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Another tire question / suggestion request

10K views 49 replies 21 participants last post by  fishrising 
#1 ·
Sorry for another tire question/suggestion thread, but I am at wits end and in analysis paralysis with all the info I've read.

Here is what I have:
*2011 JKU Sahara
*RK 1.75" BB LT kit installed (pucks)
*Rubicon wheels and tires installed
*Spidertrax 1.5" spacers on a shelf

Here are my goals/guidelines:
*Mildly more aggressive appearance than stock, but still noticeably different
*Slight gain in underbelly clearance for more clearance while driving down rutted farm roads and woods trails for hunting and fishing
*Not do anything to my suspension and other related components, other than I what already have with the BB
*Maintain the best road/highway comfort I can as this is my DD
*I do not rack crawl
*Keep Rubicon wheels
*I do drive it to VT from CT to ski nearly every other weekend in the winter regardless of weather (150 highway miles each way)
*I do drive it to Cape Cod (beach) from CT to every other weekend in the summer when the weather is sunny, but rarely drive it on the beach (150 highway miles each way)
*I am not for or against using the spacers I have

Tires I Have narrowed it down to:
*255/80R17 (33.1"x10.04") Cooper ST or ST MAXX
*285/75R17 (33.8"x11.2") Toyo Open Country AT2
*34"x10.5"R17 BFG AT T/A KO2

So, given the above information, what are your thoughts on the 3 tires/sizes I have listed above? What would you choose? Why? Do you have any other thoughts on how to meet my objectives (per goals/guidelines)?

My initial reaction is to go with the 255s, then the 34s, then the 285s...

Mine:


Versus a 2015 Willys:


Versus a 2014 Rubicon:


Thanks in advance!
 
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#2 ·
I've got 3.73s (automatic tranny) and Rancho RS7000MTs if that matters. I'll also look at the 285/70 size (Duratracs). There were on my slightly longer list, but I will give them more consideration.
 
#3 ·
hands down .. toyo at2 due to their quietness, affordability, and customer service. I currenty run the KO2's and I have experience with the toyo's.
The 285/75/17 toyo's are almost the same size as 35" tires but a tad narrower.

last I have 3.73 gearing too on a 6spd. I get high 17's, low 19's as a daily driver and get 320+ miles per fill up on 35" tires.
 
#4 ·
I am in MA and travel to ME a lot on weekend, 120 miles each way. I went with the Toyos, http://www.wranglerforum.com/f274/toyo-open-country-a-tii-285-75-17-a-1363601.html
I was concerned they would be too heavy and too rough riding but they have been great I do not regret my decision. I also have 3.73s, auto.
I am 15 miles north of Boston close to 95 if you are pass this way and want to see them and go for a ride just send me a PM.
 
#7 ·
You'll get better fuel economy with 255s than 285s.
That said, ST-Maxx and Toyo AT2 are both good in snow. The Cooper ST will last longer but isn't as good in the snow as the Maxx.

So I vote for the 255/80-17 Maxx. No spacers needed, better fuel economy, safer all around install.
 
#8 ·
Thanks all! When do I have to consider re-gearing? When hitting the 35" range? 34" range? I've got the 3.8 4spd auto with 3.73s. And again, based on the usage I stated in the original post.
 
#10 ·
As long as you don't pull a trailer, you'll be okay with a small light 33" like the 255/80-17. 32s will work better though.

The 3.8 really wants 4.10s for 33s or deeper if you ever plan to tow.
I had what you have and went to 4.56s gears, 33s, and towed. It was still a dog in the mountains...
 
#9 ·
I missed you had the 3.8 in your original post. Re-gearing is a big expense, I would try and avoid that. From what I have read the BFGs are actually around 32.5" tall and would probably be a better match for the 3.8 and 3.73s than the Toyos as they are smaller and lighter.
Another option would be the Toyo Open Country AT2s in the P285/70/17, great tires about 32" tall and very light, 48lbs I believe.
 
#12 ·
They're my overall favorite tire for mixed use. Unless you see ungodly amounts of clay mud, you'll love them offroad.
 
#13 ·
I have the ST MAXX (275/70/18) as my 'off road' tires where they perform very well. They are also OK on road.

On road and in winter they are SCARY bad. On road with standing water they are scary bad. Another forum member here has them studded for winter use (Perhaps he will chime in here) and he is still less than impressed with their use in winter. I run a dedicated winter tire.

Of the three you listed the Toyos would probably be better in winter just because of the siping.

Living in Connecticut and driving often in winter to Vermont as you do, you may want to opt for a severe winter weather rated tire to swap out with each year. Cost wise there is a negligible difference. Safety wise there is an enormous difference.
 
#14 ·
For driving on snowy roads stick with narrower tires. While wider tires may look cooler they don't cut through snow as well and cause greater resistance to forward motion. Having lower back space wheels, i.e. wider track also works against you on snowy roads.

I ran 285/70R17 on 4.5" back space wheels, on a 2DR for the last 2 winters. For someone who actually loves driving in snow, this has been my least favorite set up. On snowy highways, even a Prius went faster than I could while still maintaining control of the vehicle.

Last winter I was visiting family in Buffalo around holidays. One snowy morning I jumped into '99 explorer sport (2dr) to go and get some beverages. The explorer felt much more stable on the road covered with snow than my jeep. I checked to see what tires it had, and they were 235's. Plus explorer has narrower track than my jeep.

For this winter I'll be putting my stock 255's on 6.5" back space back on. In your case, it of course helps that you have a 4DR to begin with.
 
#15 ·
Thanks again for the replies so far! But bumping this thread...as it is time for new rubber finally...

Not much has changed with my description from the start of this thread for what I have and am looking for...2011 JKU, 3.73, 3.8L, RK BB +1.75" F and +0.75" R, Rubi wheels, 1.5" spacers. Daily driver, highway miles (to beach), snow highway miles (ski), handful of sand/beach days, forest and farm roads (hunt/fish), class 4 roads. Don't want to lift beyond what I have.

But, its been a year, and it's time, and I have re-researched tires and have narrowed it down to these:

Nitto Exo Grappler AWT 285/70/17 (~32.7”x11.2”) ~$244
Goodyear Duratrac 285/70/17 (~32.7”x11.2”) ~$260
Cooper ST Maxx 255/80/17 (~33.1x10.0”) ~$204
Dick Cepek Extreme Country 295/70/17 (~33.3”x11.6”) ~$225
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W 285/75/17 (~33.8x11.2”) ~$217

I am leaning towards the 285/75/17 Wildpeak A/T3W followed by the 255/80/17 Cooper ST Maxx and lastly the 285/70/17 Duratrac. I looked at the BFG A/T T/A KO2 in 34x10.5" but the ~$311 seems expensive.

Anyone have any thoughts before I pull the trigger on something?
 
#16 ·
Upon even further review....I think I've narrowed it down to:

BFG KO2s in 34x10.5r17 and ST MAXX in 255/80r17

Main reason to these two besides the many positive comments is the per tire weight. KO2 = ~55lbs and the ST MAXX = ~52lbs from what I have gathered. The other tires I was looking at all seem to be over 60lbs. Stock KMs are 47lbs.

Decisions....decisions...
 
#17 ·
Sorry for another tire question/suggestion thread, but I am at wits end and in analysis paralysis with all the info I've read.



Here is what I have:

*2011 JKU Sahara

*RK 1.75" BB LT kit installed (pucks)

*Rubicon wheels and tires installed

*Spidertrax 1.5" spacers on a shelf



Here are my goals/guidelines:

*Mildly more aggressive appearance than stock, but still noticeably different

*Slight gain in underbelly clearance for more clearance while driving down rutted farm roads and woods trails for hunting and fishing

*Not do anything to my suspension and other related components, other than I what already have with the BB

*Maintain the best road/highway comfort I can as this is my DD

*I do not rack crawl

*Keep Rubicon wheels

*I do drive it to VT from CT to ski nearly every other weekend in the winter regardless of weather (150 highway miles each way)

*I do drive it to Cape Cod (beach) from CT to every other weekend in the summer when the weather is sunny, but rarely drive it on the beach (150 highway miles each way)

*I am not for or against using the spacers I have



Tires I Have narrowed it down to:

*255/80R17 (33.1"x10.04") Cooper ST or ST MAXX

*285/75R17 (33.8"x11.2") Toyo Open Country AT2

*34"x10.5"R17 BFG AT T/A KO2



So, given the above information, what are your thoughts on the 3 tires/sizes I have listed above? What would you choose? Why? Do you have any other thoughts on how to meet my objectives (per goals/guidelines)?



My initial reaction is to go with the 255s, then the 34s, then the 285s...



Mine:





Versus a 2015 Willys:





Versus a 2014 Rubicon:





Thanks in advance!

I went with the 315/70/17 nitto terra grappler g2. By far the quietest tire I have ever had and drives great. Priced very reasonably also.
2.5" lift with stock rubicon wheels and spacers.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#20 ·
Did you make a decision? I've ran three of the listed tires you considered. Duratrac's, Coopers ST Maxx and Toyo AT2s. Out of the three, I would cross off the Duratracs, I put less than 700 miles on them and could not take it anymore. Too loud and they had a mind of their own. You can't go wrong with either of the other two. The Cooper 255/80's are quiet, road nice, and did good off road. The Toyo AT 2's have a nice "wow" factor. This is my current tire (285/75 but 18" wheel). They are quiet and the girlfriend says its like driving riding on pillows. Not sure what that means, but I did notice a better ride over the Coopers. (Not knocking the Coopers, it still had a nice ride on the road). Out of the tires you mentioned, I give the edge to Toyo's with a close second with the Coopers. One last thing, I did get some slight rub with the Coopers 255/80s and had to run spacers. Most people don't need them, but if I remember correct I rubbed on the front control arms. Good luck on your choice
 
#21 ·
Thanks all! And no, I haven't decided yet, down to 2 still, I think: BFG KO2s in 34x10.5r17 or the ST MAXX in 255/80r17.

Will most likely go with the ST MAXX, as it's about $100 difference per tire between the two, so that's ~$500 once all done...
 
#22 ·
I promise that you cannot go wrong with the toyo AT/2s. I have them on my wife's jeep and I trust them. She has 35s and they are the "extremes", its a good looking tire! We have the 3.8 but she is riding on 4.10 gears. These tires are excellent for the type of driving that you describe. We lived in Montana and we would take her jeep everywhere. Up in the mountains summer and winter on forest roads, no problem. When the forest road turned to pack ice still no issues. We lived down a dirt road that I am sure was the last to get plowed in the county. Fresh snow with ice underneath? No problems... The spot where we fished (mostly) we drove over a lot of (largish) rocks, it was smoother to disconnect, great traction. On the highway there is minimal road noise, like none... There is no wander, they track straight. I really can't say enough about these tires.
 
#23 ·
I've got the Toyo Open Country R/T in 285/70R17 and love them. They are a little more aggressive looking than the A/T2, and surprisingly quiet.





 
#24 ·
I will take a 2nd look at the toys tires. Weight will be a big consideration, will see if I can find that stat again. 285/75/17 would be nice, but I thought the AT2 was 63#s. Trying to be under 60 if not under 55...


Cooper ST Maxx 255/80/17 (~33.1x10.0”) ~$204 51# real world height: ~32.5"
BFG AT KO2 34x10.5 ~$312 55# real world height: ~32.4"

Toyo Open Country AT2 285/75/17 (~33.8"x11.2") ~$225 63# real world height: ~??"

Goodyear Duratrac 285/70/17 (~32.7”x11.2”) ~$260 54# real world height: ~31"
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W 285/75/17 (~33.8x11.2”) ~$217 65# real world height: ~??"
 
#26 ·
I will take a 2nd look at the toys tires. Weight will be a big consideration, will see if I can find that stat again. 285/75/17 would be nice, but I thought the AT2 was 63#s. Trying to be under 60 if not under 55...





Cooper ST Maxx 255/80/17 (~33.1x10.0”) ~$204 51# real world height: ~32.5"

BFG AT KO2 34x10.5 ~$312 55# real world height: ~32.4"



Toyo Open Country AT2 285/75/17 (~33.8"x11.2") ~$225 63# real world height: ~??"



Goodyear Duratrac 285/70/17 (~32.7”x11.2”) ~$260 54# real world height: ~31"

Falken Wildpeak A/T3W 285/75/17 (~33.8x11.2”) ~$217 65# real world height: ~??"

I found the KO2 for 293 a tire shipped after taxes if you're set on those


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#25 ·
The Toyo R/T is a very appealing tire but is quite spendy compared to Cooper Tires.

I ran the AT2 Extreme 285/75-17 on my Power Wagon ----- good tires, 34" on paper but more like 33.25" in reality. Great in snow.
If Cooper had made a tire in that size it would've been a Cooper on the PW...
 
#27 ·
Maybe wait a month and take a look at the upcoming Nitto Ridge Grappler? Seems like it's shaping up to be a really good tire. It's in the Duratrac type of A/T M/T crossover and it will be available in a 285/75/17 in C range which "should" be lighter, and also already is available in 285/70/17 in a C range also. I don't know the weights though. I emailed Nitto last week for an official response but haven't heard back yet. I'm needing new tires myself soon.

edit: My personal list is the Nitto, the Toyo AT2, or the Falken A/T3W (the falken is snowpeak rated by the way)
 
#28 · (Edited)
I can tell you the real weight of the ko2 34/10.5-17 is 52lbs as weighed on a postal scale. I can tell you the r/t Toyo is a better tire, I can tell you treaddepot and 4wd.com are the best place to buy Toyo tires. I can tell you I have spent way too much money on tires lol.
Oh and I have 5 ko2 on Rubicon rims with sensors for 13 on up wranglers with spidertrax spacers for a screaming deal $1200 with low miles.
 
#29 ·
Has the best deal going on now! buy 4 or more BFG's and get free shipping, no sale tax, free road hazard, and a $50 gift card!
I have been looking for the past 4 months and this deal I couldn't pass up!
T was looking at getting the 285's but like they say "Go Big Or Go Home"
so I went with 315/70r/17 (34's)


compare the difference...240/70r/16 to 315/70r/17
 
#30 ·
www,4wd.com Has the best deal going on now! buy 4 or more BFG's and get free shipping, no sale tax, free road hazard, and a $50 gift card!
I have been looking for the past 4 months and this deal I couldn't pass up!
T was looking at getting the 285's but like they say "Go Big Or Go Home"
so I went with 315/70r/17 (34's)


compare the difference...240/70r/16 to 315/70r/17
 
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