BFG AT 31x10.5 on stock '95 XLT?

[johnnyt73]

I've been reading this forum (enough to be dangerous... heh heh) but need a little more info for my '95 XLT 153,000.

I currently have P235/75R15 that have been fantastic for 70,000 miles... but obviously I need to replace them now that I have a little more $$$ in the wallet. I'd like to fill out the wheel well a little more. BUT, no lift. The most aggressive I need is traction on dirt/muddy/snowy roads backwoods of Vermont. Price +/- a few bucks is fine -- whatever -- I just want the best tire for the job.

What I noticed on this board is (more or less):
Goodyear RT/S vs BFG Longtrail vs BFG AT KO

Local tire shop said P265 75 15 would work for the RT/S, but another one said it might not. They suggested a "fit test" by throwing one on the front and lowering from the lift to see how it does. (Kinda says to me that they've never tried it before?)

I've read lots of posts on here about those happy with the BFG AT KO 31x10.5x15, and that looks really good pricewise too... will they fit?

One other question: the difference looks to be only 1-2" more tire... will the handling change that much?

CHEERS

 

[Alec]

The handling will only get better with the larger BFGs, I really liked them.

However, I suggest you do a 1.5" suspension lift using a torsion twist up front and warrior shackles in back. This will only cost you $60 for the shackles and also for a new alignment. The tires will fit and work a lot better with the lift.

 

[johnnyt73]

ACTUALLY... the other thing is that my X has the left-side sag problem. Also, when I load up the back with stuff, the whole truck sags in the rear.

To fix that, I was considering the "add-a-leaf" to bring it level. I don't have any facility to do this myself, I was going to check into a local suspension place over the weekend. Is the torsion twist/shackle something that I could ask them to do?

If it'll help the tires fit better, then I'm up for it. I imagine it would make the most sense to get the suspension work done first, then the tires and alignment, eh?

 

[Alec]

I'd do lift, tires, then alignment.

If you have a jack, 2 jackstands, and some ratchets and wrenches you can do all of this work yourself and save a lot of money.

 

[SplashMan]

The Torsion Twist and shackles can be done in your drive way with a bottle jack, jack stands and a socket set. The shackles will help with your rear sag and the Torsion Twist will fix the left-side sag. You can always put in a set of add-a-leafs later if the rear still sags too much.
May I also suggest you take a look at the Bridgestone Dueler and/or Dueler Revo tires for replacements.

 

[diablo5969]

Originally posted by johnnyt73
I've read lots of posts on here about those happy with the BFG AT KO 31x10.5x15, and that looks really good pricewise too... will they fit?

I have them on a '94 XLT with no lift, and they fit. I'm also happy with them

 

[alphabets13]

i got my 31'' pirelli scorpion at's from tirerack and i love them. also, the fit is great. no rubbing at all and got rid of the fender gap, they really filled it in. good luck.

 

[johnnyt73]

Thanks all... I'm going to get the add-a-leaf first (need to straighten out this sag, and then the new tires. The local tire shop gave me a sweet deal on the BFG's so I think I'm going with them.

I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[donkey boy]

I had 31x10.5-15 BF Goodrich MTs on stock rims on my '97 Explorer without any lift and had no problems at all. Not the slightest rubbing, not even off-road.

 

[agoric875]

jonnyt...i have 31x10.5x15's wild country rvt's on my explorer, that i may be selling, i'll know by this saturday if i'd be selling them. they rub alittle on the aftermarket mud flaps. email me if you're interested.

agoric875@aol.com

 

[johnnyt73]

Hey, thanks for the offer, but I think I'm just going to stick with the BFGs. If I have problems, I'll let you know...

The local tire place gave me a great deal: no charge for mounting/balance, stems, environment fee... just the tires and alignment!

 

[swak6287]

i am in process of getting my 31's bfg too. just paid for it at sams. will be here this weekend. then, alignment is in order. cannot wait. hehehehehejavascript:smilie('')
cool

 

[swak6287]

i got it, i got it, i got it. and i love it. it hums a little but i love it. drives better. no more little jump going thru rough roads. nest stop, 2" body lifts.. provbably september.

 

[johnnyt73]

BFG 31x10.50x15!!!

I got them!!! I tried them up in Vermont over the weekend (no off-road, just typical Vermonter roads!) heh heh...

They are great, they fit fine, and completely fill-out the look. Not to mention they handle my fiance's dirt driveway much, much better than the balding tires on there before.

Will update periodically as I break them in...