Winter Tire Question
#1
08-09-2013, 08:55 PM
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Location: WI
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Winter Tire Question
I'm currently running 275/65-18 Michelin LTX Ms 2 tires on my 04 F-150 super cab Lariat 4x4. I was considering some Firestone Winterforce LT tires for winter. If I can go down to a size 265/70-17 tire, I would save about $30 per tire. I was also going to buy some 17" steel wheels but am wondering if the bolt pattern is the same on 17" wheels vs. 18". I think I have a 6 bolt pattern on my 18" wheels. Can anyone help me?
Thank you,
John
Thank you,
John
Last edited by jnadank; 08-10-2013 at 07:23 AM.
#3
08-09-2013, 11:32 PM
Senior Member
That is a HUGE drop in size. Going from a 32" to a 29.5" tire. Speedometer will be off by 6mph.
Are you sure you did not mean 265/70R17. When I checked the Firestone site, they did not have a winterforce LT tire in 265/60R17.
If you meant 265/70R17, that would only be a drop in size by about .5" and would be a fine substitute. Also if a 4x4, you will need them at all 4 corners.
Are you sure you did not mean 265/70R17. When I checked the Firestone site, they did not have a winterforce LT tire in 265/60R17.
If you meant 265/70R17, that would only be a drop in size by about .5" and would be a fine substitute. Also if a 4x4, you will need them at all 4 corners.
#4
08-10-2013, 07:26 AM
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#5
08-12-2013, 12:28 PM
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you can do it... I did it.
If you want to save some bucks then look for some used OEM 17s... thats how I did it.
It handles amazing with the snow tires in the winter. You don't even need 4WD unless you get into the heavy snow. They are great on ice too.
These are the tires I am using in the winter
P265/70R-17 Firestone Winterforce UV
Per my math, my 18s had a 32.1 rolling diameter and these 17s have a 31.6 diameter. So its only 0.6 inches different, which is only 0.3 inches on the radius. Very minimal variation.
(although with my 2004 I could reprogram it with the Edge. On my new truck I just live with the small offset in mileage)
If you want to save some bucks then look for some used OEM 17s... thats how I did it.
It handles amazing with the snow tires in the winter. You don't even need 4WD unless you get into the heavy snow. They are great on ice too.
These are the tires I am using in the winter
P265/70R-17 Firestone Winterforce UV
Per my math, my 18s had a 32.1 rolling diameter and these 17s have a 31.6 diameter. So its only 0.6 inches different, which is only 0.3 inches on the radius. Very minimal variation.
(although with my 2004 I could reprogram it with the Edge. On my new truck I just live with the small offset in mileage)
#6
08-12-2013, 01:48 PM
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Thanks much for the info. I'm in the process right now of trying to find some 17" rims for a good price. I've been checking the salvage yards and ebay. If I put the 275/65-18 Firestone Winter Force LT tires on, I would pay $227 per tire installed. This would be a 10 ply tire. If I put the 265/70-17 tires on, it would cost me $141 per tire installed. Huge difference in price that is why I decided to go down a size.
