Good tire replacement for the Willys

[Garemlin]

Loving the Willys. Not a big fan of the BFG KM2 mud tires. Looking for something different. Not looking to lift and don't want to go 35s. So I'm looking at either......

255/75-17 stock size
255/80-17 33x10
285/70-17 Rubicon size.

The BFG's are an LT tires as are every 255/80-17. They weigh in at 48-50lbs I depending on what site you look at. Would going with an A/T tire that is still LT give me a much better or just marginally better ride??

Also how much weight added to the tires will start to affect fuel economy??Yeah I know it's not an economy car. But with gas prices on the rise you can't blame me for not wanting to kill mileage any more than necessary. Jumping to the Rubi size tires.

One last question. Would a tire with a wider contact patch with the same weight as one more narrow affect fuel economy much? Say 10" vs 11".

Shopping for tires is so damn confusing at times because there are so many choices and ratings.

Any insight??

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[RCKLNDR]

Would going with an A/T tire that is still LT give me a much better or just marginally better ride??

what would you say the issue is with the ride in factory configuration? Are you thinking it’s harsh?

 

[Garemlin]

what would you say the issue is with the ride in factory configuration? Are you thinking it’s harsh?

Not so much harsh. Just droning. And I don't like how it fees like the tires are dragging when coming to a stop.

 

[aevgladitorrubi]

Loving the Willys. Not a big fan of the BFG KM2 mud tires. Looking for something different. Not looking to lift and don't want to go 35s. So I'm looking at either......

255/75-17 stock size
255/80-17 33x10
285/70-17 Rubicon size.

The BFG's are an LT tires as are every 255/80-17. They weigh in at 48-50lbs I depending on what site you look at. Would going with an A/T tire that is still LT give me a much better or just marginally better ride??

Also how much weight added to the tires will start to affect fuel economy??Yeah I know it's not an economy car. But with gas prices on the rise you can't blame me for not wanting to kill mileage any more than necessary. Jumping to the Rubi size tires.

One last question. Would a tire with a wider contact patch with the same weight as one more narrow affect fuel economy much? Say 10" vs 11".

Shopping for tires is so damn confusing at times because there are so many choices and ratings.

Any insight??

Goodyear Duratrac!!!

 

[Jaxmax]

Heavier or wider tires will be more drag, how much don’t know. I also consider the 255 80/17 for my Mojave ten pounds a tire lighter is a bit of weight!.....Jack

 

[Garemlin]

Goodyear Duratrac!!!

Do you have experience with these?? Are they more quiet than the KM2s? Ride any different?? I just checked locally and I can get a set of four 255/75-17 Duratrecs for $875 mounted and balanced. Plus a $75 rebate.

 

[Binfordtools]

I’m reading your post while sitting at Discount Tire getting Nitto Ridge Grapplers put on my Willys. I’ll let ya know how they are later.

 

[RCKLNDR]

Do you have experience with these?? Are they more quiet than the KM2s? Ride any different?? I just checked locally and I can get a set of four 255/75-17 Duratrecs for $875 mounted and balanced. Plus a $75 rebate.

They are quieter than KM2s. They are amazing in snow.

I ran a set on one of my JKs for ~5000 miles but yanked them when they didn’t meet my needs Offroad. More recently, I was running them in winter on steel wheels so my BLs and MTs could hibernate for winter.

it is a good all around tire and tends to be on the light side

 

[sdk131]

I would say that General Grabber ATx or BFG All Terrain KO2s are both excellent all terrain tires that are very quiet. I prefer a more aggressive/tough tire and both of those fit the bill while also being excellent on the road. No experience with the Duratracs mentioned above but I have always read great things.

 

[Garemlin]

I’m reading your post while sitting at Discount Tire getting Nitto Ridge Grapplers put on my Willys. I’ll let ya know how they are later.

Please do. I haven't committed to anything yet. You going with stock size?

 

[Garemlin]

They are quieter than KM2s. They are amazing in snow.

I ran a set on one of my JKs for ~5000 miles but yanked them when they didn’t meet my needs Offroad. More recently, I was running them in winter on steel wheels so my BLs and MTs could hibernate for winter.

it is a good all around tire and tends to be on the light side

How about wet traction. Reading some reviews on Tire Rack some say they aren't the greatest for wet traction.

And yes they are light. At 8lbs lighter each than the KM2s. Might give me a mile or two more a gallon. With fuel prices shooting up any little bit helps. LOL

 

[Binfordtools]

Please do. I haven't committed to anything yet. You going with stock size?

No, I got the 315/70 (close to a 35). I just added spacers and a 2” lift

 

[Garemlin]

No, I got the 315/70 (close to a 35). I just added spacers and a 2” lift

Ahh gotcha. I'm staying with stock size. Zero need or desire to lift or go wider. Yeah I'm in the minority of liking the Willys stance as it sits.

 

[Binfordtools]

Ahh gotcha. I'm staying with stock size. Zero need or desire to lift or go wider. Yeah I'm in the minority of liking the Willys stance as it sits.

Just got home. They seem quieter compared to the Firestone mud tire that came on it.

 

[RCKLNDR]

How about wet traction. Reading some reviews on Tire Rack some say they aren't the greatest for wet traction.

And yes they are light. At 8lbs lighter each than the KM2s. Might give me a mile or two more a gallon. With fuel prices shooting up any little bit helps. LOL

I personally thought they were great with wet traction. When you look at the contact patch, there is a ton of siping but that is coming from a MT person.

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