.

 

[robustbambi]

Gaaah I love new tires! And they do look great
And may i ask what BS your wheels are?

 

[The Phoenician]

Gaaah I love new tires! And they do look great
And may i ask what BS your wheels are?

2.5 inches ( but that's just cause it's really cold )

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Nice work Mike, Lot of dedication there... I would have just taken them somewhere...

J

 

[The Phoenician]

Nice work Mike, Lot of dedication there... I would have just taken them somewhere...

J

Thanks, nobody around here will touch split rims.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Where did you get those tires? Are they any quieter than the older MTs?

 

[The Phoenician]

Where did you get those tires? Are they any quieter than the older MTs?

EBay, five tires for around $580 plus shipping at 98% thread. They are sturdier and more heavy duty. It's hard to tell if it's quieter right now because the front axle still has the MTs on. It feels like it rides better.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Have a link to the ebay post? That's more expensive than the MTs, but if they ride better, might be worth it.

 

[The Phoenician]

It's a definite upgrade. I'll get you the link when I get home.

 

[The Phoenician]

Just finished installing the other two tires. I accidentally put the one I wanted as a spare in the front. I'll deal with it at a later date. It took me about 2 hours of fighting with the tires, not sure why these were harder than yesterday's. Anyway took it for a spin, LOVE it. for some reason it feels tighter, not mushy like before. There's not really vibration just when you decelerate you can feel the front tires pull slightly. The noise is lower than the MTs and the steering wheel feels a bit stiffer, like a sports car. The only thing I noticed was the tires seem to warm up pretty fast, like my bias ply set. So far I'm glad i upgraded. We'll see as time goes on.

Johnny, this is the guy I bought them from, he's closer to you than he is to me, so you might get a deal.
http://www.ebay.com/usr/bergsupplyinc?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Thanks brother

 

[The Phoenician]

Big Red at work.

Makes that Sequoia and Grand Cherokee look tiny

 

[davegonz]

Are you going to relocate your license plate? Maybe add a nice LED license plate light.
https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...te-lights/4-led-led-license-plate-light/1093/

 

[The Phoenician]

You can still see it fine where it's at. Give me your opinion tonight when you see it.

 

[The Phoenician]

Here's a pic Dave

You can still the license plate clearly

 

[davegonz]

I was just asking since you live in WilCo and you know how the cops are there.

 

[The Phoenician]

Yeah wilco cops know my truck well by now. Freaking day is dragging for some reason

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

I figured it would be fine... If a cop has an issue with that HIM!

J