I've read it all but still looking for the right tire size

[tomhilmes]

I've been a member for years but rarely post. Had my '04 since new. 85,000 miles on the clock. Always stuck with BFG's. Once did the "fronts all around trick". But, discovered the traction control problem. Enjoyed the lower gear ratio effect but was concerned it was hard on the driveline. Been through the front alignment problem (wear on inside). Solved that by going to a Mercury dealer instead of a Ford dealer (No kidding). So, I think I've had every problem that I've seen mentioned here.

So, went back to stock sizing. Now time for set #6 (I've probably lost count). It's that time again - It's in the garage on a jackstand with a nail in a rear so thin I'm embarrased to get it plugged. I'm driving my old porsche which isn't up to daily driving for long. So, I need to deal with this issue now.

Visited a local custom tire/wheel shop. Guy says 235/55 all around is the way to go. Nobody is saying that here on this site. Checked it out with a tire size calculator and the effect is minimal. He's sure it won't effect TC but on here it says you need 4% differential between front and rear or it will kick in.

I see most of you guys are into drag racing and are putting even larger tires on the rear. I drive this car everyday, have never modified it and don't intend on it. I need something that runs and drives everyday that the family and clients can ride in comfortably. So, I'm looking for a good streetable tire combo that can run 80 on the highway, take twisty roads with some degree of authority, and give me 15-20k in wear. It ain't a sports car.

So, my questions are thus:

1. Can the TC be disabled through "tuning" as some have suggested. How do I do it?

2. Does the 235/55 size make sense? If TC really can't be disabled, what's a good size/brand choice that will deliver what I'm looking for. Would be a bonus if I can get in for $150 a tire or less.

My option right now (given the time constraints I've described) are to go back to BFG's. They are on the shelf at dealership and it's tempting.

I love working on my cars but I don't have time to screw with this for several days. Help me out!

Thanks

[Bluerauder]

If you have traction control on your car, you will have to maintain the 3-6% height difference between the fronts and the rears. You cannot disable with a tune. Your tire guy is wrong .... 235/55s all around WILL affect your T/C. One solution is to turn the T/C off every time you start the car. I consider that a pain in the .....

I have no problem with the stock BFG 235/50/18 front size. I get 36K out of them every time. Never had the inside wear problem. I just put my 3rd set on the front at 72K. They are readily available.

Rears are a different issue. If you are having trouble finding the stock BFG 245/55/18 size, you may wish to upsize to a 255/55/18. You can run those with stock fronts and not impact the T/C. Several manufacturers offer that size. I ran the GoodYear Eagle F1s for a couple years and got about 18K out of them. Not a good bad-weather tire though and I thought that their grip in wet weather was worse than the stock BFG's. The GoodYears are over $200 each. I get 18-21K out of the OEM BFG rears and inflated the rears to 38 psi. 35 psi on the fronts.

Some guys here are running Kumhos, Generals or Nittos and like them. I am happy with the OEM BFGs on the twisties and on the highway. I could tell very little difference when I had the GoodYears on the rear, except in the rain.

[fastblackmerc]

If you have traction control on your car, you will have to maintain the 3-6% height difference between the fronts and the rears. You cannot disable with a tune. Your tire guy is wrong .... 235/55s all around WILL affect your T/C. One solution is to turn the T/C off every time you start the car. I consider that a pain in the .....

I have no problem with the stock BFG 235/50/18 front size. I get 36K out of them every time. Never had the inside wear problem. I just put my 3rd set on the front at 72K. They are readily available.

Rears are a different issue. If you are having trouble finding the stock BFG 245/55/18 size, you may wish to upsize to a 255/55/18. You can run those with stock fronts and not impact the T/C. Several manufacturers offer that size. I ran the GoodYear Eagle F1s for a couple years and got about 18K out of them. Not a good bad-weather tire though and I thought that their grip in wet weather was worse than the stock BFG's. The GoodYears are over $200 each. I get 18-21K out of the OEM BFG rears.

Some guys here are running Kumhos, Generals or Nittos and like them.

What he said^^^^^^^^^^^

Running BFG's on the front and larger size Hankooks on the rear.

[a_d_a_m]

You can choose whatever brand tire you want, but for the love of God, please don't use the same size tire all the way around!!! Go with the 255s, you'll be fine and you won't look like a dick driving around with the same size tires.

[Mr. Man]

I agree wholeheartedly with Bluerauder except I would never put Goodyear tires on anything.
You may want to look at touring tires.

[Bluerauder]

I agree wholeheartedly with Bluerauder except I would never put Goodyear tires on anything.
You may want to look at touring tires.

Would like to hear your specific rationale on the GoodYear comment ^^^^ above. I've used GoodYear in numerous applications and have never had a problem. The only reason that I went back to the OEM BFG's on the rear was that the rear end seemed to step out on me more frequently than with the BFGs. The wear wasn't TOO bad and the tread design was aggressive and visually appealing. Wet weather handling was my problem even though its rating was supposedly "better" than OEM BFGs. In the 2 years that I used the 255/55/18s, the rear end stepped out about 4-5 times. I only recall that happening twice with the BFGs in the other 6 years. Each time was in "wet" weather. ... and my driving habits haven't changed.

As to considering touring tires, I would be really cautious. Speed rating may not be a big concern for this driver. However, the thinner/less stiff sidewall WILL have a major effect on handling characteristics of the car. This sidewall flex has been reported here several times and NOT in a positive light. That's JMHO. :twocents:

[jstevens]

I am planning on running the stock size on the rear with BFG T/A. Same as the Camaro's run. They're rated to 118 MPH which I only hit once in a while.

[SC Cheesehead]

I am planning on running the stock size on the rear with BFG T/A. Same as the Camaro's run. They're rated to 118 MPH which I only hit once in a while.


You may wish to re-think this application. The T/A isn't of the same construction as the KWDS, sidewall has much more flex. A couple folks have already tried the tire and did not like its performance on our cars.

Here's SITBS's review:
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=55895

[PonyUP]

I use my Marauder as a Daily Driver as well, of course it does have some Mod's. I run 255/55/18 on the back and 245/45/18 on the front and have never had an issue.

Definitely agree with Blue's assessment, you will want to run the larger size in the back cause turning the TC off everytime is a pain, plus the bigger rear size gives it a better look.

[SID210SA]

I have the stockers up front and running Nitto 255/55's out back....love the combo....traction is much better than stock in dry and wet weather, good agressive tread pattern and they dont wear in the middle like the stock rears do.

JMHO...

Mike

[SC Cheesehead]

I have the stockers up front and running Nitto 255/55's out back....love the combo....traction is much better than stock in dry and wet weather, good agressive tread pattern and they dont wear in the middle like the stock rears do.

JMHO...

Mike

Are you running 420's or 555's?

[jstevens]

SC Cheesehead,

Thanks for the link to the excellent review. I will go back to the drawing board. I'm thinking about Nitto 420's or some other 255 for the rear that won't break the bank.

I'm also looking at the Falken Ziex S/TZ-04

[SC Cheesehead]

SC Cheesehead,

Thanks for the link to the excellent review. I will go back to the drawing board. I'm thinking about Nitto 420's or some other 255 for the rear that won't break the bank.

I'm also looking at the Falken Ziex S/TZ-04

Nitto 420's are very popular, and perform well. They're high on my list for replacements when it's time.

[Mr. Man]

Would like to hear your specific rationale on the GoodYear comment ^^^^ above. I've used GoodYear in numerous applications and have never had a problem. The only reason that I went back to the OEM BFG's on the rear was that the rear end seemed to step out on me more frequently than with the BFGs. The wear wasn't TOO bad and the tread design was aggressive and visually appealing. Wet weather handling was my problem even though its rating was supposedly "better" than OEM BFGs. In the 2 years that I used the 255/55/18s, the rear end stepped out about 4-5 times. I only recall that happening twice with the BFGs in the other 6 years. Each time was in "wet" weather. ... and my driving habits haven't changed.

As to considering touring tires, I would be really cautious. Speed rating may not be a big concern for this driver. However, the thinner/less stiff sidewall WILL have a major effect on handling characteristics of the car. This sidewall flex has been reported here several times and NOT in a positive light. That's JMHO. :twocents:
My experience with Goodyear is limited to OEM on a number of different kinds of new vehicles. That being said the Goodyear tires I have had in the past have no traction in the wet or snow and the dry traction on the Eagles my Mustang came with made for some "Shout it out" moments. Wear has been below normal compared to other brands I've used (just ask Doomie;)). I'm going to be lucky to get 35K out of the SRA's on the T. The last set of Remington's on the GMC went close to 65K. Goodyear's go flat just looking at them and they have a very low resistance to puncture. I've got plugs in each of 4 tires on the T because of carpet tack sized nails. The Remington tires on the old GMC were used daily on construction sites and IIRC I only had one puncture and that was a 8D cooler I picked up. Maybe it's just the crappy tires that manufacturers use on new cars and trucks but it doesn't make me confident to replace junk tires with what is most likely more junk. The T will be getting a set of Michelin AT2's before the snow flies in the fall. Paula has them on the Aviator and is impressed with them and from what I can see the wear is good.:)

[Bluerauder]

I'm also looking at the Falken Ziex S/TZ-04


Seems to me that I remember severe handling & control issues with the Falkens. Can't remember the specific model.

[Bluerauder]

I've got plugs in each of 4 tires on the T because of carpet tack sized nails. :)

You should probably just park out front instead of in the back alley when you visit "The Girlie Shack". :P

My experience with GoodYear over the years has been the exact opposite.

[03mmmonroe]

the Falkens s/tz-04 are and H rated tire and if you have z up front then the back end feels like it will come around on you when driving hwy and pass. I had them on 2 days and when to the nitto 420s and no concern.

If you are running all H rated tires then you may have balance. Just what I found.

Russ

[PonyUP]

I just put on new tires today. I had Nitto 420's which I liked a lot, I was able to get a decent deal on Falken Ziex ZE-912's, and granted have only had them on tonight, but so far they are a smooth ride, handling and cornering is sharp and holds well, and they guarentee them for $40,000 miles with free replacements anywhere in the country. I'll let you know how I like them as time rolls on

[babbage]

I just put on new tires today. I had Nitto 420's which I liked a lot, I was able to get a decent deal on Falken Ziex ZE-912's, and granted have only had them on tonight, but so far they are a smooth ride, handling and cornering is sharp and holds well, and they guarentee them for $40,000 miles with free replacements anywhere in the country. I'll let you know how I like them as time rolls on

What size?

[SID210SA]

Are you running 420's or 555's?


420's.........

[SID210SA]

Seems to me that I remember severe handling & control issues with the Falkens. Can't remember the specific model.


the Falkens s/tz-04 are and H rated tire and if you have z up front then the back end feels like it will come around on you when driving hwy and pass. I had them on 2 days and when to the nitto 420s and no concern.

If you are running all H rated tires then you may have balance. Just what I found.

Russ

Dont quote me on this....but I think these are the tires Wes had on his DTR when he totaled it.....he mentioned that he didnt like them and were crazy loose.

[Bluerauder]

Dont quote me on this....but I think these are the tires Wes had on his DTR when he totaled it.....he mentioned that he didnt like them and were crazy loose.

That is what I recall too .....

[SC Cheesehead]

Dont quote me on this....but I think these are the tires Wes had on his DTR when he totaled it.....he mentioned that he didnt like them and were crazy loose.


That is what I recall too .....

Yep, these were the H-rated tires.

I took a ride with 03mmmonroe in his car after he put them on his car; one word: SCARY!:eek:


The more I hear, the more I'm leaning to Nitto 420's for my next set.

[PonyUP]

What size?

255/55 Rears
245/45 Fronts

[jstevens]

I agree. I'm going with Nitto 420's for the rear.

[Mebot]

I just put on new tires on the front on Wednesday because I was getting the inside wear on the fronts.

SO i went from stock BFG to the Nittos on the front and rear

Front: Nitto NT850 235/50/18 (same size as stock, but better treadwear rating, traction rating then the BFGS. I'm pretty excited and hope I get better deal than the BFGs).

Rear: Nitto NT420S 255/55/18. So far I've had the rears on for about 25k miles and not a single complaint. When it's time to replace, I'll most likely stick with the Nittos

My MM is a daily driver so I do have the same concerns as you: Making sure I can drive through the seasons and not have any adverse affects on ride, handling performance, etc... I don't have to worry about TC though.

[slickster]

Does the 420s where in the middle like the bfg

[SC Cheesehead]

Does the 420s where in the middle like the bfg

Everyone running the Nittos has been pleased with wear.

There may be some wear in the middle, but it won't be as severe as the OEM BFGs.

[bugsyc]

I just put on a set of Michelin 255/55/18 on the back end..look good.a little higher than stock...gives it a little rake...I know,no picture and it didn't happen...I'll post pictures...I bought 4 with about 90% thread...will sell the 2 extras for$150+shipping or free pick up...

[MM2004]

Last weekend, I had the Nitto 555's installed, and as of late, not driven it but about 30 miles.

This coming weekend, I should rack up over 150 miles during the meet, and will know more.

Driveability after the install is very nice, smooth and responds quickly with any steering wheel movement.

No TC issues to speak of and still have the stock appearance (rake).

The below sizes are what's on it now...

265/50 ZR18 - Rear

255/45 ZR18 - Front

These tires ahave a bit more of a sidewall 'bulge' and in my opinion, look damn good.

I'll get some pics and post 'em up.
;)

Mike.

[JOEMERC]

I have the radial t/a same as camaro, (on rear)went with it cause money was tight at the time.my outlookk on this tire is smoother ,quieter and better wear than oem,but down side not as tight handling as with oem .but if your looking to save some $$$$ this tire could be a good choice.