I have an auto with 3.73 rear end so unless I swap for a 4.10, I don't really want to step up to 265/70/17 or definitely not 285/70/17 or 315/70/17...

Is there such a thing as a load range D or E tire in a size around 245/70/17???

I'm not very brand picky but I want something that is more of an A/T like a BFG A/T, than a pure All Season.

 

Goodrich has a load range E in that size in their 'Rugged Trail' tire, and Michelin has their A/S tire in the same size and load range. Some of the customer comments on the Rugged Trail in just rain aren't very good, even though it's advertised as kind of an SUV A/T tire.

Currently my only disappointment with the truck is the lack of some sort of winter tire. I'd be happy with something like the Michelin commercial M&S, or even a siped set of Michelin A/T tires, but as far as 17in load range E tires go I seem to be stuck with the Michelin A/S. The primary advertised attribute of the A/S tire seems to be that it's quiet, which is arguably a poor design choice for a 4x4 diesel. I've siped my tires and they don't seem to break loose as easily in the lower gears or do the subtle slide in higher speed turns, and I'll probably also try to modify the tread block a bit to open it up.

 

What size and make of tires are on your trucks? My stock 265/70 17R BFG AT's Load Range E were great last winter, even thru 21" of snow.

I would think 245 17's would look silly on a 4x4, but thats me. I can't wait for these to wear out so I can put on some 315's. But may be another year or so at least.

 

Haha... 245's come on our little ST's... I have the Michelin LTX A/S also. and yes it does look a little silly but I don't think I want to go up in size unless I get a lower rear end R&P (I have 3.73).

 

I didn't mean silly - "silly". But these trucks need some bigger rubber to fill the wheel wells. Get the bigger tires (maybe not 315's; but 285's would be nice), your 3.73's won't breathe hard, and you won't even notice.

 

Yeah, once my BFGs are toast, i'm going to get the Interco TRXUS mud terrain tires in 33x12.5x17. I'll probably also get the Tuff Country front leveling kit.

 

I have the Michelin 245/70-17 A/S. The best description of small tires on trucks that I've run across was coined by a lady at one site; '****** wheels' or something similar :^) Still, even the 265/70-17 take-offs with a spare will run about $500 minimum, unmounted, which I won't spend for essentially cosmetics.

I'm more interested in traction on melted and refrozen snow and 'black' ice, which we seem to get once in awhile around here. Either studs or lots of siping seem to work best on ice, especially when it's just below freezing and quickly develops a water film with pressure.

 

My bridgestone duellers DM/Z2 265's just came in this week. They are supposed to be as good as studed tires. Wheels are hard to find. I wanted a set so I could put these snow tires on and take them off when I wanted. They are soft and I don't want to run them all winter on the curvy mountains roads I live on.
Finally found a set of the chrome clad on e-bay.

 

I'm planning on some 285s as soon as my 265s are shot. Maybe even sooner.......

 

i'll sell you my 245's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!