I have a 2000 Explorer Ltd with 4000 miles on it
and it's time to get NEW TIRES.

The stock 16" Firestone Wilderness AT tires are very noisy and make the vehicle ride very rough.

The bigger problem is that they were made by Firestone.

I am looking for a good freeway tire and general on-road use.

My Ford dealer tells me that the tires affect the ride.

Has anyone changed tires on their new Exp/Limited?
If so what did you buy? And how are they performing?

Thanks for any info...

PS. I'll put the AT's back on next time I need tires IF history tell me they are OK.

 

The Ford dealer here began replacing the recalled Firestone Wilderness AT's with Michelin LTX AT's on their 4x4 explorers due to a shortage of non-recalled Wilderness's.

I likewise had Wilderness AT's on my sport trac, and decided to go with the Michelins based on what the service reps at the dealer said and also opinions I had found on various auto or tire sites.

The Michelins made a world of difference! They're not quite as noisy as the Firestones, have much better road traction, and so far much better mileage. With the Firestones, after about 8k miles, I had already worn thru almost half the outer tread, even with a recommendation of rotating them every 5k miles.

I've also heard good things about the Michelin LTX M/S from associates. Not quite as aggressive as the AT's, but good in rain and snow nontheless.

BTW, anybody still waiting on a reimbursement check from Firestone if you bought a competitor's tires? I'm still waiting after 2 months.

 

I also replaced my ATX tires with Michelins before the official recall. Yes I too am still waiting for a check from Firestone. As far as the ride associated with the Michelins, couldn't be better! When I purchased my Explorer, it had those trashy stones already on it.

 

ncsporttrac,
Got my check from Firestone on Saturday! Now it only cost me $100 to put 4 Michelins on. Hope yours shows soon!

 

Encouraging news, thanks for letting me know! That check will come in handy for the holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving all!

 

Any other recommendations? Those Michelins are hard to find.

George

98 Ford Explorer 4x4
4.0 L V6 OHV EFI

 

I find it very interesting that you all want Michelin tires on your explorers. I have never had any problems with Firestone tires. I have them on my truck and car. Well the Michelins on the other hand I've had problems with those tires. My dad was going about 45MPH down the road and he had a Michelin come apart on him. Another Michelin on the truck was developing a vibration. Well he replaced those junk tires with a new set of Firestones and had no problems.

'90 F-150 Custom 4x2 351 AOD
'93 Mustang 5.0 HO AOD
'78 F-250 Ranger Supercab 4x2 460 C-6

 

Dunlop Radial Rover A/T

These wont pick up anything! run over all the glass and nails in the world, these won't deflate. Firestones and Michelens would puncher too easily. Also, these are awesome in the rain/snow. Another big plus...they're quiet! Werd.

-spyder

 

You can have ALL the Firerocks made! I'll keep my Michelins, at least they don't make my teeth bang together like Firerocks!

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 17-Nov-01 AT 10:23 PM (EST)]I agree that the Firestone AT are good tires. I had two complete sets of 15" on my 1993 in Houston and never had a problem. I had planned on waiting until much later to get mine replaced.

But...If something where to happen to my family, I would feel pretty ignorant. So, I am going to go ahead and replace them instead of waiting until March of 2002 (New deadline from Ford)

On my 1999 Limited AWD 5.0L V-8 I have the 16" AT's. I am replacing them with 16" Michelin Cross Terrain tires.

Check out Michelin's web site. Call the Ford recall hotline and ask for the Michelin Dealers that participate in the direct bill program with Ford. This way you will not be out of pocket and you won't have to take what the local dealer has in stock.

These new Cross Terrain tires are made for a SUV and is one of the stock tires of the new 2002 Explorer. It has rave reviews and a great web-site. I have an appointment on Monday to have all 5 replaced. They can order them and get them for you if they do not have them in stock.