new tires for the 100 - the agonizing decision

[dclee]

Well, after literally years of agonizing indecision, I finally pulled the trigger on new tires today. Want to have them and the new suspension and armor on in time for our big SoCal trip in November.

While I switched back a forth a bit between tires, the one I always came back to was the BFG AT-KO in 305/70 R18, mainly because they were the only tire in that size. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that the real reason I wanted this tire was for looks, not performance, given our usage parameters (mainly daily-driving for the wife and kid, plus family vacations, camping trips, and mild expedition-style wheeling). After weighing all the factors, I settled on the Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor in 275/70 R18. This is just a tad wider than stock (even though they both have the 275 width rating), and two inches taller (33") which gives me all the tire lift I ever really wanted in this truck. This particular size has the E load rating, and each tire can support up to 3640 pounds! On-road driving dynamics are supposed to be light years ahead of the BFGs (and since my wife drives the family around in this truck on a daily basis, this was an important factor), plus they should be good for winter trips to Tahoe (they have the severe snow rating). They're also supposed to be pretty tough off-road as well. Goodyear added another tread ply made of Kevlar to compete directly against the BFG AT-KO.

Anyway, we'll see how they handle in a few days. I also ordered my Bilstein shocks and will be getting the springs soon. Not doing anything crazy, only trying for about a 1" lift over stock, mainly I need the new springs to handle the weight of the armor and winch. Yes, I said winch. Despite the soft-core use of the truck, I had this winch literally just laying around after I decided not to use it in the G-Wagen, and that ARB bullbar had that inviting opening in the front, and being a guy and always having the urge to stuff openings, I just followed my natural tendencies...

 

[CDN80eh?]

Well, after literally years of agonizing indecision, I finally pulled the trigger on new tires today. Want to have them and the new suspension and armor on in time for our big SoCal trip in November.

While I switched back a forth a bit between tires, the one I always came back to was the BFG AT-KO in 305/70 R18, mainly because they were the only tire in that size. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that the real reason I wanted this tire was for looks, not performance, given our usage parameters (mainly daily-driving for the wife and kid, plus family vacations, camping trips, and mild expedition-style wheeling). After weighing all the factors, I settled on the Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor in 275/70 R18. This is just a tad wider than stock (even though they both have the 275 width rating), and two inches taller (33") which gives me all the tire lift I ever really wanted in this truck. This particular size has the E load rating, and each tire can support up to 3640 pounds! On-road driving dynamics are supposed to be light years ahead of the BFGs (and since my wife drives the family around in this truck on a daily basis, this was an important factor), plus they should be good for winter trips to Tahoe (they have the severe snow rating). They're also supposed to be pretty tough off-road as well. Goodyear added another tread ply made of Kevlar to compete directly against the BFG AT-KO.

Anyway, we'll see how they handle in a few days. I also ordered my Bilstein shocks and will be getting the springs soon. Not doing anything crazy, only trying for about a 1" lift over stock, mainly I need the new springs to handle the weight of the armor and winch. Yes, I said winch. Despite the soft-core use of the truck, I had this winch literally just laying around after I decided not to use it in the G-Wagen, and that ARB bullbar had that inviting opening in the front, and being a guy and always having the urge to stuff openings, I just followed my natural tendencies...

Can you post B4 and after pics...

 

[dclee]

Can you post B4 and after pics...

No problem. Hope it will be soon, apparently there is a national back-order on this tire, but the local America's Tire shop where I ordered thinks they may have a few at a warehouse in Texas. I should know tomorrow.

 

[cary]

Don't forget to adjust your tire pressure up by 8 psi or so to compensate for the change from P-metric to LT tire.

 

[dclee]

Don't forget to adjust your tire pressure up by 8 psi or so to compensate for the change from P-metric to LT tire.

That's a good point. Also, these are E-load rated tires. Overkill? Hell yes! But I wonder if they'll be livable for the daily grind? I guess I (or my wife!) will find out...

 

[1loudLX]

and being a guy and always having the urge to stuff openings, I just followed my natural tendencies...

....thats what she said!

 

[NeilC]

Don't forget to adjust your tire pressure up by 8 psi or so to compensate for the change from P-metric to LT tire.

I always thought the suggested 29/30 seemed low. I currently have Michelin LTXs, what psi should i run. I currently have 35 psi all around.

 

[1loudLX]

I always thought the suggested 29/30 seemed low. I currently have Michelin LTXs, what psi should i run. I currently have 35 psi all around.

i run the range of 35-40 all around, all tires same pressure. If i check the tires and two are at 37 while one is at 35 and the other 40, ill just put them all at 37....whatever is easiest.

 

[cary]

I always thought the suggested 29/30 seemed low. I currently have Michelin LTXs, what psi should i run. I currently have 35 psi all around.

The stock pressure is fine as recommended for P-metric tires, which the vehicle comes with. When you are going to an LT tire from a P-metric tire you need to adjust the pressure to compensate for the different load ratings vs. pressure curves of P metric and LT tires. Generally the increase is 8-10psi, I have documented this in past threads and provided the links to various tire manufactures web sites explaining the need to do this.

For the stock vehicle on p-metric, there is no harm, outside of potentially accelerated tire wear, of increasing pressure and will likely lead to slightly better handling and road feel. Do not go over the recommended maximum inflation listed on your tire sidewall.

 

[Real]

Load Range E

That's 3640 lbs at 80psi! Even if you run them at 50psi that's going to be a much firmer ride than stock. You don't really need E unless you're going to carry a load heavier than what the suspension is designed for. I wouldn't go beyond Load Range D. My $.02.

 

[jatman]

So my question is if you had gone with the BFG AT-KO in 305/70 R18.. would they have fit on the stock rims (BFG site listed 8.5-11 widths for rims). Is it okay to stuff them on the 18x8 stocks? Also would they fit in without rubbing before adding any lift to the suspension?

 

[dclee]

That's 3640 lbs at 80psi! Even if you run them at 50psi that's going to be a much firmer ride than stock. You don't really need E unless you're going to carry a load heavier than what the suspension is designed for. I wouldn't go beyond Load Range D. My $.02.

Yeah, that was my one concern, but the sales droid insisted that he's sold tons of these and the Kevlar belt really makes it ride nice and he's had no complaints. Also, he said Goodyear has a 30 day ride quality guarantee, so if I don't like how they ride, they'll take them back no questions asked. I'm a bit skeptical on the guarantee, but if it's legit, I guess the only thing I have to lose is time to swap on a different set of tires. We'll see...

 

[dclee]

So my question is if you had gone with the BFG AT-KO in 305/70 R18.. would they have fit on the stock rims (BFG site listed 8.5-11 widths for rims). Is it okay to stuff them on the 18x8 stocks? Also would they fit in without rubbing before adding any lift to the suspension?

Many guys run bigger than that on the stock rim width. As to stuffing them and rubbing issues, I was under the impression that they would rub just a bit, but was prepared to live with that.

 

[justimaginejack]

I wanted the Silent Armors and got talked into the Michelin Cross Terrains for the quiet ride. 98% of the miles are driven on the road, mainly highway. The other 2% is farm driving, around the woods to grandmothers house....
I will be very interested to hear how these handle, especially since I may finally get to do my mod list soon. Keep us posted, thanks

 

[cary]

That's 3640 lbs at 80psi! Even if you run them at 50psi that's going to be a much firmer ride than stock. You don't really need E unless you're going to carry a load heavier than what the suspension is designed for. I wouldn't go beyond Load Range D. My $.02.

I agree, although in size he picked he has the choice of the load range C or E. I would have picked the C as it has enough load capacity and will ride better. As you suggested, the heavier load range tires have a heavier sidewall to support higher pressures and carry a greater load. This leads to a poorer ride. Also, the compounding on the Load range E tire is likely to be harder leading to decreased rain and snow performance.

 

[dclee]

I agree, although in size he picked he has the choice of the load range C or E. I would have picked the C as it has enough load capacity and will ride better.

In that size, for this tire, I could not find a C load rating. There was one in 275/65 18, but not in 275/70 18.

 

[fl4031003]

I just put some Goodyear Silent Armor 285/75/16s on my 2000 along with new Bilsien shocks. WOW! its a new truck! It only has 89K on it and its tight. Even my wife noticed the great ride, traction and no road noise. The side wall rating is very high giving less "roll" around corners. The tire have great off road traction and look mean.

 

[dclee]

I just put some Goodyear Silent Armor 285/75/16s on my 2000 along with new Bilsien shocks. WOW! its a new truck! It only has 89K on it and its tight. Even my wife noticed the great ride, traction and no road noise. The side wall rating is very high giving less "roll" around corners. The tire have great off road traction and look mean.

In that size, Goodyear actually does offer two load ratings, both D and E. Could you please check to see which one you have?

Thanks,

 

[hoser]

So my question is if you had gone with the BFG AT-KO in 305/70 R18.. would they have fit on the stock rims (BFG site listed 8.5-11 widths for rims). Is it okay to stuff them on the 18x8 stocks? Also would they fit in without rubbing before adding any lift to the suspension?

That tire size should be fine on the stock wheels. I am running slightly wider tires, 1/2" out of the recommended range too and the wear is fine. The 305/70-18's are similiar in diameter to a 315/75-16, just a little narrower.

 

[cary]

In that size, for this tire, I could not find a C load rating. There was one in 275/65 18, but not in 275/70 18.

Tire rack may have mislisted then, or I looked at the wrong line.