I'm going to be needing tires and some recommendations

[07Custom]

Hey guys, it's about time to buy some new tires, well maybe one for now. But...the problem is that Pro Comp doesn't make the Xterrain in 325/80r-16 anymore! My front two tires have about 60% tread left and I have a brand new spare on the back. I was hoping to buy 1 tire and use the spare as the other one and just run them out until they're done. It's getting hard to find that tire in my size so I was wondering if anyone had one lying around or had any recommendations on a tire in the same size.

I've seen cooper discoverer stt in the same size and also TSL Radials in roughly the same size. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

The Cooper Discoverer STT has been discontinued in that size also. A 325/80R16 is roughly a 37x12.5R16. You have several options available from Interco.

 

[alrock]

Be careful as it may be important to run very closely matched tires at all four wheels due to the full time 4WD. Tires of significantly different tread depth can cause the wheels to rotate at different speeds causing wear and tear on the drivetrain. I did just what you were saying and I don't think I had any issues directly related to it - from front diff did fail in that time but it was very likely on its way out in that time. Many people (Brodie, for one) would highly recommend replacing all four at once and sell the other two.

I would also caution against tires of different brands or builds as it can cause squirrelly handling if sidewall stiffness or other grip factors vary from front to rear.

Check out Subaru forums and other AWD forums for their thoughts on tire sizes. I realize they have different drivetrains but you can see the risk involved. I ran with that risk and I think I came out okay but I really don't think it is a proposition without risk and potentially expensive consequences.

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

I guess I didn't fully read your original post and I strongly agree with Alex. It is a bad idea to miss match tires with the AWD system. Your better off spending the money on a set of 4 new tires.

 

[M22KLARS]

Yup. It will save you big money in the long run.

 

[07Custom]

My truck is a bit different. I have a D44 Solid Axle in the front, so I can run 2WD regularly. I've found some sites that have the Pro Comp listed still but wonder if they really have them or not because the tire size was discontinued 2 years ago.

 

[alrock]

Well, that changes everything! Don't remember seeing the D44/2WD option on the build sheet; must've forgot my glasses that day :wink:.

If that tire size was discontinued two years ago I don't know if I'd want to purchase any of those tires as you're facing rubber that is at a minimum already two years old. Two years isn't bad for age but it is a small disadvantage.

 

[07Custom]

haha I'm kind of weird with physical presentation of my stuff. I don't know if it would be weird to be running 2 different tires. I mean, I have a perfect brand new spare on the back so was hoping to just buy 1 tire, use the new and new/spare as the rear tires and keep the 60% treads up front until they all need replacing.

Who knows, these damn tires are expensive! :gaah:

 

[Steve #1]

I have a 285/70/16 Xterrain in the back yard behind the shed if you're up to running diferent sizes. :wink: I actualy have two but I don't think my boys want to give up their tire swing.