Opinions/Experience Wanted

[jhberria]

Well, the time has come for me to purchase new rubber for the trailblazer, as I am upgrading to new wheels and the Duratracs will no longer fit (going from the stock 16s to aftermarket 17s). Right now, I'm running Wrangler Duratrac 265/75/16s on my 06 LS with MarkMC's lift and spacers, but am looking to go slightly bigger. Incidently, the Duratracs have been a GREAT tire for me, both on-and-off road. I highly recommend them to anyone considering a good multi-purpose tire.

I've done a great deal of research, and narrowed my options down to three choices:

1) The BFG KM2 in 255/75/17 (listed 32.05 inch diameter).
2) Goodyear Wrangler MTR w/Kevlar in 255/75/17 (listed as a 32.3 inch diameter).
3) Procomp Extreme MT2s in 265/70/17 (listed 31.9 inch diamter).

The procomps seems to be fairly popular with individuals on this forum, and the BFGs and MTRs are traditional favorites with a great deal of popularity (but also with their respective cons). I'm looking for something that provides balance between on road and off road performance (off road being northern new york trails, light mud, creek crossing, etc). I also want to maintain a relaistic level of on road comfort and performance, considering the nature of the tire. Anyone with experience with these tires on our platform have any preferences? Would the MTRs, being slightly over 32 inches, be too much for my stock 3.42 gearing?

Thanks for the help, as always.

[navigator]

My Toyo Open Country AT2 are 31.9. With 3.42 gears most of the time my tranny temps run right around 210-215. Even when towing my bass boat it usually doesn't get over 220. I have seen it one time on a hot day creep up to 228 but that is all. I've recently begun towing in 3rd and that helps keep the temps down as well. Keep in mind I live in the flat lands of SE NC. The diff between 32.05 and 31.9 I would expect would be negligible.

I have an aftermarket tranny cooler ready to install but haven't installed it yet.

[HARDTRAILZ]

1) The BFG KM2 in 255/75/17 (listed 32.05 inch diameter).
2) Goodyear Wrangler MTR w/Kevlar in 255/75/17 (listed as a 32.3 inch diameter).
3) Procomp Extreme MT2s in 265/70/17 (listed 31.9 inch diamter).

Would the MTRs, being slightly over 32 inches, be too much for my stock 3.42 gearing?

Thanks for the help, as always.

Good choices mostly. You will se ZERO difference in the size of these more than likely. Any will feel the same due to height, but I would look at weight. I know it has made big differences for me and I have literally had nearly 20 sets of wheels and tires on the truck. Still have three sets I can swap between now.

1...The BFG do not measure up to what they say...ever. The KM2 are a great tire all around, but not the best in the snow. Might be able to sipe them or something if you wanted though.

2...I personally hate these tires and have seen too many belts slip with the kelvar for what they charge. However those that like them...love them and they run pretty true to size.

3...I LOVED my xtreme MT and seeing the new ones in person, the new rubber compound seems really nice. Great all around tire and did great for me in the snow. Never heard of anyone not liking these. Run honest sizing and sit nice and flat across the tread.

If you ask me....#3 for sure. I had 30K on mine and know Hatchet has put nearly 20K more on them. They are not real heavy and just work.

[boog2006]

Why are you not buying the Duratrac's in a 265/70/17?

[jhberria]

Thanks for the input, all.

I was actually considering going with the Duratracs again, as I enjoyed them so much, but at a larger size. I want something closer to a true 32 then what I'm running now, which is just a hair over 31.6 inches. Unfortunately, the next size offered with the Duratracs is a 285/70/17, which equates to a 32.8 inch diameter. I'm thinking this could potentially be too large for the TB as it sits now without having temperature, torque, or power issues. Anyone have any experience with this size tire on 3.43 gearing?

[navigator]

it looks like they offer the goodyear wrangler duratrac in a 265/70/17.
I found them on ebay and discounttire
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direc ... =17&cs=265

[jhberria]

Yes, but those are the same diameter as the 265/75/16s I'm running now. I wouldn't be completely opposed to doing this, but I'd like to go a little bigger.

[navigator]

I've gotcha now. Does the current tire fit your needs well? I would have to think hard to trade a tire I love for ~1/4" additional clearance, especially considering it will be around a $1k investment.

[boog2006]

I've gotcha now. Does the current tire fit your needs well? I would have to think hard to trade a tire I love for ~1/4" additional clearance, especially considering it will be around a $1k investment.

Agreed

[HARDTRAILZ]

You do realize that these numbers shown by manufacturers are not even true half the time. They should never be taken as fact at all.

The numbers are also affected by PSI and rim width.

Honestly...I bet you would never see or notice a difference in a duratrac vs mtr height.


EX: 315 75 16 KM2 state 34.8 spec. Actual real life height is 33.5 brand new. My buddy was none to happy with that, but likes the tires.

[boog2006]

I just went and measured my 265/70/17 duratracs and was quite surprised. I've been describing these as 32's...their not even 31's.



30.5 at 45 psi.

[HARDTRAILZ]

Not surprised. I have some similar measurements around that show some huge variation in supposedly same sized tire.

[Trail X]

Brent, with a tire loaded, it will never be the same as their advertised diameter. You're losing at least an inch in the bulge.

Measure the circumference and calculate the diameter, it's the only way to get the actual reading.

[HARDTRAILZ]

Do you measure circumference on the center or the edge of tread? It can make a difference as well depending on construction of tires.

The circumference could also be affected by with of rim, so keep that in mind.

[Trail X]

I probably measured in the center. But I guess you could take two measurements and average it.

I think I actually measured mine when they were unmounted, and the tread was pretty flat at that point.

[jhberria]

Interesting discussion on actual vs. advertised tire size.

That being said, what are your thoughts on upgrading from my current 265/76/16 Duratracs (advertised as 31.7 inches, actually closer to 31) to 285/70/17 Duratracs (advertised as 32.8 inches, most likely closer to 32 flat, if that)? Feasible with the stock gearing?

[Trail X]

What gearing do you have?

[HARDTRAILZ]

I really had no issues with about a 33 with 3.73, but no idea how much different it would be with 3.42. I also had opened the air intake, catback exhaust, and tune to help me compensate.

[HARDTRAILZ]

What gearing do you have?

Its in his initial question.

[Trail X]

Ah-hah! Based on my experience, I wouldn't go over 32s on your 3.42 gearing.

You can, and many have, but your mileage will suffer on the highway because your torque converter will constantly be kicking out of lockup. As a result, you can also easily over heat your transmission.

This page helps I think: http://www.offroadtb.com/articles/tech- ... alculator/