2001.5 4x4, original tires were Michelins-LTX/AS 265/75R/16-Load Range E, bought new tires a couple or so years ago, so put on Michelin XC-LT4-LT 265/75R/16 MS,Load Range D,wanted a little softer ride,neve haul anything, so after 50K, the sidewalls on all 4 tires developed splits between 2 to 4 in. long on the angle every 3 or 4 in. apart all around the the tire sidewalls, you can litterly peel the rubber away from the cords or belts, whatever they are, anyway I come to find out that the tires are Load Range C,no wonder they split the rubber, but they did ride soft, could have been a major disaster.

 

I hate it when I have had 6ply that had side wall cracks and still plenty of tread, not worth it for safety. I have gone to 10 ply, hope the side walls last as long as the tread. I read that a person getting tires needs to check the side wall date of manufacture, the tires might be older then you think.

 

if you wanted a softer ride, don't put so much air in them....