My Exp still has Firestones!!! What should I get to replace them?

[TRAXX]

Well I just picked up my Explorer! It’s a 96 V8 Black/Grey leather. My question is what do you all recommend for tires? It STILL has the Firestones on it and upon calling a dealer, they said I could have them replaced.

I don’t do a lot of off roading, but will tow some and am really looking for a tire with not a lot of road noise. There are so many choices out there and I have seen many different brands on explorer since the recall. What would you all suggest?

Thanks,
Trevor

 

[rustytr]

I like Goodyear ats, also BFG A/T KO's are also very popular here.

 

[Jason_25]

Go with the Michelin LTX M/S. Decent for light off-roading, and they wear well. I've heard nothing but good things about them.

 

[JDraper]

The BFG ko's are great, but if you only do dirt roads for offroading, I'd go with the Michelin's. The BFG's do have a little road whine.

 

[TRAXX]

What about Goodyear Wranglers? the local Ford dealership says thats all they have in stock, and would have to order anything else.

 

[Jason_25]

You're better off waiting on a decent set of tires. JUst drive slow and keep your tire pressure within specs and the firestones will be ok.

 

[ryster]

I have had the Goodyear Wrangler RT/S tires on my '00 Explorer since the day I bought the truck new.

They are very quiet on the highway and perform wonderfully in snow and rain.

The wear has been outstanding. After 17,000 miles they still look almost new.

 

[Scott109]

Trevor,

Cooper Discoverer AT's. I've found them to have good traction, a quiet ride, and long wear.

Scott

 

[Mike 92 XLT]

I'd also recommend the Michelin LTX M/S tires for your application. Mine still look brand new after 28,000 miles and Michigan's rutted, potholed roads.

peace

Mike

 

[diablo5969]

I got Michelin XC LT4's on my Ex. They're good on road, but have only had very minimal and very light off road experience so I can't say anything about that.

 

[X24]

Anyone have the Michelin 4X4 Alpines? Do you like them? I wanted to get the Michelin 4X4 XPC but after finding out that they were $240 each I decided to go with something else. I can pick up the Alpines for $104 each on tirerack.com. If anyone has a set of 255/65/16's that they really like let me know what they are and I'll check 'em out. Thanks

 

[Dave W.]

I changed my firestones in May, for the Michelin LTX/MS.They are a better tire than those firerocks.
I was gonna wait till the firerocks wore out, but picked up screw in the tread so it had a leak. While I was reinflating the tire to drive it to local place to get it fixed, 2 inches below where the screw penetrated the tire was starting to split! So I said forget these, and got the Michelins. The Firerocks had 26,000 miles on them. The Michelins seem to handle the corners better.

 

[TRAXX]

Well after calling around, it seems like you can only get them swapped out at a Ford dealer. The mass recall ended in November and included places like Discount Tire and NTB helping out do deal with the immense volume of people/explorers. Most of the Ford dealerships said they either have the Goodyear Wrangler RTS or the MichelinLTX/MS but most of them don’t have the Michelins in stock. I did find one place and have an “appointment” to bring it in today. Thanks for all the replys!

 

[bucky1]

Don't make the same mistake as me! Get the biggest tire you can fit in it now. I took the Wranglers from the dealer because there were no tires to be found anywhere in the stock size. Now I'm stuck until I wear them out or find a pile of money. If you have any thoughts of filling up the wheelwells, do it now!

 

[Tom G]

I called all my local Ford dealers, none had Michelins, or wanted to order them. I called Ford's 800 # and asked for help, they referred me to Michelin's 800 #. I asked them for tire dealers that were "participating" in the recall. After calling several of them, I found one that had the LTX M/S I wanted. It took a few calls, but I'm happy now.

 

[IgotTwo]

You may not have the opportunity to be too picky about what you get. I understand, as of Dec 15??, Ford is no longer reimbursing tire vouchers. All swap outs are being done at dealers now.

Dealer did my 94 last week...... Michelin LTX/MS....painless process.... I'm happy so far.

 

[TRAXX]

I think what Igotwo said is right. I asked if I could get it done at another place and they said the deadline for tire vouchers is over. Therefore you have to go with what they prescribe for the recall. Otherwise I would have probably gone with something a little more meaty. I am not complaining at all though…..after all, I will have five (including the spare) brand new tires for free. Cant beat that.

 

[Spud3159]

Guy i bought the 93 x from had the stones replaced with cooper discovery at's. They have about 15,000 on them and seem to be wearing great!

 

[TRAXX]

Well it's done. Got the Michelin LTX/MTs on it. They also replaced the swaybar end links which he said was also recalled. If I get a chance, I will take a pic of the car so you all can see my new ride

 

[TPLYNCH]

Congrats. I'm sure you'll be happy with the Michelins. I have been!