I was getting conflicting information from newsgroups, Ford, and other
Explorer owners, so I contacted Michelin this week (10/27/99). My question to them was:
for my 1997 XLT AWD V8 model Explorer with stock Firestones, are the Michelin
LTX M/S tires ok? Michelin called me back very quickly and indicated that the
Michelin LTX M/S tires are NOT recommended for the Ford Explorer for stability
reasons on-road and off-road. To clarify the statement, I asked him if this
was true for highway & pavement driving. His answer, yes. I forgot to ask if
this applied only to the late model Explorers, because Michelin may be NOT
recommending the LTX M/S tires for my year Explorer(1997) & those like it.
I've seen older model Explorers around here with the LTX M/S, but I have yet to
see any newer Explorers with them on (just an observation).
I asked Michelin what they DO recommend for my Explorer. His reply:
Michelin LTX A/T, all terrain tires. I asked, for highway also? Answer, YES.
I see that the LTX A/T are available in P235/75R15 108S XL. I may look at
these, instead of the LT235/75R15; the "P" will probably provide a nicer
highway ride.
-KBC in Boston Area
