Posted by Truckee in Texas on Saturday, July 10, 2004 at 10:47AM :
In Reply to: Re: M-37 TIRE UPGRADE (or Downgrade)? posted by OTM mike in Idaho on Saturday, July 10, 2004 at 10:07AM :
OLD tire man gives some good info. I want to reinforce the 6.5 rim can safely handle the 11.00x16(38.7") Michelin XL radial tires. I have been running them under all conditions, severe offroad to highway use for nearly a decade. The larger tires are better all-around - allowing better highway speeds at lower RPMs, better clearance, and a better ride. There are better traction tires out there, such as a 38" Swamper, actually a 37" tire, the 11.00x16 or 38.7 Bogger, actually a 37.5 tire mounted. I presently have a set of XLs mounted, as well as the Swampers & Boggers. Also have a set of the Buckshot radials and Goodyear Extra Grips, both good tires. I had the 9.00x16 Grip Spurs on a W300, another viable choice.
I guess it depends what you are going to use them for and where you live. If its an offroad only truck and you live anywhere besides is a very rocky area, the Interco Bogger provides the greatest traction, its a mud tire but they grab anything loose in its path including people standing too close. Rocks eat the tires, not a moab tire. The Swamper bias ply is a great tire too, tough as heck too, good in all conditions including rock. The Swamper radials are junk in low air pressure as are any radial besides the Michelin XL and the Goodyear MTR (they make a 315/75/16 or 35"). I think the 11.00 x16 Michelin XL is the best overall. ALthough Michelin rates the speed at 60mph, I have run it faster over extended periods of time. Granted it is on a modified vehicle that has upgraded components. I am sure OLD tire man will try and clip me about the speed and size and even consider a "supposedly upgraded" truck a downgrade, but that is okay. I know about the inherit legal aspects. I know about heat and rotating weight. Better axles, better brakes, better tires are a good thing in my opinion. I hope this helps. Oh yeah, you can go bigger than the 38.7, but not without going wider, which even in this "would be crazy man's" opinion would be somewhat foolish without custom rims.
T n T