I'm about to close on a 2006 Gen 3 with a 1.5" Ironman lift, and I'm starting to plan out my build. It's going to need new tires, so that's first up on the list.
I'm planning to daily drive the thing and use it on local Kansas trails on the weekends, with occasional longer trips to the Ozarks and Colorado rockies. Kansas gets snow in the winter, but it's not constant, so I'm hoping to avoid switching to winter tires. That means I'm looking for something that'll do well in a variety of conditions both on and off road. Also, I'm sensitive about payload and unsprung weight, as well as wear on suspension components. I'm also planning on sticking with the stock 17" wheels that came on the later Limiteds.
That leaves me pretty much looking at passenger load rated all terrain tires. After a bunch of research, I've narrowed it down to two choices and could use ya'lls feedback on the decision.
General Grabber ATX 265/70R17 - Gives me a 0.5" inch more ground clearance than stock, will definitely fit, and seems to be a really well regarded all-around AT tire. Unlike it's LT siblings, it doesn't weigh too much.
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S 285/70R17 - Gives me another 0.5" ground clearance, a bigger contact patch, and even weighs a hair less than the General Grabber. On the downside, the side biters are much less aggressive/robust, and the overall performance reviews are less impressive than the General Grabber. Being even taller, it maybe starts to get into the territory where I'd want to consider a 4.9 diff swap. It's also on the edge of what's recommended for fitment on the stock 7.5" width wheels (not sure if that's an issue or not?). Plus, it may rub a bit(?) when the suspension is fully compressed.
So, the decision comes down to excellent smaller tire vs okayish larger tire. I'm leaning towards the General Grabbers, at least until I get more experience under my belt with the vehicle. Thoughts?
I'm planning to daily drive the thing and use it on local Kansas trails on the weekends, with occasional longer trips to the Ozarks and Colorado rockies. Kansas gets snow in the winter, but it's not constant, so I'm hoping to avoid switching to winter tires. That means I'm looking for something that'll do well in a variety of conditions both on and off road. Also, I'm sensitive about payload and unsprung weight, as well as wear on suspension components. I'm also planning on sticking with the stock 17" wheels that came on the later Limiteds.
That leaves me pretty much looking at passenger load rated all terrain tires. After a bunch of research, I've narrowed it down to two choices and could use ya'lls feedback on the decision.
General Grabber ATX 265/70R17 - Gives me a 0.5" inch more ground clearance than stock, will definitely fit, and seems to be a really well regarded all-around AT tire. Unlike it's LT siblings, it doesn't weigh too much.
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S 285/70R17 - Gives me another 0.5" ground clearance, a bigger contact patch, and even weighs a hair less than the General Grabber. On the downside, the side biters are much less aggressive/robust, and the overall performance reviews are less impressive than the General Grabber. Being even taller, it maybe starts to get into the territory where I'd want to consider a 4.9 diff swap. It's also on the edge of what's recommended for fitment on the stock 7.5" width wheels (not sure if that's an issue or not?). Plus, it may rub a bit(?) when the suspension is fully compressed.
So, the decision comes down to excellent smaller tire vs okayish larger tire. I'm leaning towards the General Grabbers, at least until I get more experience under my belt with the vehicle. Thoughts?