best place to buy tires

[ngarman123]

ok i am looking to replace/downsize my rubber and really dont know where to start. i am currently running 38.5x14.5x15 supper swamper tsl/sx. tires are old and starting to crack pretty good so i am in the market for new ones but am undecieded on what to get. i am thinking of going with a 35-36" range. not going to be a dd and most of the time it is going to see pavement but i still want it to look aggressive and not like oversized stock tires. i really like the look of the mickey thompson claw radials but wondered what everyones opinion is? is there another tire that is similar to the claw but maybe cheaper, or better? or should i stick to them. also what is the best place to buy tires? online and have to pay shipping or at the local wheel and tire shop? would it be better to go with a 15, 16, or 17" rim? or is it personal preference. thanks!

[Novadiecast]

Not sure its the best but, 4wheelparts.com can put you a set together mounted and balanced ready to go. Might be worth checking out. Give them a call.

[Chevalade]

ok i am looking to replace/downsize my rubber and really dont know where to start. i am currently running 38.5x14.5x15 supper swamper tsl/sx. tires are old and starting to crack pretty good so i am in the market for new ones but am undecieded on what to get. i am thinking of going with a 35-36" range. not going to be a dd and most of the time it is going to see pavement but i still want it to look aggressive and not like oversized stock tires. i really like the look of the mickey thompson claw radials but wondered what everyones opinion is? is there another tire that is similar to the claw but maybe cheaper, or better? or should i stick to them. also what is the best place to buy tires? online and have to pay shipping or at the local wheel and tire shop? would it be better to go with a 15, 16, or 17" rim? or is it personal preference. thanks!

Too many guys I know, have run the claws and wouldn't again cause they are too much money for how long they last. If you want a really nice tire for a good price and thet work well on mud, and snow, and last forever.....look into the Cooper STT. They have them in 37's.  As far as rim size it is a matter of personal preference and what kind of wheeling you plan on doing. The bigger the rubber the heavier the rim/tire package is as well, but can be aired down for rock crawling. I like to keep it around a 50/50 ratio for tire to rim....a lil bigger on the tire side...gives good street mannerisms, and I don't rock climb. So I would run a 17" rim and a 37" tire. A 17 rim will let you run a big brake package for slowing down the added rotational mass you are getting by the bigger rubber.

[smitty77]

I can't really help you with tire and rim sizes, but as far as an online retailer, I've had good luck with TireRack.com.  I bought tires twice from them for my family car (snows and a tire/wheel package) and both times they were on my doorstep in 3 days via standard shipping.

They are top notch in my book.

[dunedigger]

Don't get the claws.  Four wheeler Magazine rated them for 10,000 mi on pavement.  They don't hold up.  They are made too soft.  I have explorer pro comp x terrains and I think they look better.  I don't remember off hand where I got them but pro comp runs a special several times a year for buy three get one free.  I shoped around on the internet for awhile and found a place with free shipping and handling, no tax due to online order.  So I only paid for three tires, they showed up fast too, couldn't believe it.  I'll try to find where I got them if you are interested.  I have 45,000 miles on mine and they are still in great shape.  I run 10 psi at the dunes and there is a lot of pavement driving to and from  the campground and running around town while I am there. 

[dunedigger]

oh yeah, and they are made in usa 

[68 TT]

oh yeah, and they are made in usa 

I am interested in who you got the tires through. Please share.

[VileZambonie]

I would run a radial Mud tire. I would also not go over 35" if you want the ride to be decent. The Cooper Discoverer looks and rides nice. I had them on my Blazer.

http://www.discount-tires-2go.com/Store_Detail.cfm?ID=172423&InfoID=4853&ShowLarge=True

[dunedigger]

oh yeah, and they are made in usa 

I am interested in who you got the tires through. Please share.

If I have time to find the recipt or dig up the adress, I will let you know.

[David Hall]

This is the place I use. Helpful and knowledgable sales reps. FREE SHIPPING!!!
http://www.ntwonline.com/Tires_C1.cfm?UserID=914642&jsessionid=30304f0ed2b3$B8$26$2

I've run TLS super swampers / 16000 miles.
           STS radial super swampers / 21000 miles.
           BFG mud terrains / sold them after 5000 miles
           Bogger super swampers / currently have 11000 miles on them.
My son is running a set of Iroc's / currently have 1500 miles on those.
I'm old school, I like 15" rims, there are still lots of choices when it come to tires. The larger the rim the fewer tire choices.

[oldwhity]

I would suggest that the taller the tire the taller you should go in wheel size. I ran a set of 44" Boggers on a set of 15 x 14 inch wheels and it was a little unstable at highway speeds. I asked around and people told me that there was too much side wall. Personally I would run a 15" up to about a 36 or 37 just because of my experience. Just my 2 cents.