Thinking about the KDW2

[Rider90]

I'm thinking about the 255/55/18 BFG KDW2 tire for the rear only. I don't have enough money to put them all around, but after giving my car it's oil change and seeing what 12k, 40 psi, and an occasionally heavy foot have done - Not only am I severely disapointed in the tire, but I need new ones.

I did a search on Tirerack for all 255/55/18 tires as well as our OEM size and the results were easy to filter, if any of you have ever done that search. I checked out each tire, none of which I really liked, and it came to the KDW2. I like the design but I am concerned about the tire wear issue. What makes these tires wear differently than the stock OEM tires? I'm not a tire expert here.

I performed a search as "KDW" and came up with the threads. I've read each post and comment about the tire. From what I saw only two confirmed people have gone with that tire as that size, and still it was a little early in the game to compare tire wear. Another thing I am concerned about is the height difference. Is this only about a 1" increase?

If any of you can help me out here this would be greatly appreciated. If I find used ones I'll just end up buying the same crappy tire and replacing it down the road. If I'm doing it once I'm doing it right.

[Rider90]

And Tire Rack first says this tire is "Back Ordered" then when you click the link from the search it says "Not Available" :confused: Guessing I have to find another dealer...

[IMAX]

Subscribing... I'm interested in the responses too...

[tmac1337]

I have a stack of KDW2's in my garage waiting for the day when my stock tires need replacing. I have the larger rears and the smaller fronts. They look good!

As for wear, several members are running them, they should post.

[duhtroll]

I got mine when they were "low stock" a while back. They should have more by now. :(

-A

[jabird56]

I have KDW2s on order, they should be here at my local tire store for a weekend install. They matched the TireRack pricing. I have ordered the 235/50/18s and the 255/55/18s.
From my understand about tire sizing (somebody correct me if I'm wrong) the following matrix shows the tire diameter comparisons:

<table x:str="" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 339pt;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="452"> <col style="width: 48pt;" width="64"> <col style="width: 49pt;" width="65"> <col span="2" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"> <col style="width: 50pt;" width="67"> <col span="2" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"> <tbody><tr style="height: 38.25pt;" height="51"> <td class="xl22" style="height: 38.25pt; width: 48pt;" height="51" width="64">Overall Width</td> <td class="xl22" style="width: 49pt;" width="65">Aspect Ratio</td> <td class="xl22" style="width: 48pt;" width="64">Wheel Diameter</td> <td class="xl22" style="width: 48pt;" width="64">
</td> <td class="xl22" style="width: 50pt;" width="67">Tire Width</td> <td class="xl22" style="width: 48pt;" width="64">Tire Diameter</td> <td class="xl22" style="width: 48pt;" width="64">Tire Radius</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="" align="right" height="17">235</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="0.5" align="right">50%</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" align="right">18</td> <td class="xl25">
</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="9.2519685039370092" x:fmla="=SUM(A3/25.4)" align="right">9.25</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="27.251968503937007" x:fmla="=SUM(((E3*B3)*2)+C3)" align="right">27.25</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="13.625984251968504" x:fmla="=SUM(F3/2)" align="right">13.63</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="" align="right" height="17">245</td> <td class="xl24" x:num="00.55" align="right">55%</td> <td x:num="" align="right">18</td> <td>
</td> <td class="xl23" x:num="9.6456692913385833" x:fmla="=SUM(A4/25.4)" align="right">9.65</td> <td class="xl23" x:num="28.610236220472444" x:fmla="=SUM(((E4*B4)*2)+C4)" align="right">28.61</td> <td class="xl23" x:num="14.305118110236222" x:fmla="=SUM(F4/2)" align="right">14.31</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="" align="right" height="17">255</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="00.45" align="right">45%</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" align="right">18</td> <td class="xl25">
</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="10.039370078740157" x:fmla="=SUM(A5/25.4)" align="right">10.04</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="27.035433070866141" x:fmla="=SUM(((E5*B5)*2)+C5)" align="right">27.04</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="13.51771653543307" x:fmla="=SUM(F5/2)" align="right">13.52</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="" align="right" height="17">255</td> <td class="xl24" x:num="00.55" align="right">55%</td> <td x:num="" align="right">18</td> <td>
</td> <td class="xl23" x:num="10.039370078740157" x:fmla="=SUM(A6/25.4)" align="right">10.04</td> <td class="xl23" x:num="29.043307086614174" x:fmla="=SUM(((E6*B6)*2)+C6)" align="right">29.04</td> <td class="xl23" x:num="14.521653543307087" x:fmla="=SUM(F6/2)" align="right">14.52</td> </tr></tbody> </table>
So going from a 245/55/18 to a 255/55/18 widens your rear tire by .39 of an inch and enlarges your tire diameter by .43 of an inch or a radius of .21 of and inch.
If my math is bad, somebody let me know.

Don't know if I have the record or not, but I current have 32,000 on my OEM KDWs.

Jay

[drgnrdr33]

Jabird,

what tire pressures are you running? Have you kept it the same all 32k?

[LVMarauder]

I just but those tires up front. All i can say is got grip? Great tire.

[jabird56]

Jabird,

what tire pressures are you running? Have you kept it the same all 32k? I've been running at 35 PSI. I have been running with 35 PSI since around the 10K mark. Granted, I don't STOMP on it like some of you do, but I do get to cruise at 80+ on the Interstate (speed limit is 75) out here in Nebraska where the deer and antelope play.

FYI, The NE State troopers (from a reliable source) do have at least one MM in their inventory.

[Rider90]

After reading as many reviews as I can find between the stock KDW and the KDW2, seeing all of TAF's pictures of his KDW2 tires on the rear, and doing as much comparison numbers as listed, I've made the decision that I want the KDW2s.

NOW here is the part that sucks. The 255/55/18 tires are on backorder for 8-10 weeks :alone:. A tire rack rep called after placing my order letting me know this information. He did mention he had the OEM KDWs in stock and ready for shipment, but I don't want those tires. I told him thank you for calling but I'll have to cancel my order. 8-10 weeks puts me somewhere in June or July and I need new tires before that. Back to the drawing board.

:censor:

[GarageMahal]

After reading as many reviews as I can find between the stock KDW and the KDW2, seeing all of TAF's pictures of his KDW2 tires on the rear, and doing as much comparison numbers as listed, I've made the decision that I want the KDW2s.

NOW here is the part that sucks. The 255/55/18 tires are on backorder for 8-10 weeks :alone:. A tire rack rep called after placing my order letting me know this information. He did mention he had the OEM KDWs in stock and ready for shipment, but I don't want those tires. I told him thank you for calling but I'll have to cancel my order. 8-10 weeks puts me somewhere in June or July and I need new tires before that. Back to the drawing board.

:censor:

Yikes! I better order now... I may be able to make it until July but not much past then. Thanks for the heads up.

jta

[Dark_Knight7096]

I have the KDW2s on my rears. I can't really comment too much on the treadwear as i only put them on less than 1K ago but OMG these tires are awesome. They hold the road like no tomorrow and I am very impressed with them. I talked to a few other people (import guys who asked about my car) and one asked if I had the KDW2s, I told him yes and he said his friend has them on his WRX and he has never been happier with any tire other than the KDW2s. Just my .02

[jabird56]

I have KDW2s on order, they should be here at my local tire store for a weekend install. They matched the TireRack pricing. I have ordered the 235/50/18s and the 255/55/18s.
From my understand about tire sizing (somebody correct me if I'm wrong) the following matrix shows the tire diameter comparisons:

<table x:str="" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 339pt;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="452"> <col style="width: 48pt;" width="64"> <col style="width: 49pt;" width="65"> <col span="2" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"> <col style="width: 50pt;" width="67"> <col span="2" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"> <tbody><tr style="height: 38.25pt;" height="51"> <td class="xl22" style="height: 38.25pt; width: 48pt;" height="51" width="64">Overall Width</td> <td class="xl22" style="width: 49pt;" width="65">Aspect Ratio</td> <td class="xl22" style="width: 48pt;" width="64">Wheel Diameter</td> <td class="xl22" style="width: 48pt;" width="64">
</td> <td class="xl22" style="width: 50pt;" width="67">Tire Width</td> <td class="xl22" style="width: 48pt;" width="64">Tire Diameter</td> <td class="xl22" style="width: 48pt;" width="64">Tire Radius</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="" align="right" height="17">235</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="0.5" align="right">50%</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" align="right">18</td> <td class="xl25">
</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="9.2519685039370092" x:fmla="=SUM(A3/25.4)" align="right">9.25</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="27.251968503937007" x:fmla="=SUM(((E3*B3)*2)+C3)" align="right">27.25</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="13.625984251968504" x:fmla="=SUM(F3/2)" align="right">13.63</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="" align="right" height="17">245</td> <td class="xl24" x:num="00.55" align="right">55%</td> <td x:num="" align="right">18</td> <td>
</td> <td class="xl23" x:num="9.6456692913385833" x:fmla="=SUM(A4/25.4)" align="right">9.65</td> <td class="xl23" x:num="28.610236220472444" x:fmla="=SUM(((E4*B4)*2)+C4)" align="right">28.61</td> <td class="xl23" x:num="14.305118110236222" x:fmla="=SUM(F4/2)" align="right">14.31</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="" align="right" height="17">255</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="00.45" align="right">45%</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" align="right">18</td> <td class="xl25">
</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="10.039370078740157" x:fmla="=SUM(A5/25.4)" align="right">10.04</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="27.035433070866141" x:fmla="=SUM(((E5*B5)*2)+C5)" align="right">27.04</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="13.51771653543307" x:fmla="=SUM(F5/2)" align="right">13.52</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="" align="right" height="17">255</td> <td class="xl24" x:num="00.55" align="right">55%</td> <td x:num="" align="right">18</td> <td>
</td> <td class="xl23" x:num="10.039370078740157" x:fmla="=SUM(A6/25.4)" align="right">10.04</td> <td class="xl23" x:num="29.043307086614174" x:fmla="=SUM(((E6*B6)*2)+C6)" align="right">29.04</td> <td class="xl23" x:num="14.521653543307087" x:fmla="=SUM(F6/2)" align="right">14.52</td> </tr></tbody> </table>
So going from a 245/55/18 to a 255/55/18 widens your rear tire by .39 of an inch and enlarges your tire diameter by .43 of an inch or a radius of .21 of and inch.
If my math is bad, somebody let me know.

Don't know if I have the record or not, but I current have 32,000 on my OEM KDWs.

Jay
Had the KDW2s installed this afternoon 235/50/18s on the front and 255/55/18s on the rear. It took JENSEN Tires here in the Omaha area, about a week to order and receive the tires. They look great, and so far stick to the road like duct tape. http://www.mercurymarauder.com/forums/images/smilies/burnout.gifhttp://www.mercurymarauder.com/forums/images/smilies/burnout.gif

[IMAX]

Had the KDW2s installed this afternoon 235/50/18s on the front and 255/55/18s on the rear. It took JENSEN Tires here in the Omaha area, about a week to order and receive the tires. They look great, and so far stick to the road like duct tape. http://www.mercurymarauder.com/forums/images/smilies/burnout.gifhttp://www.mercurymarauder.com/forums/images/smilies/burnout.gif

Pics!!! Side views, angled views... Just post some pics!!!

[jabird56]

Pics!!! Side views, angled views... Just post some pics!!!

If it's sunny here this afternoon (after work) I'll take some pics.

[jabird56]

Pics!!! Side views, angled views... Just post some pics!!! OK!, Here are some pics. In the gallery use keyword: KDW2

[Rider90]

I like the taller, fatter tire. Looks bad-ass. BTW: I ordered mine. Still gotta wait, but at least I'm on the list.

[MMM2003]

I like the taller, fatter tire. Looks bad-ass. BTW: I ordered mine. Still gotta wait, but at least I'm on the list.

I send an email to Cy at Tirerack.com. We dealt with him in the past on our snow tires. He confirmed that they have the KDW2 in stock. They are in two different warehouses, so cheapest delivery will take a little longer, but they are available.

I'll need some new ones here pretty soon as well. I like the way my Bridgestone are handling, but I want a little bit more width in the back. No size Bridgestone has would work. So I guess I'll go with the KDW2 as well.

Thanks,

Peter aka MMM2003

[MENINBLK]

...seeing what 12k, 40 psi, and an occasionally heavy foot have done - Not only am I severely disapointed in the tire, but I need new ones....

If you are planning on keeping your foot in it, then get the least expensive rubber you can find.
No tire will last more than 12k with your foot in it...

Tirerack shows both sizes of KDWS in stock...

[GarageMahal]

I send an email to Cy at Tirerack.com. We dealt with him in the past on our snow tires. He confirmed that they have the KDW2 in stock. They are in two different warehouses, so cheapest delivery will take a little longer, but they are available.

I'll need some new ones here pretty soon as well. I like the way my Bridgestone are handling, but I want a little bit more width in the back. No size Bridgestone has would work. So I guess I'll go with the KDW2 as well.

Thanks,

Peter aka MMM2003

I ordered a set of the KDW2s last week from my servicing dealer :eek: and they just came in today. The dealer price was higher than TireRack but I come out ahead after shipping charges. It suprised me :dunno:

jta

[MMM2003]

I ordered a set of the KDW2s last week from my servicing dealer :eek: and they just came in today. The dealer price was higher than TireRack but I come out ahead after shipping charges. It suprised me :dunno:

jta

I was quoted $677.95 incl. shipping (cheapest) from the tirerack for the four KDW2's.

[drgnrdr33]

I have the KDW2s on my rears. I can't really comment too much on the treadwear as i only put them on less than 1K ago but OMG these tires are awesome. They hold the road like no tomorrow and I am very impressed with them. I talked to a few other people (import guys who asked about my car) and one asked if I had the KDW2s, I told him yes and he said his friend has them on his WRX and he has never been happier with any tire other than the KDW2s. Just my .02

So how is your wear on the rear tires now? Still good?

[Leadfoot281]

I bought my 04 MM 08-04 with 19K miles. The tires were in good condition. Not new, not wore out either. Replaced them 9-05 at 37K miles with original spec tires for $690 installed. I did have to wait a week for them though.

As I understand it, heavy cars just wear out tires faster. 18" tires are performance orientated and will wear faster. No complaints here about stock tires. I don't understand why people don't like them.

[Rider90]

So how is your wear on the rear tires now? Still good?
I know you didn't ask me, but I have 16,000+ miles on my KDW2 rears and they are wearing great. The stock rears were crapola at 14,000 miles keep in mind.

[MarauderMarc]

I have the KDW2s on my car front and back.....very nice and very good performance. Love the look and the handling. Fu** KDWSs!!!! I went through 4 sets in 10 months. You wont be sorry.

[David Morton]

Well I guess you guys are looking for something to wear better because I got a set of KDW2s' a month ago and they suck!
Paid a little less than $500, plus $80 to roadforce mount and balance at the dealership and I hate these tires.

They squeal on turns, during braking and chirp when the 1-2 shift occurs. Either you guys like the noise or you just don't know how to drive fast.

Traction at all times is not good, especially on wet pavement. I can't bring the car to nearly as high g-forces in the turns or during braking as before. Maybe you guys are talking about dirt road handling, I know one of you is a farmer.

I've had them at 32 psi and now I'm down to 25 rear, 28 front, which seems to give the best handling they're capable of, but the car is nowhere near what it was capable of with the KDWSs'.

I will not be getting them again and I'm seriously thinking about getting them off the car and going back to the originals. It ain't worth $600 to me to drive handicapped.

Feel like getting one of those "slow moving vehicle" signs.

crappy cheap tire :shake:

[Hack Goby]

Well I guess you guys are looking for something to wear better because I got a set of KDW2s' a month ago and they suck!
Paid a little less than $500, plus $80 to roadforce mount and balance at the dealership and I hate these tires.

They squeal on turns, during braking and chirp when the 1-2 shift occurs. Either you guys like the noise or you just don't know how to drive fast.

Traction at all times is not good, especially on wet pavement. I can't bring the car to nearly as high g-forces in the turns or during braking as before. Maybe you guys are talking about dirt road handling, I know one of you is a farmer.

I've had them at 32 psi and now I'm down to 25 rear, 28 front, which seems to give the best handling they're capable of, but the car is nowhere near what it was capable of with the KDWSs'.

I will not be getting them again and I'm seriously thinking about getting them off the car and going back to the originals. It ain't worth $600 to me to drive handicapped.

Feel like getting one of those "slow moving vehicle" signs.

crappy cheap tire :shake:Im at the point where Im starting to look for new tires.I got 20,000 off the factory tires and if you look at my sig. I guess I did pretty good.The trouble I have with the KDW2`S is to me they look like Truck tires.Them is some butt ugly tread pattern.What Im going to do for winter is go with Blizzaks all around on 16" steel rims and then I will have all winter to figure out what tire I want for the summer.

[Rider90]

Well I guess you guys are looking for something to wear better because I got a set of KDW2s' a month ago and they suck!
Paid a little less than $500, plus $80 to roadforce mount and balance at the dealership and I hate these tires.

They squeal on turns, during braking and chirp when the 1-2 shift occurs. Either you guys like the noise or you just don't know how to drive fast.

Traction at all times is not good, especially on wet pavement. I can't bring the car to nearly as high g-forces in the turns or during braking as before. Maybe you guys are talking about dirt road handling, I know one of you is a farmer.

I've had them at 32 psi and now I'm down to 25 rear, 28 front, which seems to give the best handling they're capable of, but the car is nowhere near what it was capable of with the KDWSs'.

I will not be getting them again and I'm seriously thinking about getting them off the car and going back to the originals. It ain't worth $600 to me to drive handicapped.

Feel like getting one of those "slow moving vehicle" signs.

crappy cheap tire :shake:
25 psi? and you are suprised they make noise and squeal all the time? Also, best handing at 25 psi? Mine are at 40 psi and they do great in the handling department. I had them at 35 psi for a week and couldn't stand it. Too soft, gave me the floating feeling around turns.

[Pat]

Rider90;


David blasts the KDW2's as unsuitale for his style of driving and that should be a key point in your decision. Do you drive like David or not.

I put KDW2's on my MM about 500 mi ago and I like 'em, but I'm just a regular old driver who only goes a little faster in a straight line.

We also haven't had any rain around here in nearly five months.

The tire is one inch taller that stock and it's very noticeable on the car, gives it a more intimidating, aggressive hot rod look. That 1" taller measurement was taken both on and off the rim.

My price from tire rack was $300.72 for the two rears including shipping.

My point? Consider your driving style, weather factors in your area, image you want to portray, tread design, mileage reports from other users, manufacturer's claims and what your mother might think.

My mom, 96, rides with me every day to and from the old folks center and boy do we surprise the younger crowd. She likes the roar of the flowmasters and the acceleration. She has a big grin when we hand someone their head. Just don't go too fast for too long she say's.

[MarauderMarc]

Well I guess you guys are looking for something to wear better because I got a set of KDW2s' a month ago and they suck!
Paid a little less than $500, plus $80 to roadforce mount and balance at the dealership and I hate these tires.

They squeal on turns, during braking and chirp when the 1-2 shift occurs. Either you guys like the noise or you just don't know how to drive fast.

Traction at all times is not good, especially on wet pavement. I can't bring the car to nearly as high g-forces in the turns or during braking as before. Maybe you guys are talking about dirt road handling, I know one of you is a farmer.

I've had them at 32 psi and now I'm down to 25 rear, 28 front, which seems to give the best handling they're capable of, but the car is nowhere near what it was capable of with the KDWSs'.

I will not be getting them again and I'm seriously thinking about getting them off the car and going back to the originals. It ain't worth $600 to me to drive handicapped.

Feel like getting one of those "slow moving vehicle" signs.

crappy cheap tire :shake:
First off, I AM NOT a farmer and do not live on a dirt road. The KDWS tires suck and wear out too quickly. If you want to sell your KDW2s, Ill buy them. Ive driven in rain, shine, and hard corners and get excellent results. To each their own, but like I said, Ill buy yours.

[David Morton]

First off, I AM NOT a farmer and do not live on a dirt road. The KDWS tires suck and wear out too quickly. If you want to sell your KDW2s, Ill buy them. Ive driven in rain, shine, and hard corners and get excellent results. To each their own, but like I said, Ill buy yours.Don't take it personally guy. I just don't like the tire, I have no opinion about you and wasn't thinking about you as the "farmer" anyways.

I don't buy tires for this car with an eye towards wear, if I was pinching pennies over tires I think the cost of gasoline would make that look like a BB inside a box-car. I want performance and I'm not getting it now.

Somebody said 40 psi is what they're running and theirs handles good. I'll give it a try and if it's better, I'll eat them words. If not, I'll send you a PM with an offer.

Deal?

[Rider90]

David: I keep mine at 40 psi and once I lowered them to 35 psi and could not believe the difference in floating around turns and at higher speeds. Those five pounds made a night and day difference, but nonetheless, they will make your car ride worse.

[drgnrdr33]

I went to my local America's Tires store today to order KDW2s all around. They matched TireRack's price, added $10ea for delivery and $10ea for mount/balancing, etc. Sounds good, eh? Then the tech noticed that the 235/50/18s on front were Y speed rated and the rear 255/55/18s were V rated. According to them, because of some California law, they can not mount two different speed rates tires on a car and also told me the rears would have softer sidewalls and thus the car would have more oversteer.

Try as I might, they would not do it. Pirellis were double the price, Falkens were about the same price but they do not have a 235 so I would have to go 255 all around. Toyos were $75-100 more, each. Looks like I'm back to the original KDWS unless anyone else has some good advice.

[warren]

Drgnrdr33,

RE: KDW2's

Try another dealer.
I asked the Wheel Works folks up here in No.Cal.
and they said no problem.
They would install the YR's in front and the VR's
in back.

Warren

[dflynn5]

America Tire in Tracy installed the same combo that you were looking for. Costco would not but it was because of the different size on the rear compared to the OEM. Try another.

Good luck.




Drgnrdr33,

RE: KDW2's

Try another dealer.
I asked the Wheel Works folks up here in No.Cal.
and they said no problem.
They would install the YR's in front and the VR's
in back.

Warren

[David Morton]

I've aired them up to 40 lbs. and they are better but still not as good as the KDWS tire IMO. Not so bad to yank them off so I'll wear them off.