Heresy? road tires on a Rubicon? ETA- now a shock install

[gonemad]

I traded out of a 2017 F150 FX4 running Michelin LTX Defenders ( that I was very happy with), to get into a smaller truck. I settled on the JT because I didn’t like any of the other small truck offerings, or the turbo 4 cylinders in all but the Nissan.

I had a ‘24 Sport S with light truck tires and was very pleased with the road manners, (solid front axle wandering notwithstanding).

The ‘25 Rubicon I traded into not so much. It’s a longish story how I ended up in the Rubicon. I’m otherwise happy with this Glad. I’d just like to improve how it behaves on pavement, if possible.

My question, how much of an improvement in road manners could one expect with good road tires like the Michelins versus the Falken Wild Peak All Terrain tires that came on it. I realize the Rubi suspension is not the same as the Sport S and will also have an impact on road manners

Thanks in advance.

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[Bandit’s Lair]

Gas milage will probably improve somewhat. Might look a little funny on the road but it’s not a bad idea. I’ve considered it just to save cash and the trail tires for the trail. Just haven’t been able to bring myself to do it.

 

[ArcticDreadnought]

*Dreadnought Awakens*
Brother? Who said Heresy?!

Honestly, if it works, it works.

 

[WestwallNF104A]

I traded out of a 2017 F150 FX4 running Michelin LTX Defenders ( that I was very happy with), to get into a smaller truck. I settled on the JT because I didn’t like any of the other small truck offerings, or the turbo 4 cylinders in all but the Nissan.

I had a ‘24 Sport S with light truck tires and was very pleased with the road manners, (solid front axle wandering notwithstanding).

The ‘25 Rubicon I traded into not so much. It’s a longish story how I ended up in the Rubicon. I’m otherwise happy with this Glad. I’d just like to improve how it behaves on pavement, if possible.

My question, how much of an improvement in road manners could one expect with good road tires like the Michelins versus the Falken Wild Peak All Terrain tires that came on it. I realize the Rubi suspension is not the same as the Sport S and will also have an impact on road manners

Thanks in advance.

As has been said, your mileage will improve, road noise will decrease, but the biggest change I noticed was when I installed the Bilstein shocks. That was huge.

 

[gonemad]

As has been said, your mileage will improve, road noise will decrease, but the biggest change I noticed was when I installed the Bilstein shocks. That was huge.

Their level 2 shocks (base level I believe) list for half the price of those Michelin tires I referenced. I wonder if I’d be better served installing a set of the Bilsteins first.

ETA - The level 2 shocks also appear to be the only ones for a zero lift, which mine is, and I don’t plan to change that.

 

[DanJT]

Saw one just today that was lowered on 22's. Didn't look bad but not my cup of tea!

 

[Zachanadandy]

More caster (easy via the mopar longer control arms for cheap), better shocks, and 28 psi cold will do more for the ride than switching to LT tires and then you'll at least have a decent tire for dirt roads.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Aren’t those Falkens a pretty tame tread already? I could see making the swap from mud terrains, but wouldn’t expect much difference swapping from ATs.

 

[ArcticDreadnought]

At least here in Alaska, they've been great on icy/slushy roads and streets. On the backroads and up valleys, they have done really well.

I am absolutely planning to upgrade to Falken Wildpeaks again when I need new, bigger tires.

 

[gonemad]

Aren’t those Falkens a pretty tame tread already? I could see making the swap from mud terrains, but wouldn’t expect much difference swapping from ATs.

This is the Wild Peak A/T 285 70 17 that came on the Rubicon. I’ve been running 35PSI cold, and I think I’m going to air down to 30lbs before I do anything else.

And this is what came on the Sport S. I believe they were 245 70 17 all season. They were just basic light truck tires. I’m pretty sure I ran them at 35 cold which I think is the spec. But the ride between the Rubicon is somewhat like a dump truck compared to the Sport S which I found to be pretty agreeable.

 

[WestwallNF104A]

Their level 2 shocks (base level I believe) list for half the price of those Michelin tires I referenced. I wonder if I’d be better served installing a set of the Bilsteins first.

ETA - The level 2 shocks also appear to be the only ones for a zero lift, which mine is, and I don’t plan to change that.

I would suggest doing the shocks first. You will be very happy with the change regardless of if you change your tires.

 

[gonemad]

Aired down the tires. Definite improvement.

Read reviews on the Bilsteins. All good. Ordered a set. They’ll be here before the new exhaust I ordered on Friday night for my Road King arrives next week.

Internet, bourbon, and credit cards.
Keeping the aftermarket humming for years to come.

 

[agoldxj]

Aired down the tires. Definite improvement.

Read reviews on the Bilsteins. All good. Ordered a set. They’ll be here before the new exhaust I ordered on Friday night for my Road King arrives next week.

Internet, bourbon, and credit cards.
Keeping the aftermarket humming for years to come.

Nice! Grab a set of mopar extender Lcas, they’re under $100 and make a big improvement for only being a little bit longer. Worst part is getter them torqued down haha.

 

[Fishpilot]

My Sport S with Michelin Defenders M/S2 with XL load. 265/70R17. Could not be happier with this tire. Also comes 285/70R17 too, but the more robust LT load rated.

 

[BCB]

Hi All, What model number are the Bilstein shocks everyone is using? I have a 2023 Rubicon and would like to improve the ride. I have considered new tires but still have a bunch of tread on the Falcons. Actually, if I had known how rough the ride would be I would have gotten a Willys, but the Rubicon had every option I was looking for, especially the manual transmission. So, I've got a Rubicon, really like it, but would like a better ride. My off road excursions are pretty much pulling over on a gravel shoulder.

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