Getting new tires, 2000 Silv Ext cab 4x4

[rjirvine]

I am thinking of putting on some Michelin LTX m/s tires on my 2000 Silverado ext cab 4x4. The current tires on it are Firestone Steeltex (non-recall type) and they sincerely SUCK.

 

The original tires from the factory and the current ones are 245/75R/16's. I was thinking of staying with this size because all I do is town/highway driving-no towing. I know if I go up in size, the gas mileage will suffer.

 

The other "stock" size is 265/75R/16, but if I go with these, how much would it cost to get the speedometer tweaked at the dealer, and what advantages would I gain (other than looking cooler). I found a website that compares tire sizes and it shows if I go with a 265/70R/16 that there will be negligible speedometer difference (.5%).

 

I was going to go with the Bridgestone Dueler Revos', but the Firestone tire place here was being kinda shady on the phone (ie trying to rip me off). I had the Michelin LTX's on my 1988 K1500 and they were outstanding and I still had 1/2 tread left with over 60k miles on them. I'm inclined to repeat a positive experience.

 

I found a place by word of mouth that can get me the Michelin's for $665 installed, with lifetime balancing, rotating, and road hazard. They are only the 4 Ply, but since I dont haul or tow often, I figure that's better than the 6 or 10 ply.

 

What would you guys get?

[burgundyz71]

Personally I was never a fan of 4 ply tires on our trucks, just personal preference.

[rjirvine]

Personally I was never a fan of 4 ply tires on our trucks, just personal preference.

 

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Why is that? I'm pretty much a tire knowledge rube. I do know the more ply the stiffer the ride, and obviously you can haul more with more ply.

[Shaners]

The LTX's are a great choice. I've run them before and have nothing but positive things to say about them.

 

If there isn't much $ difference, I would at least consider the load range "C" tires. This way if you happen to have to haul something heavy. you'll be covered.

 

Also, I would consider the 265/75/16's. Not only will they look better, but the extra size will help with the ride (plus a larger tire has a heavier load capacity). I would guess your speedo would be off less than 3%.

[pm26]

One factor you must consider with larger tires is that you will effectively have taller rear end gears when you place larger tires on the truck. Your speedometer will be off by about 6%. I say that because going from 31X10.5R15 tires (about the same as P265-75R15) to P235-75R15 on my Nissan truck, the speedometer was off by 10% (reading too high versus actual speed). I also effectively lowerd my gears from 4.3:1 to something like 4.73:1. Nissan actually sold a speedometer sender to compensate for this becuase they offered the same truck with both size tires and the same axle gearing.

[93Stocker]

If your OE tires (on the door sticker) were P245/75R16 then either go with them or the P265/70R16 you mentioned. The difference in the diameter is only 0.3 in., slightly less than 1%. Some websites advise that staying within 3% of the OE diameter is desireable for computer accuracy, verify that where you buy them. Also, verify your rims are within the approved width range for a P265/70R16. If you have a standard K1500 that had OE P245/75R16 tires the only reason I see to consider light truck (LT) tires would be if you want firmer handling. For the 75 series tires mentioned, a Load Range C (6-ply rated) LT tire inflated to it's maximum of 50 psi. provides at most 140 lbs. per tire more load carrying capacity. The OE tires have to satisfy your truck's maximum weight ratings. I'm currently running the Michelin LTX M/S and have to say they're the best highway tires I've ever had on a pickup.

[rjirvine]

If your OE tires (on the door sticker) were P245/75R16 then either go with them or the P265/70R16 you mentioned. The difference in the diameter is only 0.3 in., slightly less than 1%. Some websites advise that staying within 3% of the OE diameter is desireable for computer accuracy, verify that where you buy them.  Also, verify your rims are within the approved width range for a P265/70R16. If you have a standard K1500 that had OE P245/75R16 tires the only reason I see to consider light truck (LT) tires would be if you want firmer handling. For the 75 series tires mentioned, a Load Range C (6-ply rated) LT tire inflated to it's maximum of 50 psi. provides at most 140 lbs. per tire more load carrying capacity. The OE tires have to satisfy your truck's maximum weight ratings. I'm currently running the Michelin LTX M/S and have to say they're the best highway tires I've ever had on a pickup.

 

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Well, I looked at my door sticker and the truck came with LT 24575R16 tires. The tires on the truck now are Firestone Steeltex AT's in the same size, load range C. I have been looking on the web for the past 2 days and my eyes are burned out trying to decide if I should get Revo's or the LTX M/S. I have decided to move up to the 265's and don't think it will be a problem with my 4.10 rear end. I don't tow or haul much, but think I will go with 26575r16 load range C or D. I have had past experience with the LTX m/s and liked them a lot, but am intrigued by the Revo's. I like being able to take my truck anywhere anytime (ie over snowy mountain passes if the weather is crappy etc.) I want a quiet smooth tire, and to be honest, the Steeltex's aren't too bad as long as I'm on a dry straight stretch of highway. Any thoughts?

[Indy]

If you like Michelin and want more tread than the M/S, what about LTX A/T?Micheli LTX A/T

[2005 Z71]

Wait a couple more months - always better sales in the summer. Or at least that is what I have found...

[93Stocker]

The tires on the truck now are....load range C. I have been looking on the web for the past 2 days and my eyes are burned out trying to decide if I should get Revo's or the LTX M/S.....Any thoughts?

 

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The door sticker lists additional info needed for making a decision about replacement tires (Load Range - is it listed there as C?, cold inflation pressure and rim width). You can't go by tire dimensions alone. A tire professional should be able to clarify anything you have questions about. You can call places like Tirerack, Discount Tire Direct, Michelin and Bridgestone toll free (have all the specifics about your truck handy). Be sure that both the load carrying capacity and speed rating of the replacement tires are equal to or greater than what the OE tire spec requires. To help you decide which tires to buy, the Tirerack.com website has lots of reviews written by consumers for both the LTX M/S and Revo. Hope this is helpful!

 

This link will compare two different tire sizes.

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos

[Raymond Lowe]

I've done the opposite of what you are considering. I went from the stock stickered size of 265/75R16 to the other smaller factory size of 245/75R16. I ordered this truck new so I know every detail.

 

The truck came with Goodyear Wrangler RT/S P265/75R16's. In retrospect, this was actually quite a good tire. I got about 70,000mi out of them, rotating every 6,500mi (10,000km). I hunted and offroaded with it with no puncture issues, it was fairly quiet on the highway, and traction was decent.

 

Next came the Michelin LTX's in LT265/75R16 in load range C. This is probably one of thee best highway tires going and certainly the longest lasting tire. I put 70,000mi on them but they would probably would have gone 100,000mi, again, rotating every 6,500mi - that's the key! Rain and dry was excellent, snow so-so but not bad. Off-road - be careful! The paper thin sidewalls are very suseptable to damage so no extreme off-roading. On the other hand, these thin sidewalls make for a nice smooth highway ride.

 

Now I have the Revo's in LT245/75R16. Yes, I went down in size. This truck is not my daily driver anymore so I only use it for specific work tasks and winter conditions which we don't see that much of. In a K1500, the 265's float too much in the snow as there's just not enough weight. I can tell you that the 245's bite better and the truck tracks straighter in snow. The Revo's are marketed as an off-roading tire and they are definitely stiffer and rougher than the Michelins. They are a better traction tire in snow and tougher for off-roading which is what I was after. They won't last near as long as LTX's due to their open tread design. Noise is not bad considering. If you go Revo's, be aware that they need a few weeks to "settle" in so don't make assumptions too early. And don't kid yourself - this is a truck tire, not a passenger car tire. I run 41psi front, 39 rear after experimenting. Anything less made them look half-flat.

 

One other thing about the speedo. It's not a simple dealer tweak to change sizes. They have to download (as in purchase) a complete ECM program from GM with your new tire size and vehicle spec's. Then the labor to reprogram it. Cost me $200.

 

Hope this was helpful.

[99silveradoz71]

I looked at both and went with my second set of Revo's. The LTX's just seemed like more of an all-season tire. I had 54k on the Revo's when I replaced them and could've probably gotten more, but I got some metal in 1 and had it patched and opted not to wait replacing the tires knowing that I would need them sooner or later. Definitely pleased with the Revo's. Great wet traction, snow traction, comfortable ride.

[slemmer]

I agree they make a great summer tire. I wasn't impressed with them in Winter. I had better results in the snow with my original Firestones on my '95 CCSB. I've read good things about the Dueler's and they seem to have a better snow rating.

[JRHDCrew]

Id go with the LTXs, I have had good luck with them over the years.

On my 89 blazer I was getting 100k out of them, and they still looked OK(passed NH inspection).

On my 97 GMC Excab also got 100 K out of my first set, changed them at 155k.

Traded that truck in at 160k and had them switch LTX's over the New HD and they are at 27k and still look new.They are not cheep but if you rotate them often you can get your money's worth.

Just my $.02

 

 

John

[rjirvine]

Well, I've decided on the LTX m/s. Im gonna upgrade from the 245's to the 265's and take it to the dealer and have them reprogram the PCM and the anti-lock brake modules. (I've heard that will cost about $200)I should have it done this week and I'll give you all a report.

 

I did put new monroe reflex shocks on the front (p/n 911151) and that made a world of difference! The old right shock made a gurgling sound and wouldn't even come up halfway when I depressed it. I have the Z-71 package and understand they are bilseteins (red in color), and have a lifetime guarantee, but not sure how to cash that in. The old shocks had a spacer tube on the upper grommets, and the new reflex's didn't, so far (100 miles on 'em) they appear to work great. Man, I love the exchange of info on this forum...Thanks Al Gore for the internet!