Winter Tires for Alaska & Suspension

[MagicDot]

So I've finally landed in Fairbanks and have a car and my Runner to set up for the winter. It seems a 50/50 mix of studded vs. non studded for my Runner and 100% for my wife's FWD Accord.

What's this forum's opinion on the studded tire thing? I'm also going to get some wheels so I don't have to break the bead every spring. Anyone in Fairbanks on here that can point me to some decent shops that won't just rape me when they see my out of state plate? ;-)

I also live off one of these "roads" Alaska considers .. um.. "roads".. but it's mostly a pot hole, suspension busting, twisty dirt road. I am looking to do a slight lift later this year (..if the 'ol lady is willing..) and want something to cushion or make these bump-stop happening pot holes a little more than mole hills. Is there a shock or package that would help ease those issues? I'm not looking to do 100mph down a icy snow filled road with potholes, but I'd like to drive up and down the lane w/o a bite guard.

What do y'all think? I also plan on getting a beefier bumper a-la-ARB or the like w/ a winch and a rear bumper to match, so that will be more weight. I realize it will never float like my grandfather's old couch of a Lincoln, but it would be nice to not keep hitting the bump-stops when doing 15-25mph.

 

[strathcona]

Not in Alaska, but I live in a northern Canadian city. I would go with nokian hakk 7's studded if I were you.

Can't help with your suspension question.

 

[zopperman]

Do you want to lift/level at all?

 

[chaz]

if you are going to install the arb with winch & rear steel rear bumper its best to at least add new springs to support the added weight, so something like OME coils is advisable but you should also get longer shocks. like this for frt- http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/Front-OME-Lift-Coils_p_211.html this for rear- http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/ToyTec-Superflex-rear-Coils-FJ-03-09-4Run_p_25.html or full system- http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/OME-full-FJ-4Runner-suspension_p_226.html but if you have the $, go with the icon kit for the best ride.

 

[alaskaman]

I agree with the Hakka choice. I ran the studded Hakka SUV 5 and they work better on ice than anything. You might want to go onto the City Data Forum Fairbanks and ask there as well. A couple buddies in Fairbanks run Blizzaks on the FWD Hondas Toyotas and they say they do fine. In terms of a wench it may be a good idea but ask around. Some of those roads there is not much to hook onto to if you get off the "road". Have fun this Winter. Fairbanks has some pretty bad ice fogs. Get your -80 window washer on board. Do you have a engine heater? Remote Start?

 

[alaskaman]

Another thread on tires

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/engin...-hakkapeliita-5-vs-firestone-winterforce.html

 

[RunninUte]

I run the Michelen X-Ice they work great I have zero issues with them. If you want a good tire shop to deal with I would go to Aleyska Tire. If you want to run one tire year round look at the duratracs. A lot of guys run them here. For your suspension there is no good answer. The roads will smooth out in the winter but the cold makes your ride horrible, -40 is rough on the fluid in the shocks. I just replaced my X-reas with Raflo 2.5 so we'll see how it handles the cold. If you have any questions let me know.