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Tires - Again
Topic Started: Mar 3 2009, 11:46 AM (3,584 Views)
johnrb
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OK, I know this question has been asked before - more than once. The Tech & Tips pages has lots of info.
But
Most of that info is a few years out of date - Most of the tires mentioned no longer exist. And there's not 100% agreement on a couple issues.
I've searched the board with no luck.
I've spent hours digging through tire manufacturers' web pages (aaarrrrrggghhh)
Coker has nothing for me but military NDTs
Wallace Wade's site has no info - only address and phone - call or write
So
Parameters:
Mostly stock 3B - Ross steering, no lift, etc.
I have 6.00x16s now
They are NEW! NDTs - maybe 25 miles on them
I want to change to light/medium-aggressive tread mud & snows
I want to swap now while the NDTs are new so I don't take a monster hit on selling them.
I have no spare so if I'm going to change tires, I need to do it now before I buy a spare.

Results of my search:
From the major tire makers, the only option for me is LT215/85R16
All but one of those tires I've found (20 to date) say minimum 5.5" rim
There's one Bridgestone that says it'll go on a 5" rim - the M773 SWP II
- here's what it looks like - not exactly what I had in mind but OK, I guess.
So
I have specific questions:

1) Are the NDTs really as poor for rain and snow as some have said? My 3b is going to be mostly a daily driver on pavement with occasional, mild off-road. Chicago area means months of rain, snow, ice, etc.

2) Can I successfully put the modern, 215 radials tires on my 4.5" rims? I've seen comments both Pro & Con. What's the real scoop? Is there a consensus? I don't want squirrely steering.

3) Does anyone besides Coker have bias ply?

4) Where else can I look for tires? I've checked:
Bridgestone (3)
Coker (0)
Cooper (7)
Dunlop (2)
Goodyear (4)
Kelly-Springfield (1)
Kumho (1)
Uniroyal (2)
Yokohama (site too broken)

This is getting too long.
Thanks for any wisdom and/or experience you can pass on.

John Burch - west burbs of Chicago
1946 2A - now I have one older than me
1949 - me - no longer older than all my vehicles
1954 3B - mostly stock - fun driver and snow plowing
1957 - 6 cyl Station Wagon - hope for the future

past Willys
1954 3B - no tub | 1959 3B - engine in pieces in a box

past addiction - VW
1969 Bus | 1970 Westfalia Camper | 1984 Westfalia Camper
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Randyb
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Randyb
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Johnrb,

I just ordered a set of these:

http://www.universaltire.com/cart.phptarge...category_id=343

Supposed to be in one day this week. I was torn between the NDT's which I wanted for looks and originality but figured if I really needed some good traction I would be mad at myself if the NDT's didn't do the job. I'm still not sure if I did the right thing but I guess time will tell.

It will be a while before I can give you a report on them becasue I am in the middle of going thru my Jeep and it might be a while before I can really test them.

I ordered them thru my local tire shop which sold them to me at the same price as listed but he got them from Coker. I couldn't find the picture on Coker so I just sent you this ad but same tire.

Good luck
Randy Baker
Winters, CA
1953 CJ3B
1952 M38
1977 CJ5
Flat Fender Dodge Power Wagons
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Randyb
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Randyb
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Well, lets try that link again.

http://www.universaltire.com/cart.php?targ...category_id=343
Randy Baker
Winters, CA
1953 CJ3B
1952 M38
1977 CJ5
Flat Fender Dodge Power Wagons
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oldtime
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I agree with Randy.
The 6 ply 6.50 x 16" Super Traxion seems to be the best bargain available for any 4 cylinder Civilian Jeep equipped
with Ross steering and standard rims. It claims a diameter of 30.2" which in my opinion is near the optimum of 31"

Another nice Jeep tire is the 6 ply 6.50 X 16 " Firestone knobby. This tire is not as tall (29.4"), and more expensive.

http://www.universaltire.com/cart.php?targ...category_id=343

One more really great tire can sometimes be found used up in Canada.
It is the Iltis M101 Michelin 6.50 X 16 XL Military
In my opinion it has an excellent offroad tread pattern with large square directional lugs.

Any way I recommend 6 ply for offroad service and 4 ply for road use (less cost).

1) Yes the NDT's are poor wet pavement performers.
Perhaps the NDT's could be "siped" for better wet pavement traction ?
This tire lug pattern is ideal for severe rock service. (gravel to boulder)

2) Yes these narrow 215's can successfully be installed onto 4.5 rims without steering concerns.
However the exagerated sidewall bulge and steel belts are not good off-road.
I am not a believer in steel belted tires for off road use.
Rough off road service breaks the steel belts before you can wear the tread off.
They are potentially dangerous !!!
Currently building my final F-134 powered 3B .
Rock Crawler using factory parts from the Willys Motors era (1953-1963)

http://s4.zetaboards.com/CJ3B_Bulletin_Board/topic/30228766/1/#new
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Randyb
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Randyb
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Ken,

I have the M101 Michelin 6.50 X 16 XL Military on a military trailer I bought out of Canada. I thought about how nice it would be to have a set for my 3B but didn't know where a feller could get a set. I have to admit I didn't look very hard but do you know where you can purchase those?
Randy Baker
Winters, CA
1953 CJ3B
1952 M38
1977 CJ5
Flat Fender Dodge Power Wagons
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johnrb
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Excellent. That's what I was looking for. Perhaps a bit more aggressive tread than needed, but it fits all my other wants. And it's a larger rolling diameter than the 6.00x16 military tires so I get to lower my RPM a bit too.
Thanks Randy.

Ken, I saw those Firestone knobbys but I somehow don't think they'd look right. I've almost never seen knobbys on a Jeep. Thanks for confirming some of the info I've found. I don't think I'll ever find any rocks to crawl in DuPage county, IL so the military tread doesn't fit my lifestyle. :)

Again, thanks to all who lend their experience to us Newbies.
John Burch - west burbs of Chicago
1946 2A - now I have one older than me
1949 - me - no longer older than all my vehicles
1954 3B - mostly stock - fun driver and snow plowing
1957 - 6 cyl Station Wagon - hope for the future

past Willys
1954 3B - no tub | 1959 3B - engine in pieces in a box

past addiction - VW
1969 Bus | 1970 Westfalia Camper | 1984 Westfalia Camper
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John in NC
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Randy,
I'm hoping for a review of the tires. I'm planning on getting the same ones this spring for my 3B & would like to hear (read) about your experience once you have some miles on them.
It's a Jeep ... we'll make it.
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COPPERSWILLY
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Copperswilly
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Is there any draw backs to these tires? I was going to go with this kind


http://www.universaltire.com/cart.php?targ...category_id=306
Chris .... MD
54 cj3b OIIIIIO
62 cj3b OIIIIIO
74 cj5. OllllllO
49 Bantam TC3
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johnrb
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Hey Copperswilly that's almost exactly what's on my 3B now that I'm going to change out. Want 'em? Have I got a deal for you!

Mine are the STA (Specialty Tires of America) 6.00x16 4-ply NDT. They've got maybe 25 miles on 'em just in town - max 35 mph. Still got the mold flash on 'em.
John Burch - west burbs of Chicago
1946 2A - now I have one older than me
1949 - me - no longer older than all my vehicles
1954 3B - mostly stock - fun driver and snow plowing
1957 - 6 cyl Station Wagon - hope for the future

past Willys
1954 3B - no tub | 1959 3B - engine in pieces in a box

past addiction - VW
1969 Bus | 1970 Westfalia Camper | 1984 Westfalia Camper
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Randyb
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Randyb
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John in NC,

I will sure let you know what I can. The end of May we have a Dodge Power Wagon Rally in Hollister, CA. If I can fit it on my trailer with my Power Wagon, I'm going to take it. I should be able to get a good idea of how they do there.
Randy Baker
Winters, CA
1953 CJ3B
1952 M38
1977 CJ5
Flat Fender Dodge Power Wagons
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COPPERSWILLY
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Copperswilly
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Hey John, I was looking for the pictures of your jeep to see what tires you had but couldn't find them. What kind of deal do you have?... I'm curious :-)
Chris .... MD
54 cj3b OIIIIIO
62 cj3b OIIIIIO
74 cj5. OllllllO
49 Bantam TC3
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johnrb
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I'll email you.
Meanwhile:
http://home.comcast.net/~jrburch_h/jeep/jeep.html
John Burch - west burbs of Chicago
1946 2A - now I have one older than me
1949 - me - no longer older than all my vehicles
1954 3B - mostly stock - fun driver and snow plowing
1957 - 6 cyl Station Wagon - hope for the future

past Willys
1954 3B - no tub | 1959 3B - engine in pieces in a box

past addiction - VW
1969 Bus | 1970 Westfalia Camper | 1984 Westfalia Camper
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jeeper50
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ol' skool jeeper jeff
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John
I bought my 700 x16 NDTs from them, quick, cheap shipping. I wanted a little wider tire than the 650s. But my second choice was the super traxions.

I did not have them balanced when mounted and have very little vibration at 45mph Quality STA brand.
In the land of the blind... the one eyed man is king
Texan at heart, Georgian by paycheck

'53 CJ3B, F134, 12v alternator, lockrights, Hot-Spark electronic module,11"self energizing brakes, Belleview winch, Beachwood summertop, OD color, built to honor all Veterans of this great country


Kayaks- Hobie Revo 13, Hobie Outback 12' both ready for the salt...
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gp3791
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Ok, found what I think is a source for the Iltis M101 CDN TIRE 6.50 R16 XCL Michelin military XL tires. There is an auction on ebay for 1 tire, but the seller states that if you need more to let them know. Ebay Auction number 400034059805 sellers name is militarytires out of Quebec, so that makes sense.
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Galen
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I have the optional 15 inch wheels- I would like to get the Michelin military XL tires for my wheels. Are they available in this size (7x15) or do I have to go with 16" wheels? I am not sure if I want ogo with NDCC but I like the look over civilian tires as I have a 54 3B. Any thoughts...
1954 CJ3B -Transport Yellow-
1953 B4 Dodge Power Wagon
1941 Dodge WC 1/2 ton military
1967 Plymouth Valiant
Culpeper, VA
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