Re: New, Bigger Tires
 

You didn't mention offroad once, stick with street sized Michelins,
they're made by the same manufacturer that make BF Goodrich.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Tomes wrote:
>
> Hi folks,
> I have finally worn out the original baby tires on my '02 TJ and it is time
> to move to bigger tires. I would like to run my reasonings by you with a
> couple of questions if I may. Thanks.
>
> I know the general consensus of the group is that the BFG AT KO is a real
> good bet and that is one of my choices. I can get BFG All Terrain T/A KO at
> BJ's club for US$122.99. With a coupon that runs through this Friday I can
> also get Michelin X Radial LT there for 125.49. My driving is almost all on
> the road, often at high speeds and in slippery conditions (wet can get slick
> on my local roads - I drive extra carefully when wet as I have lost is a
> couple of times when I did not expect it to on my original Wrangler RTS
> tires I have on now - a feeling I would like to get away from). I do,
> however, have a tendency to make a quick left turn when I see that
> occasional trail and like to have that muddy look and the fun that makes it
> so. I know I don't need mud tires though, not even close. I seem to be
> choosing between these two tires as the price is surprisingly the same for
> me. There are also Dunlop somethings available cheaper, but I have had bad
> experiences with Dunlops so they are not on my radar.
>
> Now, I have compared the various ratings for performance attributes as
> follows, with the BFG number first and the Michelin number second:
> Treadwear 6 - 9
> Wet 7 - 7
> Quiet 7 - 8
> Handling 6 - 7
> Winter 9 - 8
> Mud 9 - 7
>
> It looks to me that with the Michelin I would have a longer lasting quieter
> better handling ride at the expense of snow and mud performance. The
> Michelin tread is more 'road', less knobby than the BFG. For what I
> normally do it seems to be my choice here. My question is: what are the
> holes in my thought process, what am I missing? Feel free to fire away,
> thanks.
>
> Second question: I am going from my baby size 215/75/15 to 31/10.5/15 on
> the stock rims. I just want to do this because I can. I know about the
> gear thingy to make the speedometer and plan to do that (thanks to the link
> from Jerry). No problem there. What I want to ask is about the spare tire.
> Do I need to buy a fifth tire or can I get away with keeping my small one,
> considering it to be like one of those space saver tires that normal cars
> have? If I ever need to use it, will it be a problem in normal 2WD until I
> get the blown one fixed?
>
> Another perceived observation: since the Michelins are less knobby, I
> imagine that I might have less problem with the turning radius issue and
> might not need to add that washer on the steering stops. Might this be so?
> I am prepared to add the washer, just curious.
>
> If there is anything else I ought to be considering, please let me know
> about that too, thanks.
> Best regards, folks,
> Tomes
> '02 TJ Sport
> Former owner of an '87 YJ being _totally_ rebuilt by a friend.

Re: New, Bigger Tires
 

You didn't mention offroad once, stick with street sized Michelins,
they're made by the same manufacturer that make BF Goodrich.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Tomes wrote:
>
> Hi folks,
> I have finally worn out the original baby tires on my '02 TJ and it is time
> to move to bigger tires. I would like to run my reasonings by you with a
> couple of questions if I may. Thanks.
>
> I know the general consensus of the group is that the BFG AT KO is a real
> good bet and that is one of my choices. I can get BFG All Terrain T/A KO at
> BJ's club for US$122.99. With a coupon that runs through this Friday I can
> also get Michelin X Radial LT there for 125.49. My driving is almost all on
> the road, often at high speeds and in slippery conditions (wet can get slick
> on my local roads - I drive extra carefully when wet as I have lost is a
> couple of times when I did not expect it to on my original Wrangler RTS
> tires I have on now - a feeling I would like to get away from). I do,
> however, have a tendency to make a quick left turn when I see that
> occasional trail and like to have that muddy look and the fun that makes it
> so. I know I don't need mud tires though, not even close. I seem to be
> choosing between these two tires as the price is surprisingly the same for
> me. There are also Dunlop somethings available cheaper, but I have had bad
> experiences with Dunlops so they are not on my radar.
>
> Now, I have compared the various ratings for performance attributes as
> follows, with the BFG number first and the Michelin number second:
> Treadwear 6 - 9
> Wet 7 - 7
> Quiet 7 - 8
> Handling 6 - 7
> Winter 9 - 8
> Mud 9 - 7
>
> It looks to me that with the Michelin I would have a longer lasting quieter
> better handling ride at the expense of snow and mud performance. The
> Michelin tread is more 'road', less knobby than the BFG. For what I
> normally do it seems to be my choice here. My question is: what are the
> holes in my thought process, what am I missing? Feel free to fire away,
> thanks.
>
> Second question: I am going from my baby size 215/75/15 to 31/10.5/15 on
> the stock rims. I just want to do this because I can. I know about the
> gear thingy to make the speedometer and plan to do that (thanks to the link
> from Jerry). No problem there. What I want to ask is about the spare tire.
> Do I need to buy a fifth tire or can I get away with keeping my small one,
> considering it to be like one of those space saver tires that normal cars
> have? If I ever need to use it, will it be a problem in normal 2WD until I
> get the blown one fixed?
>
> Another perceived observation: since the Michelins are less knobby, I
> imagine that I might have less problem with the turning radius issue and
> might not need to add that washer on the steering stops. Might this be so?
> I am prepared to add the washer, just curious.
>
> If there is anything else I ought to be considering, please let me know
> about that too, thanks.
> Best regards, folks,
> Tomes
> '02 TJ Sport
> Former owner of an '87 YJ being _totally_ rebuilt by a friend.

Re: New, Bigger Tires
 

You didn't mention offroad once, stick with street sized Michelins,
they're made by the same manufacturer that make BF Goodrich.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Tomes wrote:
>
> Hi folks,
> I have finally worn out the original baby tires on my '02 TJ and it is time
> to move to bigger tires. I would like to run my reasonings by you with a
> couple of questions if I may. Thanks.
>
> I know the general consensus of the group is that the BFG AT KO is a real
> good bet and that is one of my choices. I can get BFG All Terrain T/A KO at
> BJ's club for US$122.99. With a coupon that runs through this Friday I can
> also get Michelin X Radial LT there for 125.49. My driving is almost all on
> the road, often at high speeds and in slippery conditions (wet can get slick
> on my local roads - I drive extra carefully when wet as I have lost is a
> couple of times when I did not expect it to on my original Wrangler RTS
> tires I have on now - a feeling I would like to get away from). I do,
> however, have a tendency to make a quick left turn when I see that
> occasional trail and like to have that muddy look and the fun that makes it
> so. I know I don't need mud tires though, not even close. I seem to be
> choosing between these two tires as the price is surprisingly the same for
> me. There are also Dunlop somethings available cheaper, but I have had bad
> experiences with Dunlops so they are not on my radar.
>
> Now, I have compared the various ratings for performance attributes as
> follows, with the BFG number first and the Michelin number second:
> Treadwear 6 - 9
> Wet 7 - 7
> Quiet 7 - 8
> Handling 6 - 7
> Winter 9 - 8
> Mud 9 - 7
>
> It looks to me that with the Michelin I would have a longer lasting quieter
> better handling ride at the expense of snow and mud performance. The
> Michelin tread is more 'road', less knobby than the BFG. For what I
> normally do it seems to be my choice here. My question is: what are the
> holes in my thought process, what am I missing? Feel free to fire away,
> thanks.
>
> Second question: I am going from my baby size 215/75/15 to 31/10.5/15 on
> the stock rims. I just want to do this because I can. I know about the
> gear thingy to make the speedometer and plan to do that (thanks to the link
> from Jerry). No problem there. What I want to ask is about the spare tire.
> Do I need to buy a fifth tire or can I get away with keeping my small one,
> considering it to be like one of those space saver tires that normal cars
> have? If I ever need to use it, will it be a problem in normal 2WD until I
> get the blown one fixed?
>
> Another perceived observation: since the Michelins are less knobby, I
> imagine that I might have less problem with the turning radius issue and
> might not need to add that washer on the steering stops. Might this be so?
> I am prepared to add the washer, just curious.
>
> If there is anything else I ought to be considering, please let me know
> about that too, thanks.
> Best regards, folks,
> Tomes
> '02 TJ Sport
> Former owner of an '87 YJ being _totally_ rebuilt by a friend.

New, Bigger Tires
 

Hi folks,
I have finally worn out the original baby tires on my '02 TJ and it is time
to move to bigger tires. I would like to run my reasonings by you with a
couple of questions if I may. Thanks.

I know the general consensus of the group is that the BFG AT KO is a real
good bet and that is one of my choices. I can get BFG All Terrain T/A KO at
BJ's club for US$122.99. With a coupon that runs through this Friday I can
also get Michelin X Radial LT there for 125.49. My driving is almost all on
the road, often at high speeds and in slippery conditions (wet can get slick
on my local roads - I drive extra carefully when wet as I have lost is a
couple of times when I did not expect it to on my original Wrangler RTS
tires I have on now - a feeling I would like to get away from). I do,
however, have a tendency to make a quick left turn when I see that
occasional trail and like to have that muddy look and the fun that makes it
so. I know I don't need mud tires though, not even close. I seem to be
choosing between these two tires as the price is surprisingly the same for
me. There are also Dunlop somethings available cheaper, but I have had bad
experiences with Dunlops so they are not on my radar.

Now, I have compared the various ratings for performance attributes as
follows, with the BFG number first and the Michelin number second:
Treadwear 6 - 9
Wet 7 - 7
Quiet 7 - 8
Handling 6 - 7
Winter 9 - 8
Mud 9 - 7

It looks to me that with the Michelin I would have a longer lasting quieter
better handling ride at the expense of snow and mud performance. The
Michelin tread is more 'road', less knobby than the BFG. For what I
normally do it seems to be my choice here. My question is: what are the
holes in my thought process, what am I missing? Feel free to fire away,
thanks.

Second question: I am going from my baby size 215/75/15 to 31/10.5/15 on
the stock rims. I just want to do this because I can. I know about the
gear thingy to make the speedometer and plan to do that (thanks to the link
from Jerry). No problem there. What I want to ask is about the spare tire.
Do I need to buy a fifth tire or can I get away with keeping my small one,
considering it to be like one of those space saver tires that normal cars
have? If I ever need to use it, will it be a problem in normal 2WD until I
get the blown one fixed?

Another perceived observation: since the Michelins are less knobby, I
imagine that I might have less problem with the turning radius issue and
might not need to add that washer on the steering stops. Might this be so?
I am prepared to add the washer, just curious.

If there is anything else I ought to be considering, please let me know
about that too, thanks.
Best regards, folks,
Tomes
'02 TJ Sport
Former owner of an '87 YJ being _totally_ rebuilt by a friend.

Re: New, Bigger Tires
 

I have 31 x 10.5 x 15 BFG AT's on my '02 TJ. You may have to add a washer or
two to the steering stops, but I didn't need to. I have absolutely no
rubbing, even at full lock turns while flexing the suspension.

As far as the spare goes, you really need to have a spare that is the same
diameter as the other four tires. Either buy five new tires, or buy four new
tires and try to find a used spare that is the same diameter. If you buy
five new tires and do a five tire rotation every 5000 miles, you'll get 25%
more mileage out of the tires.

Tom

"Tomes" <XXtomanml@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:g1gub.7371$Wy4.2250@newsread2.news.atl.earthl ink.net...
> Hi folks,
> I have finally worn out the original baby tires on my '02 TJ and it is
time
> to move to bigger tires. I would like to run my reasonings by you with a
> couple of questions if I may. Thanks.
>
> I know the general consensus of the group is that the BFG AT KO is a real
> good bet and that is one of my choices. I can get BFG All Terrain T/A KO
at
> BJ's club for US$122.99. With a coupon that runs through this Friday I
can
> also get Michelin X Radial LT there for 125.49. My driving is almost all
on
> the road, often at high speeds and in slippery conditions (wet can get
slick
> on my local roads - I drive extra carefully when wet as I have lost is a
> couple of times when I did not expect it to on my original Wrangler RTS
> tires I have on now - a feeling I would like to get away from). I do,
> however, have a tendency to make a quick left turn when I see that
> occasional trail and like to have that muddy look and the fun that makes
it
> so. I know I don't need mud tires though, not even close. I seem to be
> choosing between these two tires as the price is surprisingly the same for
> me. There are also Dunlop somethings available cheaper, but I have had
bad
> experiences with Dunlops so they are not on my radar.
>
> Now, I have compared the various ratings for performance attributes as
> follows, with the BFG number first and the Michelin number second:
> Treadwear 6 - 9
> Wet 7 - 7
> Quiet 7 - 8
> Handling 6 - 7
> Winter 9 - 8
> Mud 9 - 7
>
> It looks to me that with the Michelin I would have a longer lasting
quieter
> better handling ride at the expense of snow and mud performance. The
> Michelin tread is more 'road', less knobby than the BFG. For what I
> normally do it seems to be my choice here. My question is: what are the
> holes in my thought process, what am I missing? Feel free to fire away,
> thanks.
>
> Second question: I am going from my baby size 215/75/15 to 31/10.5/15 on
> the stock rims. I just want to do this because I can. I know about the
> gear thingy to make the speedometer and plan to do that (thanks to the
link
> from Jerry). No problem there. What I want to ask is about the spare
tire.
> Do I need to buy a fifth tire or can I get away with keeping my small one,
> considering it to be like one of those space saver tires that normal cars
> have? If I ever need to use it, will it be a problem in normal 2WD until
I
> get the blown one fixed?
>
> Another perceived observation: since the Michelins are less knobby, I
> imagine that I might have less problem with the turning radius issue and
> might not need to add that washer on the steering stops. Might this be
so?
> I am prepared to add the washer, just curious.
>
> If there is anything else I ought to be considering, please let me know
> about that too, thanks.
> Best regards, folks,
> Tomes
> '02 TJ Sport
> Former owner of an '87 YJ being _totally_ rebuilt by a friend.
>
>
>
>

Re: New, Bigger Tires
 

I have 31 x 10.5 x 15 BFG AT's on my '02 TJ. You may have to add a washer or
two to the steering stops, but I didn't need to. I have absolutely no
rubbing, even at full lock turns while flexing the suspension.

As far as the spare goes, you really need to have a spare that is the same
diameter as the other four tires. Either buy five new tires, or buy four new
tires and try to find a used spare that is the same diameter. If you buy
five new tires and do a five tire rotation every 5000 miles, you'll get 25%
more mileage out of the tires.

Tom

"Tomes" <XXtomanml@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:g1gub.7371$Wy4.2250@newsread2.news.atl.earthl ink.net...
> Hi folks,
> I have finally worn out the original baby tires on my '02 TJ and it is
time
> to move to bigger tires. I would like to run my reasonings by you with a
> couple of questions if I may. Thanks.
>
> I know the general consensus of the group is that the BFG AT KO is a real
> good bet and that is one of my choices. I can get BFG All Terrain T/A KO
at
> BJ's club for US$122.99. With a coupon that runs through this Friday I
can
> also get Michelin X Radial LT there for 125.49. My driving is almost all
on
> the road, often at high speeds and in slippery conditions (wet can get
slick
> on my local roads - I drive extra carefully when wet as I have lost is a
> couple of times when I did not expect it to on my original Wrangler RTS
> tires I have on now - a feeling I would like to get away from). I do,
> however, have a tendency to make a quick left turn when I see that
> occasional trail and like to have that muddy look and the fun that makes
it
> so. I know I don't need mud tires though, not even close. I seem to be
> choosing between these two tires as the price is surprisingly the same for
> me. There are also Dunlop somethings available cheaper, but I have had
bad
> experiences with Dunlops so they are not on my radar.
>
> Now, I have compared the various ratings for performance attributes as
> follows, with the BFG number first and the Michelin number second:
> Treadwear 6 - 9
> Wet 7 - 7
> Quiet 7 - 8
> Handling 6 - 7
> Winter 9 - 8
> Mud 9 - 7
>
> It looks to me that with the Michelin I would have a longer lasting
quieter
> better handling ride at the expense of snow and mud performance. The
> Michelin tread is more 'road', less knobby than the BFG. For what I
> normally do it seems to be my choice here. My question is: what are the
> holes in my thought process, what am I missing? Feel free to fire away,
> thanks.
>
> Second question: I am going from my baby size 215/75/15 to 31/10.5/15 on
> the stock rims. I just want to do this because I can. I know about the
> gear thingy to make the speedometer and plan to do that (thanks to the
link
> from Jerry). No problem there. What I want to ask is about the spare
tire.
> Do I need to buy a fifth tire or can I get away with keeping my small one,
> considering it to be like one of those space saver tires that normal cars
> have? If I ever need to use it, will it be a problem in normal 2WD until
I
> get the blown one fixed?
>
> Another perceived observation: since the Michelins are less knobby, I
> imagine that I might have less problem with the turning radius issue and
> might not need to add that washer on the steering stops. Might this be
so?
> I am prepared to add the washer, just curious.
>
> If there is anything else I ought to be considering, please let me know
> about that too, thanks.
> Best regards, folks,
> Tomes
> '02 TJ Sport
> Former owner of an '87 YJ being _totally_ rebuilt by a friend.
>
>
>
>

Re: New, Bigger Tires
 

I have 31 x 10.5 x 15 BFG AT's on my '02 TJ. You may have to add a washer or
two to the steering stops, but I didn't need to. I have absolutely no
rubbing, even at full lock turns while flexing the suspension.

As far as the spare goes, you really need to have a spare that is the same
diameter as the other four tires. Either buy five new tires, or buy four new
tires and try to find a used spare that is the same diameter. If you buy
five new tires and do a five tire rotation every 5000 miles, you'll get 25%
more mileage out of the tires.

Tom

"Tomes" <XXtomanml@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:g1gub.7371$Wy4.2250@newsread2.news.atl.earthl ink.net...
> Hi folks,
> I have finally worn out the original baby tires on my '02 TJ and it is
time
> to move to bigger tires. I would like to run my reasonings by you with a
> couple of questions if I may. Thanks.
>
> I know the general consensus of the group is that the BFG AT KO is a real
> good bet and that is one of my choices. I can get BFG All Terrain T/A KO
at
> BJ's club for US$122.99. With a coupon that runs through this Friday I
can
> also get Michelin X Radial LT there for 125.49. My driving is almost all
on
> the road, often at high speeds and in slippery conditions (wet can get
slick
> on my local roads - I drive extra carefully when wet as I have lost is a
> couple of times when I did not expect it to on my original Wrangler RTS
> tires I have on now - a feeling I would like to get away from). I do,
> however, have a tendency to make a quick left turn when I see that
> occasional trail and like to have that muddy look and the fun that makes
it
> so. I know I don't need mud tires though, not even close. I seem to be
> choosing between these two tires as the price is surprisingly the same for
> me. There are also Dunlop somethings available cheaper, but I have had
bad
> experiences with Dunlops so they are not on my radar.
>
> Now, I have compared the various ratings for performance attributes as
> follows, with the BFG number first and the Michelin number second:
> Treadwear 6 - 9
> Wet 7 - 7
> Quiet 7 - 8
> Handling 6 - 7
> Winter 9 - 8
> Mud 9 - 7
>
> It looks to me that with the Michelin I would have a longer lasting
quieter
> better handling ride at the expense of snow and mud performance. The
> Michelin tread is more 'road', less knobby than the BFG. For what I
> normally do it seems to be my choice here. My question is: what are the
> holes in my thought process, what am I missing? Feel free to fire away,
> thanks.
>
> Second question: I am going from my baby size 215/75/15 to 31/10.5/15 on
> the stock rims. I just want to do this because I can. I know about the
> gear thingy to make the speedometer and plan to do that (thanks to the
link
> from Jerry). No problem there. What I want to ask is about the spare
tire.
> Do I need to buy a fifth tire or can I get away with keeping my small one,
> considering it to be like one of those space saver tires that normal cars
> have? If I ever need to use it, will it be a problem in normal 2WD until
I
> get the blown one fixed?
>
> Another perceived observation: since the Michelins are less knobby, I
> imagine that I might have less problem with the turning radius issue and
> might not need to add that washer on the steering stops. Might this be
so?
> I am prepared to add the washer, just curious.
>
> If there is anything else I ought to be considering, please let me know
> about that too, thanks.
> Best regards, folks,
> Tomes
> '02 TJ Sport
> Former owner of an '87 YJ being _totally_ rebuilt by a friend.
>
>
>
>

Re: New, Bigger Tires
 

Approximately 11/17/03 19:06, Tomes uttered for posterity:

> I know the general consensus of the group is that the BFG AT KO is a real
> good bet and that is one of my choices. I can get BFG All Terrain T/A KO at
> BJ's club for US$122.99. With a coupon that runs through this Friday I can
> also get Michelin X Radial LT there for 125.49.

There are 3 models in the Michelin LT X series. All three offer
the standard Michelin "driving on rails" feeling and none are
as squirmy feeling as the BFG or Goodyears...nor as capable
offroad IMNHO. All are very quiet with good treadwear yet
also good traction, which is rare.

The A/S is what Ford puts on Exploders. Reasonably good all
season and rain tire. Offroad best kept to taking shortcuts
across Walmart curbs.

The M+S is quite popular as an all season and still about
as quiet as the AS. Works surprisingly well in a coupla feet
of wet Sierra snow, haven't tried them on ice. Can handle
thin mud and desert goo, but I wouldn't want to risk a long
walk in serious muck. Available in several load ranges with
heavier duty sidewalls in the heavy ranges. IMNHO is an
even better rain tire than the A/S, particularly in gullywashers.

The AT is a bit more butch than the M+S and a good snow tire
as well as rain. Still quiet, a bit better in mud, but not
a hardcore jeep tire, more of a working pickup farm or logging
tread. Heavier sidewalls available in the higher load ranges.

If you see them locally, the Pirelli Scorpion AT is quite similar
to the Michelin AT with the wrapped steel tread belts and is
available in the same load ranges. Is also very quiet and with
the same "on rails" feel of a Michelin on the highway.

>
> Now, I have compared the various ratings for performance attributes as
> follows, with the BFG number first and the Michelin number second:
> Treadwear 6 - 9
> Wet 7 - 7
> Quiet 7 - 8
> Handling 6 - 7
> Winter 9 - 8 ? The Michelin AT should be higher here.
> Mud 9 - 7
>


--
My governor can kick your governor's ass

Re: New, Bigger Tires
 

Approximately 11/17/03 19:06, Tomes uttered for posterity:

> I know the general consensus of the group is that the BFG AT KO is a real
> good bet and that is one of my choices. I can get BFG All Terrain T/A KO at
> BJ's club for US$122.99. With a coupon that runs through this Friday I can
> also get Michelin X Radial LT there for 125.49.

There are 3 models in the Michelin LT X series. All three offer
the standard Michelin "driving on rails" feeling and none are
as squirmy feeling as the BFG or Goodyears...nor as capable
offroad IMNHO. All are very quiet with good treadwear yet
also good traction, which is rare.

The A/S is what Ford puts on Exploders. Reasonably good all
season and rain tire. Offroad best kept to taking shortcuts
across Walmart curbs.

The M+S is quite popular as an all season and still about
as quiet as the AS. Works surprisingly well in a coupla feet
of wet Sierra snow, haven't tried them on ice. Can handle
thin mud and desert goo, but I wouldn't want to risk a long
walk in serious muck. Available in several load ranges with
heavier duty sidewalls in the heavy ranges. IMNHO is an
even better rain tire than the A/S, particularly in gullywashers.

The AT is a bit more butch than the M+S and a good snow tire
as well as rain. Still quiet, a bit better in mud, but not
a hardcore jeep tire, more of a working pickup farm or logging
tread. Heavier sidewalls available in the higher load ranges.

If you see them locally, the Pirelli Scorpion AT is quite similar
to the Michelin AT with the wrapped steel tread belts and is
available in the same load ranges. Is also very quiet and with
the same "on rails" feel of a Michelin on the highway.

>
> Now, I have compared the various ratings for performance attributes as
> follows, with the BFG number first and the Michelin number second:
> Treadwear 6 - 9
> Wet 7 - 7
> Quiet 7 - 8
> Handling 6 - 7
> Winter 9 - 8 ? The Michelin AT should be higher here.
> Mud 9 - 7
>


--
My governor can kick your governor's ass

Re: New, Bigger Tires
 

Approximately 11/17/03 19:06, Tomes uttered for posterity:

> I know the general consensus of the group is that the BFG AT KO is a real
> good bet and that is one of my choices. I can get BFG All Terrain T/A KO at
> BJ's club for US$122.99. With a coupon that runs through this Friday I can
> also get Michelin X Radial LT there for 125.49.

There are 3 models in the Michelin LT X series. All three offer
the standard Michelin "driving on rails" feeling and none are
as squirmy feeling as the BFG or Goodyears...nor as capable
offroad IMNHO. All are very quiet with good treadwear yet
also good traction, which is rare.

The A/S is what Ford puts on Exploders. Reasonably good all
season and rain tire. Offroad best kept to taking shortcuts
across Walmart curbs.

The M+S is quite popular as an all season and still about
as quiet as the AS. Works surprisingly well in a coupla feet
of wet Sierra snow, haven't tried them on ice. Can handle
thin mud and desert goo, but I wouldn't want to risk a long
walk in serious muck. Available in several load ranges with
heavier duty sidewalls in the heavy ranges. IMNHO is an
even better rain tire than the A/S, particularly in gullywashers.

The AT is a bit more butch than the M+S and a good snow tire
as well as rain. Still quiet, a bit better in mud, but not
a hardcore jeep tire, more of a working pickup farm or logging
tread. Heavier sidewalls available in the higher load ranges.

If you see them locally, the Pirelli Scorpion AT is quite similar
to the Michelin AT with the wrapped steel tread belts and is
available in the same load ranges. Is also very quiet and with
the same "on rails" feel of a Michelin on the highway.

>
> Now, I have compared the various ratings for performance attributes as
> follows, with the BFG number first and the Michelin number second:
> Treadwear 6 - 9
> Wet 7 - 7
> Quiet 7 - 8
> Handling 6 - 7
> Winter 9 - 8 ? The Michelin AT should be higher here.
> Mud 9 - 7
>


--
My governor can kick your governor's ass