29X11.5R15 All terrain tires

[Mando]

Do any of you know of any street-friendly All-Terrain tire about 29X11.5R15 or 29X12.5R15? I'm currently running on 31X10.5R15 BFG Trail T/As, but my truck has the 3.27:1 gears and it sees a lot pavement. (I'm looking for a tire with similar manners and wear). Any input from you will help.

Mando

 

[JJ]

I can't recommend a better tire for you, but I am interested in your current set up. I also have the 3.27 gears and I am thinking about 31 in tires. How much was pick up affected and was steering and everything OK?
I see you want a shorter and wider tire next time. That should look cool, but I don't want to spring for the rims too. Thanks.

 

[velcrofly]

tell you what though, it will look like you lowered it if you have same height but wider.

I did it with street tires when I had my Wrangler (I know completely different), and used 275 or 285x60x15's. It actually raised it about 1/2", but everybody else thought I lowered my Jeep because of the width. I definitely wood sling mud down the sides of it, even when I didn't want it too. And of course the handling, oooooooh it was better than my friends RX7 & 300z.

You know what they say... "Wider is Better"!!!!

------------------
92EB
Some days you get to be the Statue,
Some days you get to be the Pigeon!!

 

[Mando]

JJ:
My advice is: don't do it! I have the 5-speed manual and now acceleration is POOR. If you have the 3.27:1 gears and go for the 31s you will loose more than you will gain. Apart from that, steering and every thing else is fine. I mounted the 31's on 15X8 ARE chrome wheels and they only rub very little with the plastic inner fender at full steering lock (nothing to worry about, and you can avoid that using the stock 15X7 wheels). I feel the truck is now more stable (probably because of the wider track) but I also spread mud all over my truck easily. Now a question: What does "spring for the rims" means? (my primary language is Spanish, I'm Mexican)

Velcrofly:
I have also thought about switching to a street radial wider and little taller than my stock tires, but I'm concerned about the durability of those tires while off-road. Yes! I would like a little more stability and road grip, but I'm afraid of loosing my off-roading capabilities (I like to go on rocky mountain roads). That's why I'm looking for an All Terrain tire.
Do you think if radial tires will be strong enough for off-roading?

 

[GJarrett]

Hi Mando, that's colloquial slang speach.

spring for the rims = spend the money to get the rims

Gerald

[This message has been edited by GJarrett (edited 10-14-1999).]

 

[Mando]

Thanks Gerald!

 

[JJ]

Mando,

Just in case you are still looking for 29" tires, I found that M/T make some really nice ones. Try:
www.mickeythompsontires.com

and look at the BAJA Series. I just ordered some MTX in 30x9.5/15. They have an overall diameter that is only 1/2" larger than my stock, so it hopefully wont make a difference in performance. Good luck.

 

[Mando]

Hi JJ.

Those are nice tires, but I'm looking for someting wider than 10.5. Mickey Thompson makes the Baja Belted and Baja Belted HP 29X11.5R15, but I mostly do pavement and I'm concerned about wear (I want a tire that last for many-many miles).
I found that BFG makes the Sport Truck T/A HR4 (an LT tire!), which is rated M&S and is available in LT285/70R15/C. That tire has the following specs:

Rim width range: 7.5-9"
Overall diameter: 31.0"
Tread width: 8.8"
Section width: 11.5" (on a 8.5" wheel)
Static loaded radius: 12.6
Max load@psi: 2535@50

If it only had a 13" static loaded radius...

 

[velcrofly]

Hey Mando,

Call me stupid, but what is the static load radius?

------------------
92EB
Some days you get to be the Statue,
Some days you get to be the Pigeon!!

 

[Mando]

We are here to learn from each other, Velcrofly.

A tire has an overall diameter, and that diameter divided by two is the radius of the tire. When you mount that tire on a vehicle it is pressed by the vehicle weight and squats. The static loaded radius is the distance measured from the center of the wheel to the ground when the tire is squatted, and it's minor than the radius. That's the measurement you need to know the effective lift you will get with any tire, and it is usually given by each tire manufacturer.

 

[Trace]

The 3.27 gears will push a lot more tire than you think. I have 32x12.50 BFG Mud Terrain tires, using 3.27. I agree that the truck will not spin the tires, but it still has more acceleration than others. It is also capable of off-roading. It also cruises on the highway. When I mounted the tires, I intended to go to lower gearing shortly afterwards. That was 20,000 miles ago. Someday those gears will get changed, maybe with my next tire change.

 

[Mando]

Hey Trace, does your truck have auto or manual tranny? Mine has the 5-speed manual and with 31X10.5s it feels like it's pulling another truck. I don't want to tell you how it performs up hills!
Something good? Its cruise speed increased noticeable (once that speed is reached).

 

[Trace]

Automatic. I agree hills really suck.