MCObray
Explorer
Thanks. It's a good first step in the direction I am heading.
Appreciate the comments. I am stoked on the new set-up and so glad with the improvement of removing the running boards. It was driving me nuts!
'99 Toyota 4Runner. Runnin' down a dream.
- Thread starter MCObray
- Start date
Thanks. It's a good first step in the direction I am heading.
Appreciate the comments. I am stoked on the new set-up and so glad with the improvement of removing the running boards. It was driving me nuts!
deadbeat son
Explorer
I hear you there, I would love to pull the boards off of my wife's 4th gen, but she uses then to help fasten our daughter into her carseat. Then, I have a feeling as our little girl grows older, she'll use them to climb into the car. So, no matter how much better the 4R looks without them and no matter how much better the ground clearance is, we'll be stuck with ours for years to come.
MCObray
Explorer
I've been having some issues with these Duratracs, to say the least. I drove home initially on Sunday (70 miles on I5 South) and the vehicle felt like it would come apart if I pushed it more than 60 MPH. I requested wheel weights on the inside of the wheels, preferably, when getting mounted on Saturday. This was a NO-GO as the ride was unbearable. I took the Runner into the local America's Tire here in Eugene and had them re-balanced on Monday. NO-GO! I drove back after a 10 miles test drive and had them road force balance the very same day. There was a marginal improvement in ride quality, BUT it still does not feel right. I'm not sure if I'm just being a nancy, or I in fact got a defect set of tires. I do not mind the slight hum, but the constant steering wheel shake is just simply not cool. The vehicle rode completely fine with the other set of tires, and I have yet to spot any issues with my steering. I'm contemplating whether to get the tires swapped out for another set, or go to the tried and true BFG All-Terrains that never gave me a problem. My only issue with the BFGs is that it comes in a Load Range E, which I am certainly trying to stray away from. I truly want to like the Duratracs, but so far, I am disappointed to say the least. I do love the Load Range C, snowflake rating, and how the Duratracs look though... Stay tuned!
photo by Bucky Images, on Flickr
photo by Bucky Images, on Flickr
deadbeat son
Explorer
Sorry to hear about your issues with the tires, but have you taken any steps to rule out a problem with one or more of the used rims you mounted the tires on? The other tires roll smooth, but they're on other wheels, right?
mortonm
Expedition Leader
They often are stiffer and have a rougher ride. I've gone 2 years of E rated 235 85s on my Xterra without issue, but I also came from a VW GTI with a 40 series sidewall tire...
MCObray
Explorer
The vehicles weight simply does not warrant an Load Range E tire. Yes sidewall is tougher ( LR C =6 Ply vs. LR E= 10 Ply), but I just think it is overkill for this application. I had LR E set tires on my previous tire, and it was a much bumpier (feel a lot more with bumps, potholes, etc.) ride than with the LR C that I have right now... but those Open Country AT2 had great road manners with an aggressive tread pattern. I just get that extra shimmy/wobble now with the Duratracs, instead of a bumpy ride with the AT2s.
I've inspected the wheels and did not see any noticeable bends or cracks. I suspected when they were road force test, an issue like such would've been brought to light since a load is put on the tire to simulate potential driving encounters/situations. The other tires, P265/70/16 BFG Rugged Trail (think stock Tacoma tires & wheels combo) rolled just fine. I expected a change switching to this All Terrain/Mud Terrain tire, but certainly not this much change. It's really taken the fun out of driving the vehicle to me. I imagine road fatigue on a lot longer drivers would come into play quicker because of so.
deadbeat son
Explorer
Perhaps there's a slight enough bend that it can't be seen, but then again, I would also think it would be noticeable on a balancing machine, road force or otherwise. Due to my engineering background, it's just tough for me to assume the problem was caused by one variable when two variables were changed at the same time, unless there was test work to prove it so. I know you don't like the Tacoma wheels, and I understand; they just don't look right on the 4R, but I wonder what the result would be with the new tires mounted on those wheels. It may be worth the time and effort to try it to isolate the issue to verify the problem, but then again, it may not.
Good luck.
MCObray
Explorer
Call me Nancy, but the tires are indeed ok. On Friday, I met up with a forum member who had the same exact tire, but with more miles on them. I had him drive my car, and he drove mine. All in all, we did about 10 miles on city roads and the interstate. His vehicle felt the same as mine, to my surprise, and I believe I just had high expectations of what the tires should feel like instead of what they are... Hybrid all terrain/mud terrain. With that said, I am leaning towards keeping them and running them for quite sometime. I did about 200 miles this weekend on the Interstate, as well as coastal highways. It was a great trip and a nice first weekend of Spring. 
Next up: Timing Belt/Water Pump/Radiator/Transmission Cooler.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Next up: Timing Belt/Water Pump/Radiator/Transmission Cooler.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
MCObray
Explorer
And a few more snaps:
Neskowin, OR. by Bucky Images, on Flickr
Pacific City, OR. by Bucky Images, on Flickr
Pacific City, OR. by Bucky Images, on Flickr
Neskowin, OR. by Bucky Images, on Flickr
Pacific City, OR. by Bucky Images, on Flickr
Pacific City, OR. by Bucky Images, on Flickr
MCObray
Explorer
Thanks man. Yeah, they sure check a lot of my boxes and i'm looking forward to putting down some miles on these treads. If you're in the Willamette Valley folks, I hope you took advantage of the weather today. Touched 70 for the first time this year!
Spencers Butte. by Bucky Images, on Flickr
MCObray
Explorer
Ah, much better! LT265/75/16, Load Range E, Snowflake rated, BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO.
1999 Toyota 4Runner by Bucky Images, on Flickr
1999 Toyota 4Runner by Bucky Images, on Flickr
1999 Toyota 4Runner by Bucky Images, on Flickr
1999 Toyota 4Runner by Bucky Images, on Flickr