TIRES!
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New User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4
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From: Chattanooga USA
TIRES!
Hello all,
I have been reading this site for almost a year now, and have really learned a lot of info from it. I have a question regarding tires. I purchased a new 2002 F-250 Supercab 4X4 powerstroke diesel in January. The truck now has 17000 miles on it and has those Firestone SteelTech tires. I have noticed lately that the back tires have worn 3 times more than the front, almost to the wear grooves. I do pull quite often but it is a 21ft bass boat and is not really that heavy. I have not yet rotated them and was wondering do these trucks do this normally or are these tires junk? I can figure that OEM equipment would be quick to replace, but I would think the front tires would go first.
Any sugestions would be greatly appreciated.
I have been reading this site for almost a year now, and have really learned a lot of info from it. I have a question regarding tires. I purchased a new 2002 F-250 Supercab 4X4 powerstroke diesel in January. The truck now has 17000 miles on it and has those Firestone SteelTech tires. I have noticed lately that the back tires have worn 3 times more than the front, almost to the wear grooves. I do pull quite often but it is a 21ft bass boat and is not really that heavy. I have not yet rotated them and was wondering do these trucks do this normally or are these tires junk? I can figure that OEM equipment would be quick to replace, but I would think the front tires would go first.
Any sugestions would be greatly appreciated.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,496
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From: Calgary Canada
TIRES!
I may be wrong, but I believe the tire manufacturers recommend rotating your tires every 5000 miles. The rear tires will almost always wear faster than the fronts. I rotated mine at 10,000kms (~6000miles) and the rear tires were considerably more worn than the fronts, but I do have a bit of a heavy foot.
I think you'd find that more frequent rotations would result in more even tire wear.
If you're looking to replace them, a lot of guys here are running the BFG A/T KO's, myself included. You can go up to the 285's with no weight rating problems and only a minor effect on speedometer readings. I think others have also had good luck with the Michelins (LTX?). I'm sure you'll get some more recommendations too.
Waxy
I think you'd find that more frequent rotations would result in more even tire wear. If you're looking to replace them, a lot of guys here are running the BFG A/T KO's, myself included. You can go up to the 285's with no weight rating problems and only a minor effect on speedometer readings. I think others have also had good luck with the Michelins (LTX?). I'm sure you'll get some more recommendations too.
Waxy
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New User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4
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From: Chattanooga USA
TIRES!
OK!, OK!, I know I was supposed to rotate them a long time ago but I came from a F-150 that did not need them done that quickly. I guess that powerstroke is so powerful that the truck cannot keep up with it. Anyway I will rotate them tonight and start looking for some tires. Also this truck was purchased with all the information that is on this site in mind. You guys have been so helpful.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 656
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From: South of you
TIRES!
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 11-Sep-02 AT 01:39 PM (EST)]From my experience with PSD's used primarily for company work trucks, the PSD just puts so much torque to the rear tires, it literally just wears them out faster. I have been told this from several tire "guys" also. I too came out of an F-150 as my daily driver and am just getting into the PSD for my daily driver, but if you keep your tires rotated and pressures correct, they should last a good while. Got to love the torque of that PSD!!!!!!!!!!!
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,429
Likes: 2
TIRES!
I have 27,000mi. on the factory supplied Steeltex on my 96,460,and have towed roughly 6,000 lb.at least 15,000 of those miles and the tires while on the rear have worn faster.I figure I'll pitch them at 30,000 mi.Michelins are going to take their place.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 39
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From: Tolland USA
TIRES!
So...
More specifically, what tires (load range E) are the 'favored' ones today? I can't fault my Firestones yet - they are wearing well. Although that V10 can temp you to 'get on it'...
I'm leaning toward a Michelin, by reputation only - but I want a tough tire...
Chuck
V10 F250 SD 1999
More specifically, what tires (load range E) are the 'favored' ones today? I can't fault my Firestones yet - they are wearing well. Although that V10 can temp you to 'get on it'...
I'm leaning toward a Michelin, by reputation only - but I want a tough tire...
Chuck
V10 F250 SD 1999
New User
Joined: Sep 2002
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TIRES!
You recommend BFG A/T KO 285/75/16 as they are ok from a weight rating standpoing -- but when I check the specs they are "D" rated and PSD requires "E" rating -- am I incorrect or is the difference between D and E not significant. Your thoughts are appreciated.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Medford USA!
TIRES!
It really depends how much weight you wish to haul to go "D" or "E". Look for the actual weight rating on the tire (i.e. 3415 lbs/single). I run the Michelin LTX M/S (265/75R/16) with great results. My buddy in the identical truck runs BFG's "D" rated. He doesn't haul anything, and I load a camper.
The stock Fireblowns are junk in everything but the "wear" department. You'll really notice a difference when you dump them, or they dump you..whichever comes first
The stock Fireblowns are junk in everything but the "wear" department. You'll really notice a difference when you dump them, or they dump you..whichever comes first
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Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,496
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From: Calgary Canada
TIRES!
Load range (E vs. D) is based on the max inflation pressure used to determine max load capacity, NOT load capacity itself.
Load range E is based on 80psi cold, Range D is based on 65psi cold.
Therefore, two tires can have the same max load capacity, but different load range ratings.
Max weight rating is determined by air volume (greater air capacity equals greater weight carrying ability) and sidewall construction.
Clear as mud?
If you check it out, a 285/75 "D" tire will have the same max weight rating, your ultimate concern, as the stock 265/75 "E" Firestones. Also, with the BFG's your getting one of the toughest sidewalls made, so that isn't a concern.
Waxy
Load range E is based on 80psi cold, Range D is based on 65psi cold.
Therefore, two tires can have the same max load capacity, but different load range ratings.
Max weight rating is determined by air volume (greater air capacity equals greater weight carrying ability) and sidewall construction.
Clear as mud?
If you check it out, a 285/75 "D" tire will have the same max weight rating, your ultimate concern, as the stock 265/75 "E" Firestones. Also, with the BFG's your getting one of the toughest sidewalls made, so that isn't a concern.
Waxy
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 91
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From: Lyndeborough USA
TIRES!
Anybody ever heard of this tire:http://www.greendiamondna.com/concept.html
The idea sounds neat especially for winter use. They imbed carbide granules throughout the rubber. The Ultra Track has a mean looking tread design but the company says it has good highway handling as well. it is an Icelanic tire. SThey should know something about winter tires. thoughts, anyone?
The idea sounds neat especially for winter use. They imbed carbide granules throughout the rubber. The Ultra Track has a mean looking tread design but the company says it has good highway handling as well. it is an Icelanic tire. SThey should know something about winter tires. thoughts, anyone?
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
TIRES!
Steeltech are JUNK and I had mine replaced AFTER a blowout towing a 13,000 lb trailer. I fought Firestone and they finally paid to replace them with Les Swab TOROS (best rated). I will NEVER buy Firestone again.....don't accept these tires as good when they can't pass for fair.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,328
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From: Medford USA!
TIRES!
>Steeltech are JUNK
Yes they are.
>Les Swab TOROS
Just to be clear to others, I think they are TOYO tires that you're referring to. I just don't want to see more parts guys scratching their respective heads
And they are excellent tires
Yes they are.
>Les Swab TOROS
Just to be clear to others, I think they are TOYO tires that you're referring to. I just don't want to see more parts guys scratching their respective heads
And they are excellent tires 
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 148
Likes: 6
TIRES!
I'm on my second power stroke, 2002, had a '96. I found that if I ran the rear tires at 50 psi with no towing load or load in the bed, the tires wore perfectly and lasted as long as the front tires. The tires will handle up to 80 psi but I've never run that much in them. When I'm towing my 5500# boat, I put 60 psi in them. Never had any problems.
You can tell if high air pressure is wearing them quicker because the center treads will wear out quicker then the outer treads, that is what was happening to me until I backed down to 50 or 52 psi in the rear.
You can tell if high air pressure is wearing them quicker because the center treads will wear out quicker then the outer treads, that is what was happening to me until I backed down to 50 or 52 psi in the rear.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 234
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From: CONNECTICRAP
TIRES!
Don't forget about limited slip in the rear. This will cause excessive wear. Every time you take a turn, the tires are spinning at different speeds. The LS tries to distribute power to the tire with less spin. You'll probably notice the occasional chirp, especially with wet roads. On dry pavement, there is no give for the tires.
I rotate mine every 10k mi. and have good tread at 26k mi. I plan on getting michelin M/S before winter.
I rotate mine every 10k mi. and have good tread at 26k mi. I plan on getting michelin M/S before winter.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
From: Lake Stevens, WA
TIRES!
Are the Michelin LTX MS the best replacement for the Steeltex on my 4x2? The Firestones are wearing very well, but suck in snow or any slippery surface. Have heard people complain that the Michelins don't wear well -
Other options???
2000 4x2 F-250 XLT S/C - V-10 -
Other options???
2000 4x2 F-250 XLT S/C - V-10 -