Currently running Firestone Destination M/T 285/75 16 and really happy with them. No issues in the rain, good in deep snow (**** poor in anything 3" or less), and great in the mud in Maine. Never any rubbing a full turn.

Did some research and heard good things about Mickey Thompson (owned by Cooper Tire) Baja MTZ, a bit more $ (looking at both in 305's). Anybody with first hand experience?

Will also be changing the shocks from unknown blue tubes that PO said were 1-ton shocks. The harsh ride bears this out. I need a softer ride so my wife doesnt glare at me after riding in the truck.

Looking at Bilstein 4600 series (# 33-028187 Front Shocks, 46mm | * 2 - Bilstein # 24-185981 Rear Shocks, 46mm) or the 5100 series (24-187077 & 24-186025
Most of my driving is county hwy (45 -75 mph), but regular trips on logging 'roads', unimproved road (but really are more like improved trail). Getting stuck in the mud would ruin my whole day! And of course, snow up here in Maine. Dont tow anything heavier than a snowblower, and the heaviest stuff i can see putting on the bed is a load of gravel.

So I know the Destinations get me there and back and leaning heavily that way, but the Mickey's come highly rated. The devil you know v the one you dont and looking for comments from someone(s) that run the Baja MTz's, and advice on shocks.

Thanks.

 

From my experience:
Get the tires you want that fit. I got have the Back Country All Terrain 285/75 r16 and i love them. Pretty Quiet on the highway and good in mud and snow, and badass white lettering.

As for the shocks i had some gabriels that were 200k miles old


(previous owner sucked), so i splurged on some rancho RS9000sl's. The coolest part is their adjustable. I do a lot of everything from towing 10000 pound excavators to doughnuts in a muddy field. there are 9 settings (1 is soft for off-road and 9 is for HEAVY towing really smooths load out) and each shock is adjustable, so if you want it softer in the front and heavier in the back, you can do that. I usually just run the in the middle for the best all-around amazingness.

 

Sweet lettering and great looking truck!!

I'm in mud at least 2x/m, more in the Spring and Fall until weather freezes up the boggy areas... and the Destinations MT rock. Not sure an AT's tread has enough void to throw off sticky mud. Sticking with MTs over ATs.

Zippo experience re shocks except not to get one-ton rated shocks...

 

I run Bilstein shocks on my truck. The 4600 series are for stock height trucks while the 5100 series is more for lifted trucks. I just changed out my wheels and tires a few days ago and went with the new Pro Comp A/T Sport tires.

 

I love my Bilstein 5100s; very dependable and steady in similar conditions you drive.
On the Excursion forum, there's been a lot of 9000 experience with corroded adjusters- wet/mud seems to lock 'em up forever.

 

Re Bilsteins - not sure re exact size. There's no lift kit but I think the springs may be stiffer than stock giving it some additional hieght. Previous owner plowed his long driveway as well as his dad's ... and the front end end show know changes when it was on - an 8 ft Fisher. But shocks not tolerating mud - badness.

Looks like few run the Mickey Thompsons. Gonna stick with the Firestones.