Hey Fellas,
I broke down and did it... new Michelin LTX M/S2. Bought the same size 275/65R18's.

Got rid of the OEM Goodyear Wrangler SRA's. Those things were junk
Time will tell if I made the right choice.

 

M/S2 or the Defender LTX M/S?

Old vs new release, either way, great choice for a well balanced all around performer.

 

I worked as a mechanic and as an alignment tech for the last 9 years, in a tire shop.
You made a great choice. I honestly don't think there is another passenger or light truck tire that will give you more miles. Just keep them at the proper air pressure, rotate and balance every service, and you'll be surprised in the end.

Unk Bob

 

Those are the exact tire I will be looking to get in ~5k miles. Please keep us updated in your thoughts on the tire. Thanks

 

I bought the M/S2's.

 

The LTX M/S2 tire used to be my go to tire. They have great traction in the rain & snow. They kind of suck in the dirt & mud. It's pretty easy to get 70K miles out of them.
I never had a problem with the GoodYear Wrangler SRAs. They are a little soft for towing/hauling but will get the job done. They are a nice riding tire, probably better for an SUV than a pickup.

 

I've had my new Michelin's for about a week now. I do notice a little bit of a vibration in the driver's side floorboard. No vibration in the steering wheel. I'm guessing that is just the tire break in period. Meaning, it's not severe but noticeable. Let me know your thoughts.

 

Might be worth a revisit to the installer. My M/S2 on the prior truck were 100% smooth once balanced correctly. Could be mechanical rather than a balance issue, but it'd be good to rule out the easiest solution first.

 

I replaced my OEM Michelin's at 83,000 miles with a set of the M/S2's. The OEM's had a few more miles in them but one of the rear tires picked up a big tek screw so I replaced the set. I had previously bought the M/S2's, as a set of 76 mile take-off's, off of Craigslist......for $500.
The M/S2's are smooth as butter after 2000 miles.

 

There should be no vibrations with the Michelin's. I would say they are not balanced correctly. I would go back & get them rebalanced . If that doesn't work make the road force balance them. I did get lifetime balancing with mine & I would say that about every 10,000 miles they needed to be rebalanced.

 

You shouldn't have any type of vibration at all. It could be as simple as improperly balanced, or even a not properly mounted on the wheel.

Unk Bob

 

Michelin's have always been a good tire for me, but they do get pricey. I'm looking for a better tire to replace the cheap OEM Hankook's on my 2012 4x4. These stupid things lose grip in the d*** rain! I'll keep these Michelin LTX M/S 2's in mind. Thanks for the suggestion

 

I switched from the Michelin LTX M/S 2 to the GoodYear Adventurer with Kevlar. The GoodYears were less expensive, they handle the dirt/mud much better and are a good towing tire. Based on my current wear they will probably last somewhere around 65,000 miles. That's not as good as the Michelin's but will be good enough for me.

 

Michelin LTX's (275's) came stock on our '99 Lexus LX-470. Awesome tire, 65K first round, got a second set, same experience. Prefect wear, 65K or so miles. Then, I took a chance on the Yokohama Geolanders. At least 20% less expensive than the Michelins. Ran 2 more sets of them before selling the truck at 265K miles. Geolanders lasted just as long, grip / ride comfort the same. Maybe, just maybe a tiny bit noisier. If you are looking for an alternative to Michelin, that would be my recommendation.

I just bought a 2011 F150 and it had brand new Firestone Tires on it. Cannot wait until they wear out and I am sure the ride quality will pick up with better tires.

 

In my OE size, the Michelin is $201 and has a 70,000 mile warranty.

The house brand chinese tires are $110 and have 60,000 mile warranty.

The American made Cooper is $133 and has a 60,000 mile warranty.

Heck, the Hankook has a matching 70,000 mile warranty for $138.

Mathematically, I've never understood the draw to Michelin tires. In some sizes you're paying up to 100% more money for them, hoping to get maybe 20% more life from them.

In the real world, ALL of these highway tread tires will get similar lifespan and dry/wet traction.

I've used dozens of brands and models of tires on my 4x4s over the years, and except for a couple of notable exceptions, they really are all pretty similar in performance and lifespan.