My Observations with BFG MT KM2 315/75-16 and stock gears

[bpassmore]

I have been running my BF Goodrich MT MK2 now for a few thousand miles.

These are 315/75-16 on stock 94 Land cruiser rims. When I removed my stock Lexus rims and tires, the first noticeable difference is the vibration of the lugs even at driveway rolling speed. That had me a little bit worried at first, but these tires really have a sweet spot (noise wise) between 55 and 75 mph.
They build up a minor roar until you hit 50, and then it seems to quiet down. If you push it over 80, you can tell they really start getting louder, but comparing from my old stockers to these at highway speeds, it is not a big deal.
I rode in an LC with 33" boggers, and after 15 miles at 65, I was ready for some asprin. Not the case with these KM2s. I am very impressed with the lack of road noise and their good manners. Even my wife didn't have a problem with the noise.

My truck has the stock gearing. Even with these 315's you can still EASILY street this rig. You can feel a little hesitation on starts, but it is nothing like what i was fearing. I think the braking has taken more of a hit than the acceleration. I have no problems running these tires in this config all day on the street. I haven't had them off road yet, but so far, I am very impressed all around.

I will keep you updated as I do more with them.

 

[nicholas]

Pics please. Gotta see your new setup!!!

 

[Sanchez]

What you are saying is your braking now is little slow right?

I put on some 35 with stock gearing also and my braking suck. I have bled according to the FSM, adjusted the LSPV and installed new 100 seris pads and it still sucks.

 

[bpassmore]

Pics please. Gotta see your new setup!!!

Ill get pics soon. (the lift is not installed yet- my delivery for the parts took until deep into Saturday and Sunday was all family time) - This week, or possibly weekend for the lift.

What you are saying is your braking now is little slow right?

I put on some 35 with stock gearing also and my braking suck. I have bled according to the FSM, adjusted the LSPV and installed new 100 seris pads and it still sucks.

Yea, the brakes (totally stock suspension right now) are noticiably softer. I have not touched anything on them, and prior, they were VERY TIGHT. Now, with stock height (no need for lspv yet), they need some attention.

The rolling mass might be a little much for using these 315's as my DD tires. (Plus very expensive to replace based on tread wear) - I will be running my stock tires and rims for DD from now on because of the tread wear on that expensive rubber. It is easier to buy stocker tires for all the highway miles, and put on the 315's for the weekends.

 

[J-Bo]

Ive got the 315/75/R16 KM2's with a 4" Slee lift. I got the tires last Friday. I love them!

Good road manners like you were saying and they look awesome. I have the stock gears and it is very drivable. Braking did take a hit, but not enough where it bothers me.

I am VERY happy with the KM2's as my tire choice. It was down to the Toyo's and these. The KM2's are 9 lbs lighter so that made my decision. See the pict.

 

[bpassmore]

Here are some pics with these KM2 and the stock height. I dented the crap out of my bumper at BVORR, so the plastic end pieces had to come off. It is my understanding, that If you had a straight bumper, you could run with those installed and not rub.

 

[nicholas]

That is awesome that 35's will "fit" on a stock height 80.

I used to have the original BFG mud terrain 35's on my 95 chebby. I thought they weren't really any louder than the BFG A/T's and they obviously had a lot more traction. I only had them for less than a year before I sold the truck so I didn't have a chance to see what they were like as they were more worn out.

I think I am either going to go with some cooper SST 315's or these KM's for my next tire. One thing that I like about the Cooper's is that they aren't a true 35" so I'd imagine that would help with having stock gears.

Ultimately I'd like to get the one that has the longest lifespan. I have ~20K on my 5 cooper sst's and they barely have any wear.


Does anyone know what kind of mileage you can get out of the KM's? Maybe they are too new for any long term tests.

 

[Nay]

Does anyone know what kind of mileage you can get out of the KM's? Maybe they are too new for any long term tests.

You mean a nice soft compound rock tire? Good luck

 

[nicholas]

You mean a nice soft compound rock tire? Good luck

I didn't know the KM's were that soft. Are they a lot softer than the original BFG M/T?

 

[Nay]

I didn't know the KM's were that soft. Are they a lot softer than the original BFG M/T?

Given that they apparently have traction, I'm guessing so

 

[bpassmore]

They are softer than the original MTs, although I do not know how much.

 

[NorCalDoug]

welcome to the 315 club

 

[Hayes]

Here are some pics with these KM2 and the stock height. I dented the crap out of my bumper at BVORR, so the plastic end pieces had to come off. It is my understanding, that If you had a straight bumper, you could run with those installed and not rub.

Have you had your suspension flexed off road?
I highly doubt you could run any 315 on a stock truck without major rubbing when flexed.

 

[bpassmore]

Have you had your suspension flexed off road?
I highly doubt you could run any 315 on a stock truck without major rubbing when flexed.

I have no intention of running off road with this config.

I have a new J lift ready to be installed. After it is on, I will let you know if it rubs then.

 

[Hayes]

Cool.
I'm definitely monitoring the KM2 threads for feedback. Particularly in regard to wet/snow/ice performance.

I have no intention of running off road with this config.

I have a new J lift ready to be installed. After it is on, I will let you know if it rubs then.

 

[Buckru]

Brett,

I too have the stock gearing and 315's, although in the Toyo flavor. Around Houston, it is not an issue at all. Once you get into some hills/mountains, you'll feel it in your right foot, as in it needs to be touching the floor.

I will eventually regear but I think I'll use 4.56. It brings you back to stock and would be great for the flat lands we live in. It should also eases the right foot tension some.

Buck

Truck looks great btw.

 

[bpassmore]

Brett,

I too have the stock gearing and 315's, although in the Toyo flavor. Around Houston, it is not an issue at all. Once you get into some hills/mountains, you'll feel it in your right foot, as in it needs to be touching the floor.

I will eventually regear but I think I'll use 4.56. It brings you back to stock and would be great for the flat lands we live in. It should also eases the right foot tension some.

Buck

Truck looks great btw.

Thanks Buck..

Also,
on the 27th, I have a friend with a shop and have access to his lift. If you or anyone else want to come over to 59 and Tidwell, I have scheduled a lift install day... come by for free beverages, and to laugh at/ help me.

 

[Buckru]

I wish I could help. I have some good friends coming into town for the holidays. We planned a one night camping trip so we dould drink some cold beverages and catch up. Hope all goes well.

Buck

PS Start hitting all the nuts and bolts with PB Blaster. It makes a world of difference.

 

[Beowulf]

PS Start hitting all the nuts and bolts with PB Blaster. It makes a world of difference.

Especially the lower rear shock bolts. They tend to seize on these trucks even if they never see salted roads. Turns a 4 hour job into an 8 hour job if you bust one.

-B-

 

[Tennessee80]

I agree that for now, my stock gears are turning the 35's fine, and not being at high altitude I have not noticed too much lack of power. I plan on regearing and adding lockers, but until then, no worries, other than loss of MPG!

Joel