I just called my local Big O tire store to arrange to purchase 2 STZ01 tires on Friday. The owner told me that Falken has discontinued the STZ01 tire and he has STZ04 tires in stock in my size, 285/60/18.
The reason I am buying only two tires is when I bought my truck, there were 2 new tires on the front and the back ones were pretty worn. I tried to get two new ones for the back, but no joy. So the front ones have about 5,000 miles on them. The two on the back are in dire need of replacement. Also, I figure I would stay with Falken because that is what I have on the front as far as fairly new tires.

My questions are:

Has anybody heard of the STZ01 being discontinued?

Is the STZ04 a good tire?

I plan on putting the new STZ04's on the front and the STZ01's with 5,000 miles on them on the back. Is this a good idea?

I know I should know this info, but this is the place to ask.
Like I say to the people that work for me: "The only stupid question is the one that isn't asked".

Thanks for your help.
Reloader.

 

I have a little over 10,000 miles on my Falkens so far and love them.

 

I just found out yesterday that a friend at work is friends with the owner of about 20 Big O stores in and around the Las Vegas, Nevada area, and he said he would contact him and see if the Falken STZ01 is really discontinued, and he also said that he can get from him any tire they sell at wholesale dealer price, shipped to his door. He told me to just wait until he hears back from him about if he can get STZ01's. So, instead of buying 2 STZ04 tires at my local Big O on Friday, I'll wait and see what he has to say, then I'll make a decision.
I went on to the Falken website and also the Big O website, and NOTHING on either website made any mention about the STZ01 being discontinued.
Maybe my local Big O store just wants to sell the STZ04's and not bother with ordering the STZ01's for me?
What do you guys think?
Both the STZ01 and the STZ04 are good tires.
Reloader.

 

Okay, I got two new tires at my local Big O dealer.
Falken STZ04's. I put them on the front, and put the two good STZ01's on the back. It was $288.85 out the door. Not too bad.
They said I have 80% brake pads remaining on the front and 30% remaining on the rear. I also have a leaking right rear shock that I saw.
I think I can go for a while on the rear brakes, just keep an eye on them. The manager said they use OEM Ford brake parts on their brake jobs.
But I don't think what he quoted me for shocks (Monroe Reflex) is low enough.
Around 400 bucks for four shocks installed? That just doesn't sound right unless I misunderstood what he was telling me.
Anyway, now I don't have to worry about having bald tires on the back. Good rubber all around.