It is time for tires on the '99 Expedition. It is an EB 4x4, and stock size is 275/60/17.. has the optional chrome 17" wheels. I would like to get a good handling tire that is great on the street, but also has offroad capability. I have been searching Tirerack for a while and can't seem to find a tire that anyone recomends there. I would also like to step up one size wider to a 285/60/17. Any help on this?
Also, stay with white letter, or change over to blackwalls?

Thanks!

 

Michelin Cross Terrain is a great street tire. 100% better than the OEM Generals I had on my 2000 XLT. Don't think it was made for off roading.

 

I would 2nd that. We have them on our '98 EB. Besides great traction, they are really quiet

 

I'd step up to a 33 inch tire. The BFG AT KO is an excellent all around tire and it's 285/70-17 (33x11.50) size would be perfect for your Expy 4x4.

 

I put Michelin LTX's on my '99 and was really happy with them. They were around $45 cheaper per than the Cross Terrains.

 

Toyo is making a 17" LT tire in their Open Country style. It is a good looking tire. Good luck on finding one, toyota and ford are sucking them up to put on at the factory.

 

Okay - I really need help on this today. Stock size is 265/60-17 (I was mistaken before), and I would like to get something more aggressive - wider. I think I am set on the Kumho Ecsta STX tire (it is a blackwall), and wanted to get input on what size to get... 275/60-17 or 285/60-17. There is $13 difference per tire, and I really don't want it to look too wide for the wheel. Please give me your input.

THANKS!

 

I too recommend the Michelin Cross Terrains.

I had them on my 2000 Expy as well as my current 2004 Expy.

I took the Conticraps off due to vibration/ride problems.

Now everything is perfect.

Smooth as glass up to 100MPH. (fastest I've gone so far)

Just perfect.

Bob

 

Those are a bit more than what I want to spend, but do look like a nice tire. I am looking to spend $100 - $110 per tire... and get something that looks good, and functions alright in the elements. The Kumho tire has good reviews on Tirerack which is unusual. I don't need an expensive tire on this thing... expensive tires go on my Lightning

Any help on the size to get??

THANKS!

 

I've seen 275/60-17 and 265/70-17 but not 265/60-17. My Lariat has the 275/60-17 which is 30" tall. The 265/70 is 31.7" tall. The height is important to me because of gearing so you can believe that I have been studying different brands and sizes of tires quite closely.

What is the rear end gearing of your Expy? The taller tires will hurt accelleration and towing capacities as well as putting more strain on your tranny. Mine lugs bad enough now so I'm in need of regearing just to get this thing to an acceptable level. And that's BEFORE I even think about a taller tire.

Sign up at tirerack.com and study your different options. They will categorize all the available tires in your size (or sizes). Then you can click on the specs page for each one and see exact dimentions and capacities for each and every available size. I think there are 18 tires available in the 275/60-17 so it didn't take me long to sort through them. Going to the taller 70 series gives you many more options.

 

You are right - stock was 265/70-17. Too many numbers to remember today. I do not want a taller tire than I already have today... just a size or two wider. That was why I opted for checking into either:
275/60-17
285/60-17
These two sizes are available on the Kumho Ecsta STX tire... not sure if I should jump all the way up to the 285 tire as it may look too wide for the wheel. Here is a shot of the tire though:

 

If it helps, I took a couple pictures of what the 275/60-17's look like on a stock 2wd setup. They are really wide but they don't look it in these monster wheelwells.

 

Oh, on a side note-
I've been researching for a while since the crap Goodyears on my truck have a vibration as well as unacceptable road noise over 60. Even though I have good tread I may be buying new tires soon. In the 275/60-17 I've narrowed down my preferences to two choices. Michelin Cross Terrain SUV and Yokohama Geolander. My local tire guy quoted me $875 for the Michelins and $750 for the Yokohamas. Road noise, wet pavement traction and how long they last were the most important points. I drive on pavement, not dirt. And I want my truck to be smooth and quiet at 80 mph. Right now I can't even drive it at 80.

 

This is good info...

I believe my current tires (stock so far as I thought--bough the rig used) are 265/70r17 on a '99 4WD.

I want a meatier tire, but dont want to spend a ton.

Without screwing things up, getting new rims or a lift, what is the largest tire you think I can run??

I would be happy to just go wider and not taller, if I can find an aggressive off-road looking tire.

Any help appreciated!

 

I put Bridgestone dueler a/t's on my 01 expy and loved them.. the ride was 100% better and there was no noise... I just bought a Navigator and am looking forward to putting them on this ride. and the price was good... Hope this helps..