What size KDW2s?

[Dark_Knight7096]

For all the marauder owners running KDW2s on their cars: what size do you run? I was under the impression that the correct KDW2 size is 255/55/18, i purchased a set and i just received them but they look HUGE when placed next to my rears right now, so before i do anything with them i just want to ensure that, that is the right size for them. I know they don't match up exactly and there will be a speedo discrepancy but is that what you guys are running? Thanks a lot.

[TAF]

you got the correct size (255/55/18 for the rear)....throw them on and enjoy!

They are a little less than 1/2" taller and wider but will fit nice on your stock rims.....

[Dark_Knight7096]

OK, i just got scared cause they looked immense next to the 245/55s i have on there now, that sounds great. Thanks!!!!!!!

[Captain Steve]

From Tire Rack...

Section Width

Following the letter(s) that identify the type of vehicle and/or type of service for which the tire was designed, the three-digit numeric portion identifies the tire's "Section Width" (cross section) in millimeters.


P225/50R16 91S

The 225 indicates this tire is 225 millimeters across from the widest point of its outer sidewall to the widest point of its inner sidewall when mounted and measured on a specified width wheel. This measurement is also referred to as the tire's section width. Because many people think of measurements in inches, the 225mm can be converted to inches by dividing the section width in millimeters by 25.4 (the number of millimeters per inch).


225mm ÷ 25.4 = 8.86"

Sidewall Aspect Ratio

Typically following the three digits identifying the tire's Section Width in millimeters is a two-digit number that identifies the tire's profile or aspect ratio.


P225/50R16 91S

The 50 indicates that this tire size's sidewall height (from rim to tread) is 50% of its section width. The measurement is the tire's section height, and also referred to as the tire's series, profile or aspect ratio. The higher the number, the taller the sidewall; the lower the number, the lower the sidewall. We know that this tire size's section width is 225mm and that its section height is 50% of 225mm. By converting the 225mm to inches (225 ÷ 25.4 = 8.86") and multiplying it by 50% (.50) we confirm that this tire size results in a tire section height of 4.43". If this tire were a P225/70R16 size, our calculation would confirm that the size would result in a section height of 6.20", approximately a 1.8-inch taller sidewall.


So.. P245/55R18s would be.. 10 inches wide, and 5.5 inches high.
The P255/55R18s would be.. 10.41 inches wide, and 5.72 inches high.


That's a whole lotta words .. short version is "What TAF said.."

[MarauderMark]

Can these tires be on all fours without any trouble?

[Dark_Knight7096]

there wouldn't be a problem with putting them on all four because they make a 235/50/18 in KDW2 so that wouldn't be an issue and i knew about the number stuff i was just double checking my previous knowledge, you know the old addage: It is better to measure twice...

[Smokie]

there wouldn't be a problem with putting them on all four because they make a 235/50/18 in KDW2 so that wouldn't be an issue and i knew about the number stuff i was just double checking my previous knowledge, you know the old addage: It is better to measure twice...Nothing wrong with double checking, I have them and I am very happy with them...... CLICK (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=15396) .... check it out.

[hitchhiker]

you got the correct size (255/55/18 for the rear)....throw them on and enjoy!

They are a little less than 1/2" taller and wider but will fit nice on your stock rims.....
Do you think these (KDW2's) are better?

What size should I have on the fronts?

Thanks,

David

[TAF]

Do you think these (KDW2's) are better?

What size should I have on the fronts?

Thanks,

David
I feel they are light-years better than the OEMs...

I run the stock size (235/50/18) on the fronts....

[sailsmen]

I have the KDW2 on the rear and they are awesome. :D The shouldn't even have the same 3 letters as the OEM.

[fastblackmerc]

there wouldn't be a problem with putting them on all four because they make a 235/50/18 in KDW2 so that wouldn't be an issue and i knew about the number stuff i was just double checking my previous knowledge, you know the old addage: It is better to measure twice...
Won't putting all four size tires on an '04 w/ traction control make the traction control not work? :confused:

[BruteForce]

I feel they are light-years better than the OEMs...

werd :beatnik:

[wchain]

Won't putting all four size tires on an '04 w/ traction control make the traction control not work? :confused:


I was thinking the same thing, in fact, I was thinking putting any size other than 245/55R18s on the rear will really hose Traction Control alltogether.........

[Dark_Knight7096]

I was thinking the same thing, in fact, I was thinking putting any size other than 245/55R18s on the rear will really hose Traction Control alltogether.........

They make a 235/50/18, same size as OEM for the front and the rear they don't make a 245 so the only option is the 255.

why would it effect the traction control? traction control activates when the system beleives that the rear tires are spinning out of proper relation when compared to the front tires. If there was a smaller tire on the rear and a larger one on the front, then the computer would sense that the rear tires are spinning faster than they should and the TCS would activate itself, so long as you keep the balance in check then there should not be too much of a problem. If you want to equate it to something, the best comparision would be a gear swap. Essentially if you put a taller tire on the rear you decrease your rear gear ratio, with a .5" difference there will not be much of a ratio loss but still. So as long as the computer interperates the data it is receiving as proper, everything should be ok. At least that's what i'm hoping, and if these tires screw with my TCS, i'll just turn it off.

[jstevens]

This may sound like a dumb question and I read the BFG website,

But can these be used in snow like the OEM tires?

[Dark_Knight7096]

This may sound like a dumb question and I read the BFG website,

But can these be used in snow like the OEM tires?

It says on tirerack.com that they performed unacceptably in the snow, and i just told a friend of mine that i purchased a set and his response was, "oh god, hope you have something else for the snow", he used to work at a tire place so i respect his opinion on this one, actually recommended the KDWSs for snow, i'm gonna have to get on the ball and look around for the 16" CV rims or another set of marauder wheels for next winter.

[wchain]

It says on tirerack.com that they performed unacceptably in the snow, and i just told a friend of mine that i purchased a set and his response was, "oh god, hope you have something else for the snow", he used to work at a tire place so i respect his opinion on this one, actually recommended the KDWSs for snow, i'm gonna have to get on the ball and look around for the 16" CV rims or another set of marauder wheels for next winter.


THe D= Dry W= Wet S= Snow

The concept was that with additional sipes in the tire and a straight tread block would perform good in the snow. Concept is the key word here. I guess if you would actually drive in the snow, I would get some 16" Steelies and Blizzaks or something to use for the snow.............

[ultravorx]

Hey, i actually just purchased these tires in the 255/55/18 configeration on all four corners. I love them, but on EXTREME turn to turn it rubs just a bit. It seems to rub the plastic splash shield in the middle of the tire. No biggie for me since i make a mental note not to do those types of turns. But the rubbing is so slight i wouldnt even worry about it! The rears fit no problem, i promise you will LOVE how the car hanldles after this mod!
Frank

[mcb26]

I e-mailed ask the expert at ford.com about tire sizes and effects on traction control and ABS as well as any other issues we should be aware of. Will post the reply if and when I get it.

[Patrick]

Nothing wrong with double checking, I have them and I am very happy with them...... CLICK (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=15396) .... check it out.
Javier how does the KDW2's handle in the rain? Just curouis looking at the tread design.

[Patrick]

I feel they are light-years better than the OEMs...

I run the stock size (235/50/18) on the fronts....

Hey Todd stupid question. Why not put the new KDWS2's on all four? Easier tire rotations. Just thinking and your thoughts on this.

[Smokie]

Javier how does the KDW2's handle in the rain? Just curouis looking at the tread design.No hydroplaning, grips wet pavement better the OEM, I don't know about the twisties when is raining 'cause I don't go out of my way to look for trouble...if you know what I mean.:D

[Patrick]

No hydroplaning, grips wet pavement better the OEM, I don't know about the twisties when is raining 'cause I don't go out of my way to look for trouble...if you know what I mean.:D

Thanks!! I know what you mean.
:bs: :lol: :lol:

[TAF]

Hey Todd stupid question. Why not put the new KDWS2's on all four? Easier tire rotations. Just thinking and your thoughts on this.
Patrick I have the KDW2s on all-fours. I just put the 235/50/18s on the front, and the 255/55/18s on the rear.

Reason 1...I like the rake with the smaller tires up front
Reason 2...the car handles MUCH better with the smaller tires up front
Reason 3...No rubs on the wheel wells
Reason 4...You need to drive my car again and feel how it handles.... :up:

[SouLRioT]

Reason 4...You need to drive my car again and feel how it handles.... :up:

This will cost you money, be carefull. ;)

[Patrick]

Patrick I have the KDW2s on all-fours. I just put the 235/50/18s on the front, and the 255/55/18s on the rear.

Reason 1...I like the rake with the smaller tires up front
Reason 2...the car handles MUCH better with the smaller tires up front
Reason 3...No rubs on the wheel wells
Reason 4...You need to drive my car again and feel how it handles.... :up:

Thanks Todd. I am going to check today, #4 would be the right answer!!!
:high5:

[Patrick]

This will cost you money, be carefull. ;)

Thats why I keep working OT!!!!!

[Marauder]

Anyone have pix of the 255/55-18's on all 4's?
I need tires very soon and am debating on what to get.

[Krytin]

Anyone have pix of the 255/55-18's on all 4's?
I need tires very soon and am debating on what to get. Danny, with your lowered front end these may not fit.

[Marauder]

Danny, with your lowered front end these may not fit.
True. I could always try to 245/55-18's up front to try.

[duhtroll]

Well, now the big question.

Any reason to deviate from the recommended PSI for these new KDW2s?

With the stock KDWs on the rear people found a higher PSI helped with center wear.

I ain't puttin' mine on for at least another month, but it would help to know what people have found works best for the pressure.

Todd?

Thanks,
-A

[schuvwj]

Very good question!

40 psi is too harsh a ride for me, don't want to use it if I don't have to.

[TAF]

I'm running 35 PSI on all four....