Cooper Discoverer S/T tires (load range C) vs BFG AT KO

[p nut]

The backspacing is 4-5/8" on the 4runner 5-spokes and 4-7/8" on the Tundra/Sequoias, but they are 1/2" wider, so they'll be 1/4" closer to the upper A-arm AND stick out 1/4" more than my existing wheels. I'm installing some 1" wheel spacers to move them out even with the edge of my large SR5 fender flares. I just finished painting the wheels today, they came out looking really nice.

Wait, if they're 4 7/8" backspacing (thanks for the correction on that, by the way), then they would be 3/8" closer to the A-arms. Rim width has nothing to do with backspacing. It comes into play when measuring offset, though.

I'd like to hear what you think of the ST's. I am interested in the ST Maxx the next go around.

 

[paddlenbike]

Wait, if they're 4 7/8" backspacing (thanks for the correction on that, by the way), then they would be 3/8" closer to the A-arms. Rim width has nothing to do with backspacing. It comes into play when measuring offset, though.

They should be 1/4" closer to the A-arms. 4 7/8" - 4 5/8" = 2/8"

If I am thinking of this correctly, a 1/2" wider wheel moved 1/4" closer to the A-arm should also stick out of the wheel well by an additional 1/4".

 

[p nut]

They should be 1/4" closer to the A-arms. 4 7/8" - 4 5/8" = 2/8"

If I am thinking of this correctly, a 1/2" wider wheel moved 1/4" closer to the A-arm should also stick out of the wheel well by an additional 1/4".

Holy crap-sacks, my math skills suck. Yeah, 1/4" closer, my bad.

In this example, yes, 1/4" on both sides. However, if the BS was the same, Tundra's would just stick out 1/2" more out the fender side.

 

[Clutch]

Holy crap-sacks, my math skills suck.

LOL.

I try to never-evar do math on the internets forums.

 

[paddlenbike]

Holy crap-sacks, my math skills suck. Yeah, 1/4" closer, my bad.

In this example, yes, 1/4" on both sides. However, if the BS was the same, Tundra's would just stick out 1/2" more out the fender side.

haha, it's okay, you had me doubting my math for a second.

 

[Silvanus]

I too have been an BFG loyalist since 1991 ( 30-9.5-15's A/T on an 1990 YJ no lift ) and will be in the market for new tires next spring. In doing my research for a proven A/T, I'm giving Cooper a go, A lot of positive reviews on Cooper tire and they're highly rated. I'm either going for the A/T3 or ST Max, I'm on KM 33-10.5-15 now. I prefer a very narrow tire ( 32-9.5 would be ideal, my TJ-L is lifted 2.5") so I'll up grading to 16" wheels, very few choices in 15" diam. and I really dig all of the narrowness in an 16" diam.!

How have A/T3 or ST Max hold up to trail/roads conditions, my Jeep is an DD/trail Mule, so being that I'm moving to Cooper tires I'd like an heads up so to speak???

Thanks,
Carlo

 

[paddlenbike]

I got them installed and am really happy with how they look. They're nice and quiet on the highway too.

 

[Zachary29649]

Running 30.5 cooper ST been running them for about 5 years now and the wear like iron. Even on my +5000 pound jeep with daily driving weekend wheeling trips and a trip out through Utah and California without and issue. I will continue to buy cooper tires over BFGs even though I can easily get a 20% discount on any BFGs.

 

[huntsonora]

Thats a load range C Cooper? What did they weigh?

 

[Bayou Boy]

The BFG AT is a really old design. It rocked compared to everything that looked like a Goodyear Wrangler AT back in the day. Tread technology has come a long way since then and BFG has not kept up with the competitors. There's a reason everyone used them 10 years ago and now you see more and more people switching to Nitto Terragrappler, Hankook Dynapro, Wrangler Silentarmor, Cooper ST, and others. A lot of these newer designs just work better.

 

[rkj__]

Those look good paddlenbike.

 

[paddlenbike]

Thanks for all of the input. Usually I buy something *then* everyone comes back and says "oh, you shouldn't have bought those!" Glad that isn't the case here.

So far, so good on the tires. They are a little noisier than the BFGs but that's to be expected with the more aggressive tread. I am really happy I went with these.

huntsonora--these are load range C and weigh 50.0 lbs in this size.

 

[AA1PR]

I have the Coopers AT3's I adore them if that helps

not a bad tire

 

[stioc]

I got them installed and am really happy with how they look. They're nice and quiet on the highway too.

So how would you compare them to the BFGs since you've had them for some time? I'm thinking of replacing my near-new Duratracs for either BFGs or ST Maxx but after seeing this I may consider the STs. The reason for switching is while the Duratracs do well offroad, have the snowflake rating and look great they tend to wander/float on the road. The huge voids that give them the good traction offroad aren't very good on-road. The tire store said they'll swap them out for the BFG ATs for $120. Might be higher for the Coopers.

 

[paddlenbike]

So how would you compare them to the BFGs since you've had them for some time? I'm thinking of replacing my near-new Duratracs for either BFGs or ST Maxx but after seeing this I may consider the STs. The reason for switching is while the Duratracs do well offroad, have the snowflake rating and look great they tend to wander/float on the road. The huge voids that give them the good traction offroad aren't very good on-road. The tire store said they'll swap them out for the BFG ATs for $120. Might be higher for the Coopers.

I just did a 700 mile trip this weekend, 55 miles of those were off-road. Let me start by saying I have absolutely nothing bad to say about the BFGs except for two things, price and the lack of a Load Range C or D tire. I just won't run E's on a 4,000 pound 4Runner.
Meanwhile, the only bad thing I have to say about the ST's is they are noisier than the BFGs were. They hum a bit on a concrete highway. Otherwise, the traction is great on and the road, they ride smooth and there's no wandering or wobbling, with the exception of the tire hum, they ride like they were Michelin passenger car tires. The biggest selling point for me over the BFG's was the fact that these were available in a Load Range C, they have excellent reviews, deeper and more aggressive lugs than the BFGs without moving to a mud terrain, and a lower cost.
I hope that helps. Oh, the ST Maxx might even be a better tire than the ST. They have the newer/more rugged sidewall too. They just weren't available in the size I needed.