It was brought to my attention that my tires are "passenger tires". I would like to replace it, but I only have 22K miles and maybe trade up to the Super Duty or 7.7K next year. My tires are the Goodyear Wranglers 16' with max psi at 35. Up to what tonnage are the Wranglers able to witstand? I beefed up the springs so I estimate that my axles should handle 6500 lbs safely (was 6000 lbs), but my tires may be the next weak link (or the bearings). Currently the pressure is set at 31 psi's on all tires. Should I bump it up since I do carry heavy loads? Up to what pressure should I use without compromising safety (I am willing to lose a bit mpg's and ridability). And if I need to replace the tires, any recommendation? I don't plan on going offroad other than the occasional trip to the dump sites, and drive-ins. I am concerned with load capacity, traction and efficiency. Road noise isn't high on my list. On my second point, I find it weird that many people consider the backseat like a torture chamber. I made two long trips on the backseat, and although it isn't very comfortable, it is indeed tolerable. I am 5'11 and 160 lbs, and spent up to 3 hours in the back. Sleeping is not a problem, and I find it more comfortable than the bus seats. Also, I really love my 99's folding backseat because of its utility. If I ran out of room in the back, the cab provides a flat floor for more loading. But I hear, the 2K's got a fold up seat now, like in the Tundras. Do they still provide comparable cargo clearance to the older front hinged folding seats? And I hear that the 2K's have a more reclined seat. Did they extend the cab, or sacrifice leg room? I will forever pick an extended cab truck with a cap over any SUV. Jack of all trades yet still master of some.

Leo dC

 

GOOD_GUY - basicly, your right - the OEM tires are generally - "The Lowest Bidder" tires. Forget ANY warranty claims. You might as well throw away the tire book that comes with the truck - you get 0 for 0. -Having said that, it does NOT mean your tires are junk - only thinner sidewalls, and of course not "speed rated" - if you O/R they should be replaced with something better suited.
I haul a 5th whl & have made 2 long (5000 km) trips with my OEM 235/70/16 Firestones - mind you the tongue weight is only 4/500 lbs.
The sticker on the driverside door will tell you the MAX air you can put in the tires. I personally run a couple of pounds more IE 35 or 36 all around. I've had no probs. & no eneven tire wear in 25000 Kms. I plan on replacing the OEM's - but not right away.
Hope this helps.

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98 F150 S/C 4.6 2wd Vermillion/Silver,HD Tow Pkg, Boards, Vents, Bug Chaser, DIY "breezer" Tailgate, 5th whl hitch, Tool box, 16" OEM Mag's,
Mobil1 /Wix Oil filter/ K&N / air box mod.
In looks & go - Chevy - like a rock.


[This message has been edited by roadrunner (edited 12-11-1999).]

 

GOOD_GUY,

I don't know about the tires, mine came with Goodyear Eagle GT II's, that I think are pretty decent tires!

On the issue of the back seat, I had a 2000 on order and changed my mind and bought a 1999 because of the rear seat change! In my opinion, Ford ruined the functionality of the extended cab when they changed the rear seat! They increased the angle of the back of the rear seat by 18% for comfort, but in doing so ended up with less leg room (which equates to comfort to me) and less storage space as well! Take a look at the 2000, and raise both sections of the rear seat, then look at the huge peice of metal that intrudes into the storage space! Just one persons opinion, but it definately changed my mind about buying a 2000! I was just lucky to discover it early enough that there was still a decent selection of new 99 to choose from!

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Paul... :-)
99 F-150 XLT SC Sport, 4.6L, Auto, Captain Chairs, Class III Towing Package, Sliding Rear Window,
White, 4X2, CD, Soft Factory Tonneau Cover, K&N Filter, Line-X Spray on Bed Liner
More to come

 

Well, my truck came with Goodyear Wrangler RT/S tires. I'm guessing that stands for Rough Terrain/Street. All I can say is they don't do street very well, especially in the rain. I'm spinning the wheels all over the place.

 

goodguy--have you thought about "trading" your tires in? The last set that I had on my 93 only had 29k miles on them, but I wanted a little more grip. So I traded the tires(4) for new ones, and got $30 a piece. The tires listed $69/new, so I thought I got a heck of a deal. Its an Idea, otherwise, you could consider buying your tires, and selling your tires later.

 

You can trade in tires? Where can you do that, in the dealer? If so, does that price also include installation?

Leo dC

 

Good_Guy - I don't know were you live, but maybe you have a non corperate tire store in your area - try to deal with the owner - some will offer a trade in on a full set of tires - it makes it a little more affordable.
I doubt you'd get much responce from a dealer (Ford).
Hope this helps.

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98 F150 S/C 4.6 2wd Vermillion/Silver,HD Tow Pkg, Boards, Vents, Bug Chaser, DIY "breezer" Tailgate, 5th whl hitch, Tool box, 16" OEM Mag's,
Mobil1 /Wix Oil filter/ K&N / air box mod.
In looks & go - Chevy - like a rock.

 

Hi Guys and Gals - I need to throw a correction in at this point. The maximum tire pressure that is posted on the doorjamb sticker is not the maximum pressure that the tire manufacturer recommends in all cases - that is Ford's recommendation. Go with what is imprinted on the tire's sidewall. Reading the sidewall will also provide you with the load rating of that tire.

Tom in Tacoma

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1998 F150 XLT S/C 4.6L Auto, 3.55LS, 4X2, Moonlight Blue, all the bells & whistles except for leather seats. Lund Deflector, K&N, Body-color painted Throttle Cover, Pentaliner S/R, Window tint, factory side-steps, Infiniti component speakers, Superchip. Tom in Tacoma (Washington not Toyota)