Tires!

[dbrown4bbl]

OK, so, I've got 21K on my 2003 MM, and its time for front tires. Here's my ?s

1. How much use did others get from their OEM tires?
2. According to my local Goodyear dealer, the G-Force TA KDWS 235/50ZR18 is out-of-stock NATIONWIDE! Huh?
3. What have you all paid for new tires; has anybody bought a different tire than the OEM, and how do you like them.
4. Anybody got a secret source for these tires.

DAB
El Cerrito, CA (across the Bay from San Fran)

[wchain]

My Wholesaler has ONE in stock, I just called Tire Rack Wholesale, and their next order is scheduled to arrive June 15.

I guess you're outta luck until then.....I dunno if anyone is squirreling these tires or what....

[mdmarauder]

I just got a set of four oe tires from NTB they had plenty of the fronts.

[dbrown4bbl]

I just got a set of four oe tires from NTB they had plenty of the fronts.


whats NTB - how do I contact?

[mcb26]

I just put a set of 255/55 KDW2's on the rear today. I beleive tire rack has the 235/55 KWD2's in stock the speed rating is YR instead of ZR, but I don't plan running Talladega so I should be ok. Thats the tire I will replace the fronts with.

[BCKNBLK]

I just put a set of 255/55 KDW2's on the rear today. I beleive tire rack has the 235/55 KWD2's in stock the speed rating is YR instead of ZR, but I don't plan running Talladega so I should be ok. Thats the tire I will replace the fronts with.

Who did you have do the install?

[mcb26]

Pearman LM $335.94 total. Where you been haven't seen you in awhile.

[Bluerauder]

whats NTB - how do I contact?
National Tire & Battery. Used to be known as NTW (National Tires Warehouse) a few years back. :D

BTW, I have 20,350 miles on my rears right now and I am getting close to needing a set or rears. Have been running 38 psi rear and 35 psi front; but the center treads on the rears is still wearing faster than the outer edges.

[MERCDADDY]

I'm at 16,500 miles and will be in need of tires by fall for sure. I wouldn't waste any money on another OEM set even if they were available...

I was looking at a set of Michelin Pilot MXM4's, 255/55 R18 for the rears (closest size available), 235/50 R18 for the fronts. Has anybody tried these out?

Typically I have had the best luck with Goodyears but not finding much in these sizes that I like for year-round use, but the Michelins looked like they would do pretty well. Until I bite the bullet all I can say for sure is I'm not getting another set of BFG's!

[Vortex]

Just a dumb question but do they make our OEM tires anymore?

[ParkRanger]

OK, so, I've got 21K on my 2003 MM, and its time for front tires. Here's my ?s

1. How much use did others get from their OEM tires?
2. According to my local Goodyear dealer, the G-Force TA KDWS 235/50ZR18 is out-of-stock NATIONWIDE! Huh?
3. What have you all paid for new tires; has anybody bought a different tire than the OEM, and how do you like them.
4. Anybody got a secret source for these tires.

DAB
El Cerrito, CA (across the Bay from San Fran)


Had 32K on mine and just changed all 4 last week. The rear tires were a beoch to get off - had to pound them off from under inside. Phewww! :mad2: Hope you don't have the same problem.

PR :burnout:

[Directedby]

Had 32K on mine and just changed all 4 last week. The rear tires were a beoch to get off - had to pound them off from under inside. Phewww! :mad2: Hope you don't have the same problem.

PR :burnout:

Huh???

The tires wouldn't come off the rims or the wheels would not come off the axles?

[fastblackmerc]

Had 32K on mine and just changed all 4 last week. The rear tires were a beoch to get off - had to pound them off from under inside. Phewww! :mad2: Hope you don't have the same problem.

PR :burnout:
I assume you mean you souldn't get the rear wheels of your MM. Had the same problem with mine.

This is how you can get them off:

1. loosen all 8 of the rear lugs one turn
2. do a couple of power braking burnouts (only for a few seconds)
3. after the smoke clears the wheels should come off.

This is how to prevent that from happening again:

1. clean the rotor hat surface with some steel wool, make it nice and clean, especially around the raised hub.
2. clean the matting surface of the wheel (where it mounts to the rotor)
3. apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the outside of the raised hub and to the inside of the wheels (where they meet the hub)
4. do not get any anti-seize on the rotor surfaces, brake pads or the lug nut studs.

[Al Goguen]

I just replaced my rears after 13,700 miles...still had 25 percent rubber
left put I never run hy-po tyres to the wear mark.....Size was oem
245/55/R18 103W M+S got the pair for $274.oo installed at a tire shop
in Dade City Florida. Was the last set he had.....I haven't had any problems
with the OEM so I'll stick with em....:beer:





OK, so, I've got 21K on my 2003 MM, and its time for front tires. Here's my ?s

1. How much use did others get from their OEM tires?
2. According to my local Goodyear dealer, the G-Force TA KDWS 235/50ZR18 is out-of-stock NATIONWIDE! Huh?
3. What have you all paid for new tires; has anybody bought a different tire than the OEM, and how do you like them.
4. Anybody got a secret source for these tires.

DAB
El Cerrito, CA (across the Bay from San Fran)

[jstevens]

My fronts lasted to 27,000. Had an alignment by Crane Alignment (excellent place). Hopefully, won't see inside tread wear again.

My rears last from 5-10,000 miles. I hope these tires stay available.

[CBT]

A secret source? Yes, E-bay.

[jabird56]

NTB is now own by SEARS, you should be able to go to your friendly neighborhood SEARS store and get the tires since it's still the same SEARS/NTB supply chain.


whats NTB - how do I contact?

[BillyGman]

The OE tires are out of stock you say? Would that be out of stock just for that size? If your MM doesn't have traction control, then you can do what I did by puting the stock tire size that's used for the rear tires, in the front also. Look for the P245/55/18 and you can put them on the front just like you have them on the back. It doesn't disrupt the ABS at all.

[ckadiddle]

Replaced all four a couple weeks ago at approximately 21000 miles. Rears were badly bald in center, fronts were worn pretty good on outer edges. The fronts could have gone a bit longer, but I really prefer to err on the side of caution when it comes to tires. I wanted to stay as close to OEM as possible, so I bought four BFGoodrich KDW2s from tirerack.com, one of the sponsors of this site. They were delivered in a few days, I then had them installed at local Ford dealer - needed to get some warranty work and maintenance done anyhow. Cost was 682, I think, including shipping. About 160 for mounting,balancing and alignment at the Ford dealer (:eek: ).
Front:235/50YR-18
Rear:255/55VR-18

Good on dry pavement, haven't had any rainy driving yet though. Do a search for KDW2 for more info.

[SergntMac]

Just a dumb question but do they make our OEM tires anymore?I don't think it's a dumb question at all. What I don't know, is if any other automobile used our stock sizes before the Marauder was produced. I wonder because if the tires are a special size made just for the Marauder, and not used by any other automobile, eventually, production will run out.

Just so y'all know, there are dozens of size combinations that will fit on a Marauder with no problems, so, if the stock sizes are gone, so what?

[BigCars4Ever]

Replaced all four a couple weeks ago at approximately 21000 miles. Rears were badly bald in center, fronts were worn pretty good on outer edges. The fronts could have gone a bit longer, but I really prefer to err on the side of caution when it comes to tires. I wanted to stay as close to OEM as possible, so I bought four BFGoodrich KDW2s from tirerack.com, one of the sponsors of this site. They were delivered in a few days, I then had them installed at local Ford dealer - needed to get some warranty work and maintenance done anyhow. Cost was 682, I think, including shipping. About 160 for mounting,balancing and alignment at the Ford dealer (:eek: ).
Front:235/50YR-18
Rear:255/55VR-18

Good on dry pavement, haven't had any rainy driving yet though. Do a search for KDW2 for more info.
Owch! The Sam's in Ocoee can get those tires for about $130 each including mounting, balancing and road hazard (not tax). Sam's and Costco can order almost any tire available and I have found them to be as cheap as tire rack without the hassel of finding some place to mount and balance them.

[MaLo03]

Owch! The Sam's in Ocoee can get those tires for about $130 each including mounting, balancing and road hazard (not tax). Sam's and Costco can order almost any tire available and I have found them to be as cheap as tire rack without the hassel of finding some place to mount and balance them.
Is this true?
The SAMS on HWY 50 Colonial Drive?
Is that price accurate?

[Jeff]

Just a dumb question but do they make our OEM tires anymore?

I just did my annual tire thingy. It seems that BF Goodrich has
discontinued our rear tires but not the fronts. I bought my rears
from Tire Rack last week @ $141/ea. shipped.

[ParkRanger]

I assume you mean you souldn't get the rear wheels of your MM. Had the same problem with mine.

This is how you can get them off:

1. loosen all 8 of the rear lugs one turn
2. do a couple of power braking burnouts (only for a few seconds)
3. after the smoke clears the wheels should come off.

This is how to prevent that from happening again:

1. clean the rotor hat surface with some steel wool, make it nice and clean, especially around the raised hub.
2. clean the matting surface of the wheel (where it mounts to the rotor)
3. apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the outside of the raised hub and to the inside of the wheels (where they meet the hub)
4. do not get any anti-seize on the rotor surfaces, brake pads or the lug nut studs.

Never thought of that idea and guess it would work very well. What about a flat?? I had to beat both tires for 15-20 minutes each in a shop and can't imagine doing that on the road with a flat? :depress:

Your prevention method is exactly what I did when I put them back on. :beer:
Also had to rasp file the thin round flange end to get a good mount for the right rear tire! :fire:

Hope this doesn't happen to anyone else - it was a lot of work.

PR :burnout:

[Kramer]

Can someone confirm the 245's have been discontinued?

BTW....Costco uses Nitrogen now instead of air in the tires. I just had it done to all my tires for free.

If you are a member, even if you did not buy the tires there, it free. Had 40 PSI put in all around.

[JCMM]

. Have been running 38 psi rear and 35 psi front; but the center treads on the rears is still wearing faster than the outer edges.

Rears might be a little overinflated. That will give you the center wear. I keep mine at 32, nice and sticky.

[rocknrod]

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</TD><!-- Sidewall --><TD class=searchresult vAlign=top align=left width=70>Sidewall: Blackwall






</TD><!-- Size and speedrating --><TD class=searchresult vAlign=top width=148>Front: 235/50WR18



Serv. Desc (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/general/servdesc_pop.html): 97W



</TD><!-- Price and Availability --><TD class=searchresult vAlign=top width=175>Price: $128



<NOBR>Estimated Availability:</NOBR> <NOBR>05/22/05</NOBR>


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</TD><!-- Purchase forms --><TD class=searchresultgreybox vAlign=top align=right width=162 rowSpan=3><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=162 border=0><!--if at least one value-added service is available, include the next row <tr> <td colspan="2"> <!--please make these conditional inside the tag <input type="checkbox" name="checkboxName" value="checkboxValue">Add Heat Cycling (http:///tires/tiretech/competition/heatcycletech.jsp): $xx each
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<input type="checkbox" name="checkboxName" value="checkboxValue">Add Studding: $xx each

</td> </tr> <!--end value-added row--><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD colSpan=2>[/url]</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD bgColor=#e0e0e0 colSpan=2> (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/CompareTireResults.jsp?search= true&pagelen=20&pagenum=1&pagemark=1&startIndex=0&width=null&frontRatio=50&minLoad=S&frontDiameter=18&frontRatio=50&rearWidth=245%2F&frontSortCode=53900&rearDiameter=18&frontWidth=235%2#)</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD></TD><TD>[url="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/CompareTireResults.jsp?search= true&pagelen=20&pagenum=1&pagemark=1&startIndex=0&width=null&frontRatio=50&minLoad=S&frontDiameter=18&frontRatio=50&rearWidth=245%2F&frontSortCode=53900&rearDiameter=18&frontWidth=235%2#"] (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/CompareTireResults.jsp?search= true&pagelen=20&pagenum=1&pagemark=1&startIndex=0&width=null&frontRatio=50&minLoad=S&frontDiameter=18&frontRatio=50&rearWidth=245%2F&frontSortCode=53900&rearDiameter=18&frontWidth=235%2#) </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><!-- FRONT LEFT --><!-- REAR TIRE- --><TR><!-- Empty? --><TD vAlign=top align=left></TD><!-- Size and speedrating --><TD class=searchresult vAlign=top>Rear: 245/55WR18



Serv. Desc (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/general/servdesc_pop.html): 103W



</TD><!-- Price and Availability --><TD class=searchresult vAlign=top width=70>Price: $131



<NOBR>Estimated Availability:</NOBR> <NOBR>In Stock</NOBR>


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<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=630 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=85></TD><TD width=505><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=505 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=505 colSpan=4 height=10>http://www.discounttiredirect.com/images/kotspacer.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=70>http://www.discounttiredirect.com/product/tires/mtahzb.s.jpg (http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/findTireDetail.do?mk=&yr=2004&sw=false&cs=245&pc=38333&rd=18&vid=008370&ar=55)</TD><TD width=10>http://www.discounttiredirect.com/images/kotspacer.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top width=260><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=260 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=260 colSpan=2>http://www.discounttiredirect.com/product/logos/sm.mta.logo.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD width=260 colSpan=2>BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDWS (http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/findTireDetail.do?mk=&yr=2004&sw=false&cs=245&pc=38333&rd=18&vid=008370&ar=55)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=textTight width=260 colSpan=2>g-Force ultra high performance year round.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=bold width=260 colSpan=2>245/55ZR18 103W ORBL</TD></TR><TR><TD class=links width=260 colSpan=2>Reading the Tire Size (http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/brochure/tire/ReadingTireSize.jsp)</TD></TR><TR><TD width=260 colSpan=2>UTQG: 400AA




Meets or exceeds original equipment speed rating




</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD align=right width=165><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=165 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=right width=165>http://www.discounttiredirect.com/images/special2.gif $131.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[SergntMac]

It seems that BF Goodrich has discontinued our rear tires but not the fronts.
This appears true

http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/bfgapp/servlet/Controller/site.toolkit.advisor.ShowResul ts?vehicle=54175

Front sizes are still available, must be a size shared with other applications.

So, on to improved size options, better tread design, improved adhesion and longevity. I love exploring new stuff for the Marauder.

[the_pack_rat]

This appears true

http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/bfgapp/servlet/Controller/site.toolkit.advisor.ShowResul ts?vehicle=54175

WTF !?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?.

One would THINK that when Ford approached BFG for the MM tires ... whatever written agreement/contract that was ultimately hashed out ... would have included a clause that stated BFG was obligated for "X" amount of years to produce these.

Someone fudged up somewhere BIG time as far as I am concerned.

Hopefully it's just a temporary glitch in the system ... & they will show back up on BFG's website.

If NOT ...

Perhaps BFG Radial TA's will NO longer be my prefered choice of tires for my OLDER 15 inch tire equipped vehicles.

And you can bet your ass both Ford AND BFG will be getting one HELL of a poison pen letter from me too.

:censor:

[Kramer]

I just called BF Goodrich.

They indicated that the tire is still in production (slow production as the phrased it) and there are no current plans to discontinue it.

Nevertheless, I think I will buy some sets and store them.

[dbrown4bbl]

I just called BF Goodrich.

They indicated that the tire is still in production (slow production as the phrased it) and there are no current plans to discontinue it.

Nevertheless, I think I will buy some sets and store them.

OK, so, I was able to get a set - got all four, actually, with the rears worn down the middle, and asked tire dude about getting a spare set - tire dude sez that's a really bad idea cuz the tires deteriorate in storage and there may be something better down the road. FYI.

DAB

[Kramer]

Who is this tire, dude?

Better version down the road.....the 245/55 was made for just the marauder. Perhaps another car might eventually use that size.

I would prefer it if there was some way to use some other tire sizes.