BFGoodrich T/A KO tires on a stock rig, advice needed

[oly4runner]

Because I'm still 50/50 between the BFGs and GY Duratracs, I think I will just make my decision based on the best deal my local tire vendors have to offer before my head explodes. I will have more time early next month to do some aggressive tire shopping. I think I will be pretty happy with either sets based on what you guys are telling me. My wife thinks I am living a sad little life because I daydream duratracs in the afternoon and BFGs at night while I'm asleep. When I try to talk to her about tires she straight out tells me she doesn't give a crap. :moping: For now, I'll just let my crappy Costco Michelin tires wear to the bone. I guess half the fun is the anticipation right?

To temporarily satisfy my constant urges to upgrade, I'm going to just salivate over my new acquisition: Bushwacker extend-a-fender flares that I plan to color match and install on my beloved TR4. :naughty:

 

[rjaudi]

I noticed slight rubbing with my BFG A/T. I agree on looking elsewhere. Those e-rated sidewalls make the tires about 20 lbs heavier compared to stock which is a large factor to why I think my gas mileage has been so bad.

 

[Benski]

Keep an eye out for someone selling either one of those tires with low miles. I see tires listed for sale with only 3k or less miles on them. Some guys get a new truck, buy nice tires, and a short time later put a lift on it, then think their tires look small. They do then look small. There are good deals out there. I got one!
:banana:

 

[oly4runner]

Keep an eye out for someone selling either one of those tires with low miles. I see tires listed for sale with only 3k or less miles on them. Some guys get a new truck, buy nice tires, and a short time later put a lift on it, then think their tires look small. They do then look small. There are good deals out there. I got one!
:banana:

Thanks for the tip! I have daily bookmark search for duratrac and BFGs pointed at craigslist in my local area and always checking classified ads!

 

[oly4runner]

Hey gang, assuming the BFG KO and GY Duratrac tires are the same size in spec, does anyone know if the BFG KOs ride a bit taller then the GY Duratracs vice versa, or are they pretty much the same as far as making a stock rig stand taller?

Oh, and in regards to tire ratings:
Pretty much everyone's reco here seems to be that If it's going to be BFG KOs I should avoid the E rated version (being overkill for the rig and a bit harsh on the ride), and instead look into the D rated version...

I found some decent info on the internets in regards to E vs D ratings on the BFG KOs:

D- vs. E-rated BFGoodrich A/T KO - Expedition Portal

Still picking apart and absorbing this info....one thing that caught my eye was that if I went with a D-rated tire it would not weaken the chance of tire punctures, that's a good thing! Any thoughts on this?

 

[oly4runner]

This video got me thinking about the Duratracs again! :hiding:

Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac off-road tire - YouTube

 

[Silly Wabbit]

Because I'm still 50/50 between the BFGs and GY Duratracs, I think I will just make my decision based on the best deal my local tire vendors have to offer before my head explodes. I will have more time early next month to do some aggressive tire shopping. I think I will be pretty happy with either sets based on what you guys are telling me. My wife thinks I am living a sad little life because I daydream duratracs in the afternoon and BFGs at night while I'm asleep. When I try to talk to her about tires she straight out tells me she doesn't give a crap. :moping: For now, I'll just let my crappy Costco Michelin tires wear to the bone. I guess half the fun is the anticipation right?

To temporarily satisfy my constant urges to upgrade, I'm going to just salivate over my new acquisition: Bushwacker extend-a-fender flares that I plan to color match and install on my beloved TR4. :naughty:

LOL I know the feeling. you know you've OD'd on T4R when all you can think of is the sups. upgrade and tires you're going to get!

I've been researching the absolute crap out of tires in the past month and have decided to got with Kelly Safari TSR 265/75/16 in load range E. This is my DD but will be seeing logging roads/gravel almost every other weekend with some light-med offloading with about 1.5 -2 hours highway driving to get to these places.

Found out there are MANY good tires available and everyone has a favourite. How I came to these tires is due to research with forums like T4R and finding a local shop that actually gave me real input in person(not the guy that tells me to look online). After this I compared notes and decided the Safari TSR load E are my best choice after considering cost, availability, durability, drivability(on/off road), after shop service and yes even looks. I went with the best "deal" and what made sense to my needs within a realistic budget. I found that having an open mind for what is best for my needs and not what is best within my favourite brand is the way to shop. Also I couldn't get myself to pay more money for a tire that is "older" technology. I figure there has to be a better/same tire for the same or possibly less $$$, and I think I found it.

Just saying there are more brands than what is mentioned here, and don't always buy based on what is most popular.

Bit of a long post but yeah I'm not doing much right now

As for rub my I have 265/75/16 winters and do rub at times but my friend's doesn't. We think it is because I have an 3rd gen. SR5 and has different mud guards than his LTD.

 

[Hepar]

Oh, and in regards to tire ratings:
Pretty much everyone's reco here seems to be that If it's going to be BFG KOs I should avoid the E rated version (being overkill for the rig and a bit harsh on the ride), and instead look into the D rated version...

I found some decent info on the internets in regards to E vs D ratings on the BFG KOs:

D- vs. E-rated BFGoodrich A/T KO - Expedition Portal

Still picking apart and absorbing this info....one thing that caught my eye was that if I went with a D-rated tire it would not weaken the chance of tire punctures, that's a good thing! Any thoughts on this?

BFG no longer makes the 265/75/16 AT in a D load, so if you go that route the E load is your only option.

 

[A.Wilson013]

Oly4Runner...

Are you in Olympia, WA? If so, extend your search to Portland on CL... I saw a set of 265/76/16 duratracs on there a couple nights ago, may still be there.

 

[oly4runner]

oly4runner

Oly4Runner...

Are you in Olympia, WA?

I'm in California but thanks for the heads up! I need to update my location profile.

 

[AZ4FNER]

BFG no longer makes the 265/75/16 AT in a D load, so if you go that route, the E load is your only option.

X2. That's why I went with Dura tracs, didn't want the load range E. I think we've come full circle. Didn't we mention this at the very beginning of the thread...

 

[oly4runner]

X2. That's why I went with Dura tracs, didn't want the load range E. I think we've come full circle. Didn't we mention this at the very beginning of the thread...

It looks the BFG KOs with an aspect ratio of 70 that currently offers a load range of D then. I'll be stopping by a few local tire vendors tomorrow to see if I can find a good deal on duratracs or possibly an off brand that is cheaper and comparable that some have pointed out. I took notes and made a hard copy of this thread to take along with me. Wish me luck!

 

[Speedweigand]

I'm running 265/75-16 BFG KO's on an 01 with allpro 1.5" wheelspacers. I had to remove or mod the factory running boards, I removed... no loss imo.

The E's are heavier but atleast they're not a true 10ply, they are a 6ply with a load rating of a 10ply. This is my 3rd set of BFG AT'S, after the first 2 sets I can't imagine buying anything else. Imo they are a little squirmy til they wear a little as the treads pretty deep, think its 17/32nds. I do wish I could have got a c rated tire but I have no regrets with my purchase. I almost bought the goodyears but read that sometimes they get noisy once they wear about halfway down. My personal experience with goodyear has not been a pleasant one. I was considering the Michelin's but the soccermom tread and high entry fee changed my mind.

First set 33x12.50 load c (6ply) on a 15x10, at 90k they still had some tread but the sidewalls were cracking from 7 years of armorall.

Second set 31x10.50's, 15x8 rims sold at 44k, looked like new. That's when Toyota stole my taco for the frame recall. My buddy has them on his 4wd s10 still.

These first 2 sets were on 99 taco, downey c/o's, add-a-leaf, blower, e-manage, K&N. I saw someone post that they didn't handle well, I had my taco out on roadcourse and was completely amazed by the grip. I'm pretty sure when they said I could do a few laps they were not expecting hotlaps... trailbraking or powerslides. I was promptly blackflagged and made aware that my shenanigans were not appreciated ;-)

The third set has 6k on them so far and look unused. Wet traction is awesome and they are one of few AT tires that carry the severe weather symbol meaning they are suitable for use as snow tires as the tread stays flexible to minus something dang cold.

My trucks see about 90/10 road/off-road so noise, mileage and handling on tarmac is critical but I tend to do stupid things regularly when I hit the dirt so having good offroad capability is still really important to me. No they are not mudders, but they don't sound like them either.

I've been driving 65miles each way to work since last week and have been averaging 17.8mpg with 87oct and a heavy foot. I rarely break 80 but the early morning crowd rolls at 75. I have downey c/o's and 891's, @ 4" of lift and I don't have my frt skid back on yet which I know hurts my mileage a little from some tests I did on my taco. I think with a more conservative foot I can break 20mpg. Stock I was averaging 22+mpg so the tires and lift definately hurt.

White letters out, 28ish psi in the frt and 26psi in the rear... load e's won't look low til there flat on a t4r. Btw they ride like concrete over 35psi.

Hope my book helps you out.

Speed

 

[oly4runner]

Hope my book helps you out.

Speed

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with the BFGs. You've got me rethinking again! I hate shopping for tires! :lmao:

 

[IanB]

I went with the Duratracs in 265/75/16, C-load, and they have been great. Probably the best single aspect is the braking in snow/ice conditions, couldn't ask for more of them. They are decently quiet on the highway, handle corners well, deal with rain very well, and aired down it's like a tank offroad. I've got over 30,000kms on mine, and they measured 14/32 tread depth this week, came with 18/32 new. I'm very impressed with them, and would recommend them to anyone.

Also worth noting, I've had nothing but terrible experiences with Goodyear tires in the past, but they got it right this time.

 

[oly4runner]

So I went to three tire shops this morning. All of them wanted a premium for the D rated BFG KOs with the aspect ratio of 70, I almost threw up in my mouth when they gave me the price quotes. :barf:

I finally talked one tire shop into giving me a small discount on a set of GY DuraTracs and since I'm near their local warehouse, I didn't have to wait to special order them and they offered to fit my T4R with new shoes this afternoon if the delivery guy gets in on time. On top of that there is a Visa Prepaid rebate so I'm pretty happy overall. I'm sure I'll have a little buyers remorse that I didn't go with the BFGs but heck I'm really happy either way.

Going to have to say goodbye to my crappy Costco tires :moon:

My next upgrade will be getting my bushwackers painted and installed to match my DuraTracs. Pics on the way (without flares for now)!

I want to THANK YOU ALL again for the sound advice. I love T4R!!

 

[Millerad1651]

If you don't mind me asking, what store and how much did you end up getting them for. I am going to get the Duras in the coming weeks, and am pricing them out different places. I found 4 shipped 265s in C for $759 and am going to see if Discount will price match.

 

[SCRunner12]

What part of the bay are you from? They have a local warehouse? Hmm, might have to remember this for my next set of tires.

 

[T4R_Finally]

Hard to tell in my sig pic, but my 2000 Ltd has 265/75R16 KO AT's on it and it is bone stock except it has HD shocks on it. All of it was on there when I bought it, but we have no rubbing issues at all. Not the greatest ride in the world but not too shabby considering it's an SUV and the tires. I've had many sets of those tires and have always liked them. Given that ours is not an off-roader, I probably won't put KO's back on it. Will look for something a little more suited towards highway ride and occasional snow.

 

[Speedweigand]

If you don't mind me asking, what store and how much did you end up getting them for. I am going to get the Duras in the coming weeks, and am pricing them out different places. I found 4 shipped 265s in C for $759 and am going to see if Discount will price match.

Fwiw I paid 893.45 for the 4 BFG's mounted, balanced and to have my spare swapped out and the rusta-saurus spare rim powder coated at a local dealer in November. $795.00 for the rubber and mounting, 35 for the sandblast/powder coat and $63.45 to uncle sam.

Honestly I think the GY's look more aggressive, so I'm not sure it's an apples to apples comparison. With tires it's all about compromise, and knowing what will suit your needs. If I lived in the country still and wheeled every weekend there's no doubt I'd have something more aggressive. But fact is I spend most of my life on pavement :shrug: for now anyway. I also have some nerve damage in my ears that makes me more sensitive to exhaust drone, tire howl, even wind noise.

From what I read when I was buying tires they both seem like great options. I was leaning towards the GY's but then I called BFG and they told me about the E's being 6ply. Worse case scenario I could put them on my work van if the ride was unbearable.

It's also worth noting that I have the 891's and 650# coils up front. So the whole rig is a little stiff... but it jumps well:driving:

I'm shooting for 20mpg, did the old top end cleaner tonight and installed my diff drop. Technically fixing the vibration will improve my mileage a little too.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Qylf_WpCmTtistvchjsZWdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f9EEGFVvDS8/T3EMa_eu4UI/AAAAAAAAF1A/sGJwqfPpP4w/s400/SAM_3798.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/116285844807751098397/2001Toyota4Runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">2001 Toyota 4Runner</a></td></tr></table>
I'll post up in a more appropriate thread.

:cheers: