Help me choose a tire

[Stumpalama]

I am struggling with the decision of what tires to put on my FJ40. I have hit the stage of analysis paralysis.

So, here is the situation: 1981 FJ40 with 2F (2FE in it's future), SOA, 4.56 gears, longfields, 4:1 orion t-case 35x12.5 BFG MTs on 15" aluminum rims. The truck is now trailered to the big events so I'm not super concerned about road manners, but I do like to drive it around and to work (17 miles each way) on nice days.

I thought I was set on 37" GY MT/Rs on 17" rims, but now I'm not so sure. Since I am not driving it regularly I'm thinking of going with a more aggressive tire.

So, I'll list the tires I'm considering and you all tell me why I should go for one or another.

Swamper TSL bias 36x12.5R15= true size 36.2" sidewall ply=4 price= $305
Swamper TSL radial 36x12.5R15= true size 36.2" sidewall ply=2 price= $346
GY MT/R 37x12.5x17= true size= true size 36.8" sidewall ply= 3 price= $322
BFG MTs are $400+ and would require new rims.

The MT/R's are the heaviest tire and will require buying new rims @ $156 a pop for the ones I want.
I am concerned about the TSL radial's sidewall ply and strength. I've read stories about puncturing TSL radial sidewalls.

So tell me what my next set of tires should be.

 

[Stumpalama]

No one has an opinion to share?

 

[SAS]

Consider the Tread-Wright 37x12.5x16.5 ?

It's a 16.5" wheel, which may cause some searching to find one you like, but the tires are GTG. $205 each, they're actual size is 36.7" by 12.2"

Link

 

[Stumpalama]

Thanks Tracy. I don't believe retreads are meant to be aired down though.

 

[TRFCSUX]

i like the swampers that that Chris runs, think they are 36x13.5x15 bias. if it is mostly about wheelin then you cant miss with swampers. He got his from national tire and wheel. Same place i got my bfg's good prices and free shipping lots of times. Lots of trucks in our club run swampers, Charlton drives his on the street to all the events he attends

 

[StaleAle]

Have you thought about getting a set of the bias-ply Swampers for trailered offroad and run what you got around town? Rausch Creek and Gore are close enough that you can also run the Swampers instead of trailering. An extra set of wheels for the Swampers shouldn't be too pricy unless you are looking for beadlocks. JMHO

 

[Jakes40]

Mine work great loading and unloading from the trailer!
All I can input. Sorry

LIFE • HEALTH • PROSPERITY

 

[76FJ40]

Mine work great loading and unloading from the trailer!
All I can input. Sorry

LIFE • HEALTH • PROSPERITY

How's the traction on your trailer ramps?

 

[jcj_78FJ40]

I'm running the TSL radials. They are loud but run smooth as any other radial. I have been very happy with them.

If I had a trailer,I probably would had bought the IROKs. I hear these run well on the road for bias tires.
Check with John Smith. I think he has quite of few trail and highway miles on his.

I would recommend CC Rosen for Swamper tires. They are used to dealing with big tires and do an excellent job balancing them. However, the nearest one to you is in Haymarket. I would imagine this would be a bit of a trek.

 

[Stumpalama]

Great input! I over think every thing I do to my truck.
Charlton you haven't had any sidewall issues right? I'm leaning towards the bias TSL, keeping the MTRs as potential street meats if I don't like the bias SS on the street.

 

[OTRAMM]

Pitbull Rockers

 

[jcj_78FJ40]

Great input! I over think every thing I do to my truck.
Charlton you haven't had any sidewall issues right? I'm leaning towards the bias TSL, keeping the MTRs as potential street meats if I don't like the bias SS on the street.

No, the sidewalls are pretty beefy. I would think the biasply would be even better.

 

[SAS]

Thanks Tracy. I don't believe retreads are meant to be aired down though.

LOL, yeah, I've never aired-down the TW's I've run on three trucks over the past 10 years.

 

[bkfj40]

Pitbull Rockers

This will be my next tire. I am done with mt/r's.

 

[TRFCSUX]

Pitbull Rockers

if you are going to have two sets, street tire . trail tire, this is your answer

 

[CondeCruiser]

Rockers or the MTRs.

 

[Jakes40]

I would have gone with Pitt Bulls but could not beat the price I got on my Irocs.

LIFE • HEALTH • PROSPERITY

 

[iptman]

What made you second guess the MTR's?

 

[Stumpalama]

Those pit bulls are heavy and 'spensive. 88lbs and $398 a corner. But, the radials would provide me the dual duty tires. I understand they are far from ideal street tires, they would probably see less than 1000 road miles a year. Some more research is in order.

 

[Stumpalama]

Hmmm... Pitbull Rocker radials looking more promising. I didn't realize they made a 37x12.50 rocker, I thought they only made a 37x14.50. I think the pit bulls fit the bill almost to a T. I can get them for $368 per (+ $172 freight, yikes).