Build assistance - Feedback on tire choice.

[Keith_PDX]

I finally decided what suspension to put on and is ordered. I ended up going with the Bilstein 5100, Eibach 1.6" front springs and the Sway-A-Way 1.5" Eibach rear springs. I will set the Bilstein front at .85".

I will be keeping the stock TE wheels.

Ultimately I wanted to get an All Terrain tire that had a good aggressive look to it. Most of my usage will be unimproved roads, washboards, occasional Jeep trail and of course pavement. I was really trying to stay away from a load range E tire but its tough.

I have rounded it down to two choices.

My first is the BFG A/T KO2 in 34x10.5x17. Its a D rated tire and 10.6" wide. Anyone see fitment issues here with the stock wheels? Reading the 5th gen tire guide I am not totally sure but I think I'll be fine. I like these because I've had good luck with them in the past and they have the snowflake for winter time.

Second choice is the Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx at 255/80/17. I love the look of this tire. Its a E rating. Weights 4lbs less than the BFG. Cost is less but I'm not too worried about that. I've read up on this here and at Expedition Portal and seems to get nothing but great reviews.

So, let me hear your thoughts.

Thanks!
Keith

 

[Intruder]

34s might be likely to require some wheel well modifications - body mount chop, hammering the pinch weld, and probably work on the fender liners.

As for other choices to look at, depending on which size you want to go with, I'd check out the new Toyo AT IIs. I have no experience with them but I know people who run Toyos and swear by them.

 

[Keith_PDX]

Thanks. I dont mind doing the BMC if necessary. I was under the impression that with the stock wheels this might not be necessary. I've read where people with the 285/70 of the same tire commented there was room. Can you say with any level of confidence if its required?

BFG AT K02
285/70 = 32.7 OD
34x10.5 = 33.5 OD

Thats .4" closer to the BMC/Seam/Liner than most 285's. I am just trying to stay with a skinner tire.

 

[Intruder]

It's impossible to say for sure because of manufacturing tolerances. A tire that rubs on one truck may not rub on another. Also, not all tires are created equal - some have much larger tread blocks than others. I found this out the hard way when I went from 285/70/17 Duratracs to MTRs in the exact same size and there was almost an inch difference in diameter.

 

[Keith_PDX]

Thanks.

285/70
BFG KM2 shows 33" od
Duratrac shows 32.8" od.

Which tire manufacturer measurement was incorrect?

 

[Dirty Brigade]

Duratracs all the way.

 

[Keith_PDX]

Duratracs all the way.

This is not a which tire is best thread. I have done my research and an down to these two. I was asking him which manufacturer he felt was inaccurate in their specified measurements.

:thanks: