I have a 97 4x4 with the stock 16x7s and awful Discovery tires that turn to sliks at the sight of mud, forcing me to do 40-50 mph to get through mud, causing me to have to buy new engine components every so often (i.e. starters, air filters, ect.) and too much money has been wasted. I have been looking at some 31x11.5 Super Swampers to put on new 16x8 steel wheels (Cragar). Will these fit? Can I go bigger?
Im only going to have the truck for another year or two, and I don't care about noise (I have two 12' subs, 125 watts per speaker and 700 each per sub). I just don't want to get stuck and don't want to spend too much money.

 

I'd suggest going with a 305/70-16 (33x12.50) on a 16x10 inch wheel. You will have to trim your front bumper's lower valance slightly.

 

Thanks, but 33x12s might be too expensive for me. how would a 31" tire look on it?

 

31's will look a little small. Most 4x4's came stock with 32's (265/70-17).

 

Thanks for the help Wandell
Mine came with the three spokes, 255/65 on 16s or something close to that. What is the smallest rim I can fit on my truck? And which is a better tire, bias-ply or radial construction? I know radials handle better on road, but are bias-plys so much worse that they are dangerous at 80 mph and when cornering?
By the way, does anyone know anything about BFG Mud Kings? Are they as good/better than Super Swampers TSL, TSB, Trxus?

 

16 inch wheels are the smallest you can go with. Bias ply tires are not dangerous, but you need to be awear of their shortcomings. On the highway, they tend to wander and wear unevenly and they flatspot overnight and usually don't last as long as radials. Also, since they have more rolling resistance, your fuel economy may go down slightly. If this is your daily driver, you will be much, much better with a radial tire, even if you go with an aggressive mud tire. Tires are one of the things that you tend to get what you pay for. If cost is an issue, keep your OEM wheels and look for a sale on a quality 265/75-16 (32x10.50) or 285/75-16 (33x11.50) radial. I think Pro Comp has a buy three get one free sale on their tires now and their MT is a pretty good tire. Also consider the Maxis Buckshot Mudder.

 

get some mastercraft courser M/T's their made by cooper, and priced good. i've had mine for about 7 months and will buy them again!!!!! [IMG][/IMG]

 

Thanks for the advice, I will check those out. Any tips on where to buy tires?
Is online better than a local shop?

 

I usually decide on a tire and shop for the best price online. Then I try to get a local shop to match the price. I'll buy locally if they can get close to my best online price just to have someone I can deal face to face with.

 

Thanks for the advice Wandell.