NEW BF KO2's mounted at last!

[Adnasty]

Bad lighting will take more tomorrow but...After many sleepless nights pondering my lift and driving myself mad in a quest to fit 285's and level I finally pulled the trigger on 275's which will save me $50+ per tire and a little mpg. Not to mention 285 doesnt come out until March. Considering I'm mostly a weekend warrior indulging in camping trips, logging roads and lots of highway miles up north to VT, NH, NY and west to PA, this tire seemed to fit the bill. Fits stock setup and still an aggressive tread that looks very similar to original KO only slightly different tread and IMO an awesome sidewall design. Got 70k with my KO's previously on FJ so figured these could only be as good if not better. While I may still have that awful rake I am quite happy and have no rubbing issues at all. Now for a little lift...

Toytec front space and rear spring lift (maybe all 4 springs?) or other comparable spacer kit, bilstein 5100's or move up to Toytec Boss coilover lift? I tow a 22ft hurricane boat 2 times a season to and from marina and will be adding gobi rack soon but other than potential military trailer for yard work and camping trips dk that I will be adding much more weight to the vehicle like bumpers winches or trail armor. Considering I don't think I need a full 3in up front and dont want premature wear due to stock castor changing any suggestions?! Maybe 2.5 up front and a little in the rear. Stock 14 TEP wheels w KDSS.

Thanks for such a great place to do my research. Can't tell you how awesome you all truly are!

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Let us know if you get any rubbing on turns.

 

[be77solo]

Let us know if you get any rubbing on turns.

Yep, would love to hear your thoughts after driving it a bit... I'm in a similar boat, wanting some better tires but not wanting to lift or mod the suspension yet this round of tires. Curious what I can bump up to size wise with stock suspension without rubbing with real world reports. Thanks!

 

[cleveland48]

Those sidewalls do look great!

 

[SigSense]

Looking aggressive, let us know how they ride.

 

[Adnasty]

Just got back to see if I could get them to rub and nothing! I cranked the wheel both ways in reverse and forward and nothing at all. They no doubt feel stiffer and aren't tracking as perfect as the dunlops but that was to be expected. Def slightly rougher ride but feels great still. Cornering at speed feels tight and controlled. Will report back on highway feel at 80-90mph as that is very important to me to get my ass out of here and on some adventures as fast as possible. Maybe it's time for radar/jammer too!

 

[8086bruce]

Looks great! Love the white letters out!!!

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Just got back to see if I could get them to rub and nothing! I cranked the wheel both ways in reverse and forward and nothing at all. They no doubt feel stiffer and aren't tracking as perfect as the dunlops but that was to be expected. Def slightly rougher ride but feels great still. Cornering at speed feels tight and controlled. Will report back on highway feel at 80-90mph as that is very important to me to get my ass out of here and on some adventures as fast as possible. Maybe it's time for radar/jammer too!

What tire pressure are you running?

 

[Texas777]

Congrats! Those look great!

 

[GRN285]

Bad lighting will take more tomorrow but...After many sleepless nights pondering my lift and driving myself mad in a quest to fit 285's and level I finally pulled the trigger on 275's which will save me $50+ per tire and a little mpg. Not to mention 285 doesnt come out until March. Considering I'm mostly a weekend warrior indulging in camping trips, logging roads and lots of highway miles up north to VT, NH, NY and west to PA, this tire seemed to fit the bill. Fits stock setup and still an aggressive tread that looks very similar to original KO only slightly different tread and IMO an awesome sidewall design. Got 70k with my KO's previously on FJ so figured these could only be as good if not better. While I may still have that awful rake I am quite happy and have no rubbing issues at all. Now for a little lift...

Toytec front space and rear spring lift (maybe all 4 springs?) or other comparable spacer kit, bilstein 5100's or move up to Toytec Boss coilover lift? I tow a 22ft hurricane boat 2 times a season to and from marina and will be adding gobi rack soon but other than potential military trailer for yard work and camping trips dk that I will be adding much more weight to the vehicle like bumpers winches or trail armor. Considering I don't think I need a full 3in up front and dont want premature wear due to stock castor changing any suggestions?! Maybe 2.5 up front and a little in the rear. Stock 14 TEP wheels w KDSS.

Thanks for such a great place to do my research. Can't tell you how awesome you all truly are!

Looks good! I got the same tire too and same rig but silver. Sold my stockers and running some other junk now. As far as lift-I'm gonna go with the 5100's at .85 -already more than capable than I need. I guess I'm not hardcore anymore.
I'm don't plan on adding any heavy gear, bumper, winch etc either

Anyhow, I'll be watching the updates.
I've never regretted the bilsteins on previous rigs.

 

[veloindy]

Look great! For sure my next tire. How is the road noise, especially compared to your old KO's?

 

[Dirty Brigade]

Those look great. Iam interested in how they ride? I'm in the market for new tires.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Look great! For sure my next tire. How is the road noise, especially compared to your old KO's?

The problem with talking about road noise is that most all terrain tires start out relatively quiet. As they wear they tend to get noisier. This was true of my old ko's and most likely will be the same on the ko2's. Duratracs are the same way as were the BFG km2 mud terrains I had on my Jeep Wrangler.

 

[Javelin]

take some daytime shots! They look great!

 

[veloindy]

The problem with talking about road noise is that most all terrain tires start out relatively quiet. As they wear they tend to get noisier. This was true of my old ko's and most likely will be the same on the ko2's. Duratracs are the same way as were the BFG km2 mud terrains I had on my Jeep Wrangler.

It's all personal preference. My Duratracs have been noisy from day 1. I put up with it b/c of the traction they provide. I'm hoping I can live with them until March.

 

[rookrex]

Those look great! I wish they had the 285s now. I needed tires and I can't wait another 6 months.

 

[Adnasty]

Woke up this rainy morning groggy and dredding work...then suddenly I remembered it wasn't a dream that I had rid my runner of the apalling Grandtrek's and jumped out of bed to verify my delight. I peaked out of my bedroom window and there before my very eyes were my KO2's enjoying a bath in the rain. I could've sworn she winked at me gleaming with pride while rocking the hell out of those sexy new sneakers!

Ok so yea I'm sort've f'n happy!

Please keep in mind I've only had the 08 FJ TT with KO's on it and two Audi sedan's and a Volvo sedan so my truck and AT tire experience is limited. Road noise is not noticeable to me and I probably missed it from my old KO's anyway so I would not be a good judge for that. I will put windows down tomorrow when it's not pouring but I doubt it will be bothersome if I haven't noticed it yet with no music blasting (rare for me). I pushed the vehicle a bit more today to see how she handled on my 7 minute commute to work and purposely took some windy roads for you all (OK and maybe myself). First thing I did after letting the runner warm up was a hole shot on my street WOT straight ahead and not a light on the dash or a slip to be felt. Did not expect that. Now that I have had more time and really could focus without a doubt heavier steering wheel feel and doesn't feel as floaty actually if that makes sense. I actually am enjoying it very much and I might be crazy but I absolutely feel connected to the road way more than with the stock Dunlop's. Not only that braking feels more...I dk I guess predictable??? Is that even possible? It's not as if I was sliding but alot of the time I try to be a smooth driver albeit spirited but when braking I found it hard to always come to a smooth nice consistent stop with the stockers. You can certainly feel that it's a stiffer tire on the turns and I'm guessing that's due to the 10ply tire and the squared tread edge where sidewall meets. I took some pics, dk if they help but PLENTY of room to spare around fenders and flaps.

I did go back and forth because I had a white FJ and had White outlined BG logo letters facing out on that rig and thought about going for a diff look this time to switch it up but thought it would be more unique to go that route. I won't lie I am a creature of habit and last three cars have all been white. I will measure PSI tomorrow but I am actually really surprised I didn't even ask or check. I think I was just too damn excited to fill those wheel wells a bit more and rid myself of the soccer mom tires. I apologize for lack of technical terms and knowledge but I think you would not regret buying these tires. Oh and almost forgot, they have a $70 rebate on the purchase that starts November 10th and goes through Dec 7th. Found out after I bought unfortunately. Not applicable per tire but overall cost.

Had a plan to plasti dip my wheels black and black out silver trail trim front and back but it seems everyone has done that and the TRD pro is designed that way so bought some 1080 3M Carbon Fiber vinyl instead. Kind've corny but think it will look really good and if it doesn't I can rip it off and try something else. Even though my tire thirst has been perfectly quenched and I couldn't be happier with my decision, a leveling is in order, some bud built sliders (more as a step for me to reach the impending gobi stealth rack) and maybe an exhaust. Will update you all on any findings or new feelings on the tires.

 

[RaginTxn84]

looks great adnasty - I've been debating myself whether to wait for the 285s or go with the 275s - thanks for helping me in my decision (I'll be going with the 275s). Same - for a cheaper price, a tad bit better MPG, and you only gain 1/4" on the 285s - 275s are callin' my name a little louder.

BTW - just installed my BOSS COs about 2-3 weeks ago now - I would highly recommend them - the handling, lift, etc, etc, etc - just that much better. Now to complete the package with some new shoes...

 

[Stifler]

look kinda like rugged terrains IMO

 

[KevinAB]

look kinda like rugged terrains IMO

I think the KO2's look way more rugged than the Rugged terrains.