Tire options

[Explorer_Dan]

New to the forum, just bought a 2008 Ford Explorer EB 4.0 4wd with 9500 (yes 9500) miles on it for $11,500 in October. Tires wore down quick because they are the originals and the rubber is wearing quicker than usual. Looking to go to 255/70r17 and possibly general grabber at2 or bfgoodrich rugged terrains. Any suggestions for a decent a/t tire? Also, does Anyone know on average how much a recalibration from the dealer costs for the new size? Really not looking to regear right now.

 

[karlos2]

Based on what I heard, they are almost the same when it comes to road performance and the price difference is not that huge. Checking the noise ratings and weight of those tires can help in your decision. I also recommend Duratracs and Trail Grapplers. These off road tires look like a hybrid of AT and MT.

 

[NickSantagataa]

Don't go to a dealer... Find your local mechanic will be at least x3 cheaper

 

[MotorCityFats13]

wow really 9500.... that is like the guy with an 87 GNX with 15,000.... dont know if I would be happy about the low mileage or be scared off from it not getting ran enough to keep the engine oiled up and clean... do you know if the owner started it up on a regular basis "couple time a week "

 

[Explorer_Dan]

wow really 9500.... that is like the guy with an 87 GNX with 15,000.... dont know if I would be happy about the low mileage or be scared off from it not getting ran enough to keep the engine oiled up and clean... do you know if the owner started it up on a regular basis "couple time a week "

It was owned by my grandmother prior to me owning it. She drove it every week, but only short distances. I wouldn't have bought it if I didn't know who owned it or why it had so few miles on it.

 

[NickSantagataa]

I have 265/70/16 gas has dropped real bad I had 235/65/16 had 16.5 mpg now I'm at 11.5 beware ����

 

[SoCal2V]

Been really happy with my Nitto Terra Grappler's, 265/75-17 on my '08. I did lose about 1.5 mpg swapping from the factory size 235/65-16's though. Shouldn't need to recalibrate the speedo, mine reads about 3 mph slower than before.

 

[chicho]

We've installed several sets of the new BFG KO2's on customer vehicles lately. Everyone has been pleased with the ride and traction. Very quiet. Not enough miles on any of them to see how they wear.

 

[ratfink33]

I just had some 265/70/17 bfg ko2's on my 08. I have a leveling kit for the lift, and upper control arms on the way. So far I love the things in Chicago area, especially when I travel back to Detroit periodically.

 

[Explorer_Dan]

So I've come to a conclusion. Since I won't be lifting the explorer any time soon,I think I'm going with general grabber at2 255/70r17. Seems like this size has less chance of rubbing.

 

[ZDaddy624]

rubbing

Been really happy with my Nitto Terra Grappler's, 265/75-17 on my '08. I did lose about 1.5 mpg swapping from the factory size 235/65-16's though. Shouldn't need to recalibrate the speedo, mine reads about 3 mph slower than before.

I was wondering with no lift or leveling kit do you get any rubbing with the bigger tires on the explorer?

 

[SoCal2V]

I was wondering with no lift or leveling kit do you get any rubbing with the bigger tires on the explorer?

Only time it rubs is in Reverse, wheel turned full-lock to the left. Front passenger tire rubs slightly somewhere on the inner fender splash sheild.

Keep in mind that I have these tires mounted on the stock 17x8 "Bullitt" wheels from my '01 Mustang, so I'm not positive if the rubbing is due solely to the tires or is a result of the offset/backspacing measurements of the wheel.