Needs tires for street-driven 2wd

[Overkill]

I'll be honest - I don't know anything about various brands/models of truck/SUV tires. I rarely take on anything more adventurous than a dirt or gravel road in my 2wd 4Runner, so I don't need anything aggressive. Any suggestions on a road tire that will last a while, ride decent, and be fairly quiet? I don't mind spending a little more to get a good tire, but I know the most expensive tire is not always the best.

 

[Overkill]

Anyone have any thoughts on the Michelin LTX M/S2? It has high ratings on TireRack.com and sounds like it might be what I'm looking for.

 

[FlyZLow]

I just put the LTX MS2s on my 04 2wd. So far they seem like what I would expect. They are smooth and quiet. I have had a set of LTX M/Ss (original compound) on my '99 V6 2wd 4Runner for 110k miles now and they're still going. They have been the best tires I've ever owned IMO. They are still reasonably quiet and grippy even though the thread is now about worn down to where they need to be replaced. I hope that the new compound is just as good since they were substantially more expensive than the ones I bought 7 years ago. I paid about $1k for the set (still very reasonable IMO) mounted/balanced/etc. I've heard that some people have had balance issues with them, but I have not so it may depend on the shop you go to or something.

 

[momo.75]

When i got my '03 it had the Kuhmo tires, which were nice, but didn't last very long. I just bought my second set of Yokohama Geolander H/T tires. They have great wet/dry traction. Very little road noise, and last pretty well with regular rotations and pressure checks.

 

[JB.]

Pick up a copy of Consumer Reports. Comprehensive tire issue this month.

 

[NCSCOTT]

Stay away from anything from Continental. I have Cross Contacts 265/65/17s on my 04. They grip in rain and dry like no other tire I've had but tread life outright sucks!!! 33K on them and 3 out of 4 are down to the tread wear markers. Rotated/balanced every oil change (5-6k miles) using rearward cross pattern always 32-35psi. Supposed to be a 60k mile tire.

Don't get me started on the Dunflop factory tires. Horrible/scary wet weather lack of traction.

I had a set of Goodyear wrangler AT/S 265/70/17s. They lasted over 50k miles but wet traction was poor. Constant beeping from traction control in wet weather.

I have been looking at the General HTS recently. Tirerack rated them well. I would go with the 265/70/17s in this tire since they are cheaper than the factory size if I decide to give them a try.

265/70/17s fit on all factory 4th gens with no rubbing 2WD or 4WD.

Good luck

 

[Glock_19]

I have the General Grabber AW tire and it's a pretty decent tire but based on all the research I've done my next tire will definitely be the LTX MS/2. Everyone raves about them and I've always been a Michelin fan (this is my first set of non-Michelin tires).

IMO the only reason to not get the MS/2 would be if you wanted a more aggressive looking AT tire or if you needed serious off-road performance.

 

[xlb55]

MAx Size ?

What is the Max. size the vehicle can take ? 275 / 75 / 16 ?

xlb55

 

[empty403]

I just put the LTX MS2s on my 04 2wd. So far they seem like what I would expect. They are smooth and quiet. I have had a set of LTX M/Ss (original compound) on my '99 V6 2wd 4Runner for 110k miles now and they're still going. They have been the best tires I've ever owned IMO. They are still reasonably quiet and grippy even though the thread is now about worn down to where they need to be replaced. I hope that the new compound is just as good since they were substantially more expensive than the ones I bought 7 years ago. I paid about $1k for the set (still very reasonable IMO) mounted/balanced/etc. I've heard that some people have had balance issues with them, but I have not so it may depend on the shop you go to or something.

+1 on the LTX MS2s. I just placed an order for mine. A bit more money but they end up lasting almost double, when maintained. I went up one size in height 265/65R18 from 265/60R18 basically I went to a 32" x 10.5". I got mine at Costco for $1050 incl tax (8.25% and mounting/balancing, California recycling fee) that's including $70 off. But I'll have to get an alignment somewhere else.

 

[Zuke]

Anyone have any thoughts on the Michelin LTX M/S2? It has high ratings on TireRack.com and sounds like it might be what I'm looking for.

THIS

You can't go wrong with these tires for your needs.

 

[sr5hi]

I have Michelin Latitude tires on my 4Runner. They are very quiet and smooth riding.

 

[ryanbt]

I agree with all of the comments regarding the Michelin LTX M/S2. I got a set off of tiremonkey.com They come with a 70,000 mile warranty. My coworker got 80,000 miles out of hers. They are more expensive, but if you plan on keeping the vehicle for a long time they are a great investment. I did what empty403 did. I went up from 265/60/18 to 265/65/18 with no rubbing whatsoever. They suit my needs, I love the look and most importantly I like the ride.