Tire Questions

[mgmgmg]

I've been running 265/60/18 for the last 6 or 7 years. No problems with tire rubbing the plastic flares/trim. Even the installer commented that this size is what should have come from the factory. Very similar look as 255/70/16 on the 2nd gen 4x4.(and Rangers)

Can you post some pics of those 265/60/18 on your Explorer...................

 

[PotatoExplorer]

Well I did it guys! I actually picked up those Niche Milan wheels for $400. They look pretty clean and not bad for a $1,000+ set of wheels (new price).

So I have this second set of valve stem holes on these aftermarket wheels that are supposed to be for TPMS, but I thought these 4th gens use a metal strap/saddle type of TPMS? Are there any valve stem version that are compatible with my Explorer and do I need to specifically take it to Ford to get them programed or should any tire shop be able to do this?

I feel like I've learned more about wheels in the last week than I have in my entire life!!!!

 

[07EddyB]

They have two holes for valve stems?

From what I've read you can ditch the straps and use the valve stem senders. I can't point you to a specific item but it has been done - and not hard to find. Don't know about programming though. I would hope in this day and age that any tire shop would be able to do that though. It's not like TPMS is new.

 

[PotatoExplorer]

They have two holes for valve stems?

From what I've read you can ditch the straps and use the valve stem senders. I can't point you to a specific item but it has been done - and not hard to find. Don't know about programming though. I would hope in this day and age that any tire shop would be able to do that though. It's not like TPMS is new.

Yeah, I'm not entirely sure why (just from my continued research) but I think it has to do with ease of mounting with the TPMS, allows for tire purging if you are using nitrogen and also makes for air fill pressure reading more accurate/faster?

And I think you're right, this isn't brand new technology. I think I'm going to shop around and let the shop worry about finding me the correct TPMS when they go to mount/balance.

Now I just need to wait for a dang sale to take place. Maybe 4th of July sales? I'd love to get at least buy 3 get one free or something similar.

 

[Bill MacLeod]

Keep us advised how this turns out for you. Damn TPMS system. lol

 

[PotatoExplorer]

Will do and I'll post pictures once they are on.

I've shopped around online several times today. Is Michelin one of those brands that never goes on sale? I'd hate to wait longer just to pay the same price that I'd pay for right now

 

[Mbrooks420]

I think they come with rebates, or buy 3 get one free typically. Not sure if they are one of the price controlled tires, or not.

 

[gdgiordano]

Did you look at Yokohama’s?

 

[PotatoExplorer]

Did you look at Yokohama’s?

There were a few that I browsed over but there wasn't anything that stood out to me as far a tread pattern, ratings and price. Did you have any that I should specifically look at?

 

[gdgiordano]

There were a few that I browsed over but there wasn't anything that stood out to me as far a tread pattern, ratings and price. Did you have any that I should specifically look at?

No unfortunately. I don't remember what my last set was on my gen 2. Pricey tires but without question the best I ever owned.

 

[PotatoExplorer]

Ok, status update - apparently I missed a major sale at discounttiredirect.com... it was $70 instant savings (along with free shipping and no tax) on Michelin tires which would have brought those Defender LTX M/S down to around $718. Huge bummer, especially since I saw the sale on Friday and it ended on Saturday. Didn't take note on the expiration date of the sale and thought I could call around for install pricing on Monday.... whoops!

So now TireRack and a few other sites have $70 mail in rebates with the purchase price around $780something... so afterwards it's about even (tirerack is free shipping and no tax as well while others charge tax or shipping or both). I'd much rather have instant savings but I guess that ship has already sailed. I'm thinking I can take that $70 mail in rebate card and get an aftermarket grille or something

Anyways, I shopped around a few install places to get pricing and the one said they would charge a $60 minimum on 4 new TPMS but wasn't sure at that current time (I guess they would need to do some research) on what TPMS I would need and it could potentially be more expensive unless I provided my own.

Question - should I just purchase my own TPMS and supply them? I'm thinking at least I'd know exactly what brand they would be using and the reliability? Is there one that you guys recommend to use on our vehicles? Ones to stay away from?

 

[michael loibl]

I’ve never seen free shipping at Tire Rack.

 

[PotatoExplorer]

I’ve never seen free shipping at Tire Rack.

Yeah, I guess they normally don't but there's a few that do qualify for their current sale, which the Michelin Defender LTX M/S currently do. Luckily the Michelin sale lasts until 7/12 I believe... at least for the $70 mail in rebate... hopefully the free shipping does too.

On another note I did find these TPMS - Huf Intellisens - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda TPMS sensor set ZZC137140, 5WY76363, 6F2A1A176AE, 6F2Z1A189A, 6F2T1A150AA, 6F2T1A150AE, 7L1T1A150AA, 7L1Z1A189A, 28385, 28390, SE57635

I had no idea that these were going to add almost another $100. Holy crap this is adding up quick. With all said and done (wheels, tires, TPMS, labor, fees, etc...) I'll be around closer to $1,400 I think. Well, I need another beer.

 

[PotatoExplorer]

Update!

I went ahead and purchased the Michelin Defender LTX M/S last night on TireRack.com. DiscountTireDirect.com had a better "sale" but Tire Rack had a better package — $70 mail in rebate, free shipping, no sales tax and a free 2 year road hazard warranty for all tires. Should arrive at the installer tomorrow and will have to schedule a time for install. As for the TPMS' I ended up getting them off eBay instead of that link in my post above. Same exact price but had a definite ship/delivery date VS that website that could have taken who knows how long. I decided to take some BEFORE pictures for the hell of it:

I probably should have post edited these pictures... but meh.

 

[PotatoExplorer]

Finally done! Here's the after photos: