View Full Version : Extremely Sad Newbie Tire help.
OK. Time to really let the inexperience show. I'm trying to decide what to do about winter tires for my Jeep. Currently, I have 30x9.5x15 M&S on. Those on the ride may have noticed that the treads are getting a little low. Ideally, I'd like to get a set of Blizzaks or equivalent for winter and then come this spring time, start actually upgrading. The jeep is still under warranty and I may or may not have been sold on the lifetime limited warranty (read that as may only. Probably wasn't the brightest move ever but I specifically asked if I could put a lift/larger tires on the jeep and when the transmission or engine poops itself, would i be covered and was told yes, I would, provided I didn't go over a certain size and did a diagnostic at a jeep facility every 5 years).
SO, knowing that eventually (come spring time) I'd like to get no more than a 3" lift and 33" tires, I'd like to have a set of winter tires for driving around town that I can switch out for winter trail rides without looking like I have car tires on a lifted rig. (I would prefer not to groom the trails with my skip plate while everyone else happily bounces over the ruts, which was the case this weekend.)
Long story short: Should I get the winter tires or ride out this winteron these tires and just get one set of 33"s in the spring. Chances are very good that I will only have two winters left in Fairbanks this time around if career plan go accordingly (trying to switch to coast guard in two years). If you recommend getting the winters, how big can I go on that rim without looking like an idiot once I get the lift in?
boostlesstj
10-19-2009, 10:17 PM
Ron said his STT's do good in the winter here, i'm gonna be running mine throughout the winter. Ren has a set of wranglers that are 33's and studdable i think they are duratrac's. there are "cheap" lifts if you wanna get them being spring spacers. i've recently read about v8 zj front springs in the front with Crown victoria springs out back and you'd need to get a set of shocks and you should be ok. read it'll net you about a 3 inch lift. i think naturalbornmudder(nate) is ridding of the 2 in spacers which should get you enough to stuff 33's and seriously thing about a 1in body lift. if i were to go back and do it over i would get the spring spacers giving me time to think of how i want to set my rig up in the long run.
boostlesstj
10-19-2009, 10:21 PM
http://www.frozenaxles.com/showthread.php?t=853
here's a link to his stuff, would be worth looking into
Bulldog
10-19-2009, 10:47 PM
Get a good set of MT tires, sipe them (I only did the center tread section and left the outers alone), and run them year around. I was running siped Firestone Destination MT's on my Rubicon with no problems in the winter. The Firestones are a harder compound tire than the STTs, so the STTs would do better.
Follow up:
Is there any way to tell my rim width? I'm on the Cooper page and it says the STT 33X12.50R15LT has an approved Rim Width of 8.5 - 11. I'd love to be able to keep these rims and not pay for new ones. Of course, I'd love for everyone in the world to give me a dollar, but that is not likely either.
Ged will just have to hurry up and get his 35's so I can lowball him for his 33's before the tread is completely gone :)
boostlesstj
10-19-2009, 11:12 PM
i've got mine on a 7 in rim:toy::gun:, i you wanna run it on a stock rim though your gonna need spacers...
Further investigating leads me here:
I currently have General Grabber AT2s on aftermarket Eagle Alloy rims. The General website says the AT2s will go on a 6.5 - 8.5 rim. The Eagle website says that rim comes in 15x(7,8,10 or 12). So with spacers, I could use what I have and some 33's? That would work for me. Is there any issues with spacers?
The Bronze
10-20-2009, 09:23 AM
Your aftermarket rim should have the size identified on the inside. If you want to swing by my work, I can put the wheel caliper on it and tell you the size quick enough. Judging by my memory of your wheel tire combo and how it sat on a 9.50, I would say you have 7" rims.
Disco69
10-20-2009, 09:29 AM
Follow up:
Is there any way to tell my rim width? I'm on the Cooper page and it says the STT 33X12.50R15LT has an approved Rim Width of 8.5 - 11. I'd love to be able to keep these rims and not pay for new ones. Of course, I'd love for everyone in the world to give me a dollar, but that is not likely either.
Ged will just have to hurry up and get his 35's so I can lowball him for his 33's before the tread is completely gone :)
Lowball me....:neener_neener:
Cooper STTs FTW! Also, if you wanna try 33x12.5s I have some Spidertrax sitting in my garage that need a home. I had 33s on 15x8s with the spacers and they only rubbed on the control arm at full lock. Just throwing that out there.
boostlesstj
10-20-2009, 09:31 AM
where was everyone 2 weeks ago with these tires.... i'm gonna go play guitar in the dark now
I run STT's also, 2 winters now, run great.
Makes sense. Thanks for talking me out of having two sets of shoes. I'll start working toward making the STT's work. I have a buddy PCSing here in March from Germany but driving up from Oregon. If i can get by on these tires for the winter, then that would work out really well for me. Plus, that would give me some time to save up. I'll just have to make the rides stock-style for now. It worked well enough last weekend.
The Bronze
10-20-2009, 10:06 PM
I'll just have to make the rides stock-style for now. It worked well enough last weekend.
Winter isn't going to be stock-style friendly. We'll have to work on your set-up if we are going to get you on many of the trails this winter. Keep in mind though, a zuki always likes to winch a jeep (especially if it's Ron's). :D
boostlesstj
10-20-2009, 10:30 PM
well according to this past weekend he likes wenching you out
Unfortunately, money is going to be a pretty big obstacle. We had a really expensive PCS coming here and are still trying to recover. I can go into detail in person if you like at one of the get togethers. We'll figure it out.
The_Ronster
10-21-2009, 08:07 AM
maybe we can work something out...
Disco69
10-21-2009, 10:51 AM
I'll help you where I can.
Hopefully the only help I'll really need is your knowledge and maybe some of your quality used parts for purchase. I have to start somewhere. I'm definitely not looking to be king of the hill anytime soon.
The_Ronster
10-21-2009, 06:26 PM
I meant with the tires. I will probably be ready to upsize when you are ready for 33's which I am already own (Cooper STTs)
Sold. Just let me know when you are ready and how much. You rock!
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