A/T tires...Need help deciding!

[Kirklandak11]

Hey guys! Been a long time lurker of the site, registered today and first post going out.

So, I have 06 T4R Sport 4x4, currently running some LT 265/70/R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs...Gotta say they were a great time for where I am(south lake tahoe, ca), but im looking for something a little different. I need to decide within this week on a new set of tires as the DT's have gone the DISTANCE! 60,100 miles as of now with two cross country trips to VA and back. Off-road, great tire but I don't do a lot as of now, hopefully thats about to change. They were quite loud, but ehh whatever, not a big concern. But past 70, i got a lot of chatter in my steering wheel. I'll admit, im somewhat of a newbie with cars so i had this thing balanced and tires rotated about every other oil change...

Anyways, I've been looking at a lot of different tires lately and here are my picks to choose from...I am not listing the BFG AT, sorry, I know everyone loves them but I just want to try something different than everyone else. Keep in mind, im coming from the duratrac, which i loved, just want a little more comfort for my long trips but can handle some dirt/gravel/small boulder/and snowy roads!

1. Cooper Discovery ST MAXX. I'd be looking at a skinny tire in this one to get through some deep snow that I hope we get in the sierrra's this year. 255/75/r17. As of now, I don't have a lift or level kit of any kind but I do plan on putting on the Boss Suspension System from Toytec or the Stage 1 Icon Suspension system within a month, unfortunately I really need the tires now!! Bad move? Will they fit?

Boss Suspension System for 03-09 4Runner, 07-09 FJ

2003 - 2009 4Runner suspension system stage 1

2. Toyo Open Country A/T. Also in a skinny...255/70/r17 65,000 treadwear warranty. Sounds good to me! I like that look too.

3. Nitto Exo Grappler AWT - 265/70/r17 in this one...they don't offer the 255's so I'd run the same size as my current DT's.

Any other idea's on tires that will suit, feel free to throw them in the mixa...
Sorry for the long thread.

Thanks for any info!!

 

[snhrph]

Go with 255/75/17.

I've had Goodyear Silent Armor 255/75/17 for a few years and they fit great.

I had minimal rubbing with OEM springs. Rubbing disappeared when FJ springs were installed. Its time to replace them now, and I can't bring myself to pay $210+ per tire. I originally paid $115 a piece brand new.

I will be getting Hankook Dynapro RF10 next week, also in 255/75/17. Just saying...

 

[ebg18t]

255-75-17 will just barely fit stock, but will still look good with the lift. I don't think you would be disappointed with any of those tire options. I would go Icon with lift over the Toytec Boss option. The Icon track record is excellent. The Boss is still new and I have read about at least 3 instances with blown/leaky shocks (here & TW).

 

[Synister]

I ran a set of the 255/75r17 Silent Armors for 40k and they were alright, kinda average at just about everything but quiet too. I am now running a set of Cooper Disco AT3 and they are awesome, Ive ran them in everything from snow, mud, dirt, rain and they rock! 50k tread life warranty also. Not the most aggressive tire but I will definitely revisit these tires when it comes time to replace. Only possible con is that they took a lot of weight to balance but they do run smooth, no wobbles or vibes.

I would say that based on your requirement for a capable snow tire that the ST MAXX is probably not the best choice as it has almost no sipes to grip slippery surfaces unless you got it studded. You would do well to get a tire with the "Severe Weather" snowflake rating. They may not "look" aggressive but with the additional sipes they will smoke a big chunky AT any day in the snow.

 

[ASUMTNEER]

We've got the Toyo's, in 265/70/17, and they do wonderfully in the snow. Can't say anything about the longevity as we have only put a couple thousand miles on them at most (we only run them in the winter). The Toyo's are a great looking tire with wonderful consumer reviews.

 

[Ruffian]

I'm currently running the Duratracs too and I love them for the Sierra cement and snow. However I may too pick out a new tire when these are done as I love them for winter but for summer they are too aggressive for simple daily driving. I got another set of rims and I think I want to put a summer set of tires on there and try to save what's left of these Duratracs for winter use. Let us know what you pick out and what you think!

 

[poser]

I had a set of Falken Rockymountains on my 2008 Tundra. They drove smooth with little noise and wore very well. Admittedly I didn't really take them off road. Great tire I thought, and great price at Discount.

 

[robaroni]

My truck with 255/75-17's. Just leveled in the front with bili's. They rubbed a little on the lower front fenders which was easily remedied by moving the liner forward and trimming the lip of the fender slightly. It is the perfect size!

 

[Kirklandak11]

I'm currently running the Duratracs too and I love them for the Sierra cement and snow. However I may too pick out a new tire when these are done as I love them for winter but for summer they are too aggressive for simple daily driving. I got another set of rims and I think I want to put a summer set of tires on there and try to save what's left of these Duratracs for winter use. Let us know what you pick out and what you think!

DT's are amazing...They thrash the snow for sure, but yeah, just looking for something a little smoother for the summer but I don't want to lose performance in the winter or that aggressive look. I think I'm going to try the Toyo Open Country AT2. I've heard a lot of good things about this tire, and a lot from their other tires in general. Where did you get that OME lift put on, or did you do it yourself?

 

[Ruffian]

DT's are amazing...They thrash the snow for sure, but yeah, just looking for something a little smoother for the summer but I don't want to lose performance in the winter or that aggressive look. I think I'm going to try the Toyo Open Country AT2. I've heard a lot of good things about this tire, and a lot from their other tires in general. Where did you get that OME lift put on, or did you do it yourself?

So I had my 1st & 2nd kits shipped to me from ToyTec in CO. The 1st set my buddy put on and the 2nd I took it to a shop in Reno. I just got new shocks put on about 3 months ago as the ones in the front were done after 7 years! I kept the same coils. The ride is pretty stiff truth be told and rides like a truck. Much better with weight in them and I did ask for the softer sport ride shocks...but still....meh. I must be getting older & grumpier! I really like the look otherwise I'd go back to stock just to get better gas mileage and a more car like ride. But I love driving my 4Runner so I just take it as it's part of the package of having a lift!
Just pick any shop that installs shocks. I bid a few in Reno and went with a shop that I won't be recommending because of a few things. You will have to get an alignment done so it'd be nice if you can do both in the same shop. And pick a shop that follows the installation directions!

 

[dougrozet]

I worked in a tire shop for a couple years about 13 years ago, and one of the brands we sold was Toyo. Not sure about them now, but they used to be great! We worked on lots of oil field trucks (that saw thousands of miles on primarily shale/scoria roads every month) and they were the only brand that would hold up. Those were the M-55's (and I wouldn't think you would want those), but I have heard nothing but good about Toyo.

I have also personally had good luck with Coopers. Ive run a couple sets and they have been very good in all conditions. I have Kenda Kleavers on my Ford truck now, and have been impressed with the traction, not much noise, and I like the look, but can't speak to the life of them.

 

[Lolrax]

I had a set of Cooper Discoverer AT/3s and loved them. I think they are the top rated/selling in the segment.

 

[dropspace]

You may want to check out the Mickey Thompson Bajas. I have the STZ which is nearly an A/T tire but they also have an ATZ. I have had a great experience so far.

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels

 

[zopperman]

i didnt read this thread at all but just buy duratracs

 

[black4vcobra]

How do you guys feel about the Goodyear Wrangler AT/S tires in a 265/70-17 size?

At $120 a piece it seems like a great value