Snow/Ice Tires '00 Explorer Sport on OE 16"s

[Y2K Explorer]

So I gotta question:

Recently picked up a Y2K Explorer Sport 4wd w/ OE 16" for winter duties-

But I'm looking at either go with 245/70R16 or 255/70R16 General Altimax Arctic tires

I found this post but it is closed now-

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=182068

Should mention its completely stock: OE everything except for the "cheapy" all-season tires....

............................................................................

For the price- they are only $2 price difference and foot print [tread-width] are 7.4" for the 245's & 7.5" for the 255's
Just 3 lb difference [32lbs vs 35lbs]
245's are 29.5" OD & 255's are 30.1" OD

 

[Y2K Explorer]

Ended up going with Firestone Winterforce UV 255/70R16 tires....

So far so good this winter....

But now I can't tell if the 4x4 engages using the selector switch & no dash light turns on...

 

[Y2K Explorer]

2 years later.... Time for new snow tires....This time....

255/70R16
Discoverer M+S

 

[Hacra]

Where you live, are you allowed to use studded tires? if yes, they offer far superior grip, specially if you have a lot of black ice or icy roads in general which doesn't get ploved or salted often.