OK, the deal here is to find a load range E tire (about 3000 pounds) that will fit my 17" F-150 as close as possible to the original tire diameter of 30.1 inches. It would be nice if the tire had an easy quiet ride as the truck is also my daily/only transportation.
LT245 /70 R17 is only .5 inches taller. And it can be found most places, but by special order only for load range E. This means several trips to the tire store to convince folks that really is what I want and I will wait a day or two to get it.
Here's a couple of lists of tires that meet my needs. And some that are mud and snow tires. I need just enough bite to get through our annual dusting of snow to get to work, I don't need a real M+S tire or it's noisy rough ride.
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/fil...=prca&fqs=true
Not listed there are Cooper and some others here...
http://www.kauffmantire.com/tirelist...ckfind=2457017
So I went to my tire dealer buddy and after repeated attempts to sell me what he had in stock and for a good price. But they were wrong tread, hard ride commercial tires that were 245/75, and thus too tall. After some firm "No that's not what I want" he will order tires tomorrow morning.
Michelin is the first choice, in two types.
Then Goodyear.
Then Cooper.
We'll talk money in the morning when the suppliers are open, and then by close of business tomorrow I'll have new tires!
Just in time for the winter slush season. My current tires are running out of tread!
