LTX M/S-2 - Which Size?
 

After 38K it's finally time for some new tires to replace the stock Pirelli STR 255 70 R18's. I have an '07 Eddie Bauer (non-EL) 4 X 2.

The LTX M/S-2's don't come in the stock size. When I called my local Discount Tire today about the M/S-2's the guy recommended the 265 70 R18 over the 275 65 R18. He said the 275's would be too wide for the rim and more prone to crowning and could wear out faster in the middle of the tread......what? Checking the 1010tires.com tire size calculator the 275 65's are basically an exact match other than being 0.8 inches wider than stock (the 265's are 0.4" wider). Are the 275's too wide to work well with the stock rims?

I have searched the forum and found members who have gone with both non-OEM size options mentioned above. I was hoping to get additional input from others on what size you may have gone with or what the better size option might be. Of course it would be best if Michelin made the right size but unfortunately they do not, at least for now.

Many thanks!!!

See my thread here:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-2s-today.html

I don't know what the heck your Discount dude was talking about. The guy never mentioned any possibility of that with the 275/65/18's I got. I have 5k miles on mine now and see *zero* problems with them. Your guy was just being ridiculously picky, or he didn't have the size you wanted in stock. The 265/70's will have speedometer error too.

I love these M/S-2 tires. They ride great, good on-road traction, and they fill out the wheel wells a lot nicer in this size.

Doug

your tire guy is feeding you crap.


all of the 17", 18" Ford truck rims are 8" wide. the 20" rims are 8.5" wide.
on the F-150 and the Expy, the premium tire is a 275/65/18. My 2006 FX4 had those FROM THE FACTORY and i ran them for 26,000 miles without any issues.


I think you'll be happy with those 275/65/18's (32" tall). They'll looke nice, and you won't have any speedo changes

I'm taking ours to my tire guy this morning we are in the same boat with 38k on the clock the tread actually isn't that bad but the sidewall on the front passenger side is wearing down pretty bad. I was thinking of the new Yokohama HTS's but we will see

:-X10Go with the 265-70-18 michelin ltx m/s 2, best tire for the money it has a 70,000 mile mileage warranty, a great rebate also, just put a set on they were a night & day differance from the oem continental.

live long and prosper.:-X10

I just got the 265x70x18's this weekend. Huge difference. My conti's still had mileage left - but I got sick of them and figured if I was going to change them in 10k anyway - why not do it now. Best price I found was at tire rack, but I got a local company to match it. I only put a few hundred miles on so far, but am very happy with them. We also have not had any of our afternoon down pours yet, but I am sure they will do great. Mine is an 06 though - but not sure how much the suspension has changed (obviously the tranny has). Hope it helps, Mike. Michelin does have a $70 rebate (downloadable on their site right now). It says only some dealers, but I submitted anyway and we'll see what happens.

Put the 265/70 Hankook Dynapro's on last month. So far, they are great and look awesome on the truck. Price was also very nice, $750 out the door! I am hopeful they will do well in the snow, we may not get as much in Chicago, but at our place in the Mountains we definately do!

How wide do you want to go? I run on 315/70 R17 on stock rims with out excessive rubbing. The left tire touches the frame during left u turn. Otherwise no issues at all.

I also have an '07 Eddie Bauer (non-EL) 4 X 2. Just went with 275/65/18 (trust me on this one...better ride and traction- no fitment issues) Bridgestone - Dueler A/T 695 with Uni-T. I had the LTX's on my AWD Mountaineer for 80k and they were great, but a little harsh. These got great reviews, so I gave them a whirl. I have 4k on them so far and like them significantly better than the Crapellis.

I have an appointment at Discount Tire today at noon to put on the 275/65/18 LTX M/S 2's. Can't wait!

congrats - I am certain you will not be disappointed. I am in the middle of about 900 mi family vacation and have been very happy with tires and Expy. My tires did not need to be replaced but did it because I wanted to enjoy them. Hit some rainstorms on the way up and also having been driving thru the mountains here in TN (we don't have those in FL) and I am very happy I changed them before we left. These tires have not, slipped, spun or traveled on me yet. Congrats again, Mike.

So far so good. I'll be able to get a really good feel for them over the next several days. Taking a long weekend trip, about 1,000 mi roundtrip, from Charlotte, NC up through some mountains in VA and WV to Cleveland, OH.

Quick question for those who have gone with a different size than the oem 255/70/18. What tire pressures are you running for normal driving? They set them @ the 35 psi from the door sticker.

I also tow a 7k Travel Trailer and will air them up close to if not at the max 44 psi as I usually do. I like that the max load on these is slightly higher @ 2,601 lbs vs. the original Pirelli's @ 2,469 lbs. Hopefully our family can get out camping soon to see what these feel like while towing.

Just an FYI that Discount Tire will have the $70 Michelin rebate going again offically on 6/13/10. They went ahead and offered it to me early to make the sale. My total cost yesterday was $1,056 so just under $1k after the rebate.