Tires

[JMJ]

I've read a few of the threads on new tires, but I'm still confused. I have a '99 4Runner with Bridgestone Dueler H/L P265/70/R16's on it. I mainly drive 'on-road' in the north Ohio area for work, but when winter hits (and last winter was pretty heavy) the 4WD with these tires sucked!! I guess I'm looking for an LT tire with good winter traction, yet smooth for highway driving (and good tread life!)

I've read about the Michelin Cross Terrains and Goodyear's SUV tires, but I'm not sure what would be best.

Anyone have any advice the can lend?

 

[Thai]

Dueler H/L and Michelin CT's are pretty much the same type of tires...highway oriented, great for rain. It is good for only light snow.

If you have problems with the H/L now, then the Michelin CTs are probably not any better in snow.

I would recommend an all-terrain tire. The ONLY AT tire that has the "snowflake" symbol (for heavy winter) is the BFG AT KO tire. The new Bridgestone Dueler AT REVO should also be excellent for your purpose.

The all-terrain tires are better because they have deeper grooves...thus, preventing them from "caking" up with snow.

Hope this helps.

 

[JMJ]

Thanks for the help. Also, what about the load range/plies on these AT tires--I'm not worried about acceleration or braking, but will it cause significant stress/damage to the drivetrain?

Thanks again!

PS: this site is pretty cool--alot of useful info dedicated to the 4Runner!

 

[Thai]

Your 4runner's suspension is very well-built...overbuilt. For the 3rd gen 4runner, the upper and lower control arms of the front suspension are boxed, rather than just stamped steel (common in American trucks/SUVs). Boxed arms are very strong...forged steel arm is the only thing that is stronger (seen in the new Range Rover for example).

The control arms for the rear axle is all of rod-type. Therefore, they are very strong.

The wheel bearings/housings are no weaker than that of American 1-ton truck.

What does this all mean? Your 4runner is plenty tough to handle the LT-rated tires. In 265/70/16 and 265/75/16 sizes, the load ranges are usually C- or D-range. (Note: in general, C-range=6 plies; D-range=8 plies.)

BFG AT KO tires are the only AT tires that have triple sidewall plies to prevent laceration to the sidewall, like when off-roading over rocky areas. Bridgestone Dueler AT REVO tires uses the same sidewall as regular tires.

Hope this helps.