Rear Tire replacement headache

[Johnman]

Well, I ran over a nail and it hit the sidewall, so my right rear is history. Then I find out the rear tires on a Marauder are an extremely rare size, and BFG (Michelin) doesn't even manufacture them on a regular basis. My wait for a new one could be 6 months to a year. The only other options are to have a different brand on the right rear or buy four new tires of a different brand(s) for about $1200. Or put the front tire size on all four wheels, which I don't want to do.What have other owners done about this? I can't drive on my spacesaver tire for a year.

[SergntMac]

I suggest you consider a full set of 4 new tires from BFGoodrich.

The KDW2 profile. 245/45/18 fronts, and 255/45/18 on the rear. No problems with Traction Control, ABS, wheel fit, or wheel to wheel-well clearance. You're good all around.

TireRack (a sponsor here), says they can deliver this combination to your front door for 660 bucks. This does not incluse any tax, shipping charges, valve stem replacement, mounting or, balancing costs. When you buy direct, you save a lot of money, but there is always a possibility of additional expense at your end. However, 660 bucks also does not include any income from your option of reselling your present healthy tires here. Hope this helps.

[Johnman]

Thanks, SergntMac. I will look into that option.

[ckadiddle]

I had to purchase four new tires a couple months ago and ordered the KDW2s from TireRack. So far, they perform at least as well as the original equipment tires on both dry and wet roads. A few mm.net members have the KDW2s on the rear and the OEM style on the front. That is another option if cash is tight.

[Rollin'Thunder]

Well, I ran over a nail and it hit the sidewall, so my right rear is history. Then I find out the rear tires on a Marauder are an extremely rare size, and BFG (Michelin) doesn't even manufacture them on a regular basis. My wait for a new one could be 6 months to a year. The only other options are to have a different brand on the right rear or buy four new tires of a different brand(s) for about $1200. Or put the front tire size on all four wheels, which I don't want to do.What have other owners done about this? I can't drive on my spacesaver tire for a year.

Yep! I've been seeing the same thing when looking for rear tires. :shake:
This is BS! Ford produced a car with a combination that one year later is nearly impossible to maintain! :censor: ......."There aught to be a law! :soapbox:
Johnman: Please PM me if you learn where to pick up some of these tires.

[duhtroll]

Why not simply replace the rears with KDW2 255/55/18?

Cheaper, and you can keep the stock fronts.

-A

[Cobra25]

I suggest you consider a full set of 4 new tires from BFGoodrich.

The KDW2 profile. 245/45/18 fronts, and 255/45/18 on the rear. No problems with Traction Control, ABS, wheel fit, or wheel to wheel-well clearance. You're good all around.

TireRack (a sponsor here), says they can deliver this combination to your front door for 660 bucks. This does not incluse any tax, shipping charges, valve stem replacement, mounting or, balancing costs. When you buy direct, you save a lot of money, but there is always a possibility of additional expense at your end. However, 660 bucks also does not include any income from your option of reselling your present healthy tires here. Hope this helps. I have the KDW2's all the way around on my marauder, the same size's listed above and tire rack had them in stock & was delivered to my home within 3 days. They ride better than the stock tires , traction on dry & wet ground I found to be about the same.

[jabird56]

I had KDW2s loaded on all corners of my MM back in March. Had 235/50/18s put on the front and 255/55/18s put on the back. I LOVE these tires, I think they're better than the OEM KDWSs. The KDW2s are like duct tape on pavement......

[Rollin'Thunder]

I have the KDW2's all the way around on my marauder, the same size's listed above and tire rack had them in stock & was delivered to my home within 3 days. They ride better than the stock tires , traction on dry & wet ground I found to be about the same.



Why not simply replace the rears with KDW2 255/55/18?

Cheaper, and you can keep the stock fronts.

-A


Well, I gather from all of this, that if you leave the stock front tires on that you can put the 255/55s on the rear, have the same rake, and no problems with any of the controls. Sounds like a winner.
I was searching local tire dealers on the net and the only thing that would come up was the 245/55 and they were unavailable. :mad2: Sure like the MM net! Always someone comes up with some suggestions to cure most of our MM woes! Thanks Guys! :bows:

[CRUZTAKER]

......I find out the rear tires on a Marauder are an extremely rare size, and BFG (Michelin) doesn't even manufacture them on a regular basis. My wait for a new one could be 6 months to a year. UHHH...OK?

You can order the OEM rear tires from the TIRE RACK (LINK ON OUR HOME PAGE) and depending on how close to Northern Indiana you are...they will be at your back door in one day.

ADDENDUM:
I re-read and see you are in Texas....give it two to three day normal delivery.;)

[jabird56]

Pulled the below chart from one of my historical postings in an earlier thread:

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.

[1stMerc]

Acording to Sam's Club web page they can get the fronts for about $133.00 and rears for 137.00 shipped to their stores. No home delivery available for these items.

They also lists some other brands as well for the fronts but only Bf for the rears.

[Donny Carlson]

UHHH...OK?

You can order the OEM rear tires from the TIRE RACK (LINK ON OUR HOME PAGE) and depending on how close to Northern Indiana you are...they will be at your back door in one day.

ADDENDUM:
I re-read and see you are in Texas....give it two to three day normal delivery.;)
Currently (6-30-05) TR is showing the rears as "back order." Fronts are in stock.

Interesting, because I just bought a rear a couple of weeks ago from TR. Good timing.

[teamrope]

Why not simply replace the rears with KDW2 255/55/18?

Cheaper, and you can keep the stock fronts.

-A

$126 Ea everyday price. I just ordered 2, and I anm replacing my worn out fronts with the 235/50's. :)

[younga1]

Plano (McDavid) L/M service dept. on Plano Parkway purports to have great prices on tires.

I say we go back the the dealers and have them put their money where their mouth is. They sold the cars.. can they provide the products to support?

I know that Ford has partnered with their tire providers in an effort to make tires from the service departments a viable option. Perhaps John Eagle has something to offer.


Well, I ran over a nail and it hit the sidewall, so my right rear is history. Then I find out the rear tires on a Marauder are an extremely rare size, and BFG (Michelin) doesn't even manufacture them on a regular basis. My wait for a new one could be 6 months to a year. The only other options are to have a different brand on the right rear or buy four new tires of a different brand(s) for about $1200. Or put the front tire size on all four wheels, which I don't want to do.What have other owners done about this? I can't drive on my spacesaver tire for a year.

[Rollin'Thunder]

Plano (McDavid) L/M service dept. on Plano Parkway purports to have great prices on tires.

I say we go back the the dealers and have them put their money where their mouth is. They sold the cars.. can they provide the products to support?

I know that Ford has partnered with their tire providers in an effort to make tires from the service departments a viable option. Perhaps John Eagle has something to offer.

I e-mailed North Hills L/M in Hurst last night. As of this evening I've had no response. Hmmmm......... :confused:

[Rkammer]

Just checked tire rack and found that the 245 55 x 18 OEM KDWS are on national back order. However, there is a seller on ebay that has 3 full sets of 4 in 3 separate auctions for $395 (Buy It Now) per set (of 4) including shipping. He has already sold several sets and gotten good feedback from the buyers. Would anyone Like to share a buy with me? I will need 2 rears in another several months at the rate I'm spinning the rubber off them. Less than $100 per tire is a great price if these aren't seconds or blems. Anyone interested can PM or email me at rkammer@cfl.rr.com :)

[STLR FN]

I was just on e-bay and only seen two sets of rears for sell. One had a Buy It Now price of 249.00 and the other was a reserve auction wuth current bid at 100.00

[Rkammer]

I was just on e-bay and only seen two sets of rears for sell. One had a Buy It Now price of 249.00 and the other was a reserve auction wuth current bid at 100.00
Anyone intersted please email or PM me and I'll give you all three auction numbers. One seller has 3 separate auctions with 4 rear tires per auction.

[SergntMac]

I don't agree with mixing tire tread patterns. Tires work in sets of 4, and adding two KDW2s to the rear only may cause problems in the rain. The tread patterns are remarkably differently, and produce different reactions to standing water. Please look into this before adding KDW2s to the rear only.

With respect to the OEM tire being discontinued, IMHO, they didn't wear as expected, and the KDW2 is a replacement. Remember that just before they sold out, they were priced under 100 bucks each.

I also favor the plus sizing I suggested, it puts a little more rubber on the ground for the same costs. Y'all who are concerned about the correct size being available, we have options that work fine.

[Black Terror]

I just picked up two OEM fronts from Sams Club. The rear OEM's are not available, 6 week to 3 months wait.

Got two OEM rear from local Ford dealer, Team Ford in Marietta, GA.

[teamrope]

I don't agree with mixing tire tread patterns. Tires work in sets of 4, and adding two KDW2s to the rear only may cause problems in the rain. The tread patterns are remarkably differently, and produce different reactions to standing water. Please look into this before adding KDW2s to the rear only.


That's why I'm going with all 4. My inner fronts are shot but I got almost new in the back. Mrs TR's MM needs new rear tires so it worked out for me.

[duhtroll]

I'm not disagreeing with the theory, but --

I have KDW2 on rear and KDWS on front. I can't see fit to replace the OEM fronts until they are somewhat worn (and why after 20K they look so good is beyond me with all of the complaints others have made).

I just drove through monsoon season here at all speeds with absolutely no problems whatsoever. 80 MPH in the rain on the 4-lane - no problem.

Next time it rains I'm going to test this further - gonna find a large parking lot and do some slalom.

-A


I don't agree with mixing tire tread patterns. Tires work in sets of 4, and adding two KDW2s to the rear only may cause problems in the rain. The tread patterns are remarkably differently, and produce different reactions to standing water. Please look into this before adding KDW2s to the rear only.

With respect to the OEM tire being discontinued, IMHO, they didn't wear as expected, and the KDW2 is a replacement. Remember that just before they sold out, they were priced under 100 bucks each.

I also favor the plus sizing I suggested, it puts a little more rubber on the ground for the same costs. Y'all who are concerned about the correct size being available, we have options that work fine.

[MENINBLK]

Have any of your guys looked into these new tires from BF Goodrich ???
T/A g-Force Sport
http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/bfgapp/experts/articles/04252005tuner.jsp?source=mid

[SergntMac]

I'm not disagreeing with the theory But---
I just drove through monsoon season here at all speeds with absolutely no problems whatsoever. 80 MPH in the rain on the 4-lane - no problem.

Next time it rains I'm going to test this further - gonna find a large parking lot and do some slalom.-AWell....It's a little stronger than a theory, but go for it. I don't want to rob you of your fun. If you would like to read up on it, here's a link.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=16&currentpage=38

[Fourth Horseman]

Odd. I wonder if it's a regional stocking issue. I just put a new set of BFG KDWS tires on my rears and the local tire shop had them in the very next day after I ordered.

[MarauderMarc]

[Stop wasting your time and $$$ I have been buying my tires from ebay and my recent set of rear tires were 180 for both. What you need to do is type in the tire specs i.e. 245/55/zr18 and the BFs will show up (i know that tire spec is wrong) The first time I bought all 4 I went to a tire store and I spent almost 700$ on tires!!!! Im telling you, go to ebay first. Ill try and get the name of the ebay store.....I hope this helps....Marc

QUOTE=Fourth Horseman]Odd. I wonder if it's a regional stocking issue. I just put a new set of BFG KDWS tires on my rears and the local tire shop had them in the very next day after I ordered.[

[Rkammer]

[Stop wasting your time and $$$ I have been buying my tires from ebay and my recent set of rear tires were 180 for both. What you need to do is type in the tire specs i.e. 245/55/zr18 and the BFs will show up (i know that tire spec is wrong) The first time I bought all 4 I went to a tire store and I spent almost 700$ on tires!!!! Im telling you, go to ebay first. Ill try and get the name of the ebay store.....I hope this helps....Marc

QUOTE=Fourth Horseman]Odd. I wonder if it's a regional stocking issue. I just put a new set of BFG KDWS tires on my rears and the local tire shop had them in the very next day after I ordered.[
I mentioned that last night and no one seemed interested. There are 3 auctions (by the same seller) for 4 rears at $395 including shipping. If someone needs a pair, like I do, I'd be glad to go in 50/50 and have the seller ship 2 tires to 2 different locations. Any takers? I'll do the bidding and work out the logistics.:)

[DPVLN]

I Just replaced my rt rear, with oem BFG. I got the tire at a place called Discount Tires, here in Las Vegas. No problem getting the tire and I was told availability was current.

[Rollin'Thunder]

Have any of your guys looked into these new tires from BF Goodrich ???
T/A g-Force Sport
http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/bfgapp/experts/articles/04252005tuner.jsp?source=mid
I just went to this Goodrich link and got a reply: "Were sorry. There no Goodrich tires that fit your vehicle." HELLO!? :rofl: :laugh: :wflag:

[CRUZTAKER]

Currently (6-30-05) TR is showing the rears as "back order." Fronts are in stock.

Interesting, because I just bought a rear a couple of weeks ago from TR. Good timing.Me too. Bought a set two weeks ago from them. Good timing to say the least.

[jgc61sr2002]

I don't agree with mixing tire tread patterns. Tires work in sets of 4, and adding two KDW2s to the rear only may cause problems in the rain. The tread patterns are remarkably differently, and produce different reactions to standing water. Please look into this before adding KDW2s to the rear only.

With respect to the OEM tire being discontinued, IMHO, they didn't wear as expected, and the KDW2 is a replacement. Remember that just before they sold out, they were priced under 100 bucks each.

I also favor the plus sizing I suggested, it puts a little more rubber on the ground for the same costs. Y'all who are concerned about the correct size being available, we have options that work fine.



I agree the tire tread pattern should be the same on all four tires.

[the_pack_rat]

Not to knock anyone that actually LIKES the KDW2's .....

But they are about one RICER ASS looking tire IMHO.

I feel SOOOOOO strongly about that .....

I think I'd BENCH my MM before I'd put those HIDEOUS hides on it.

Someone at FoMoCo & BFG needs to be BEATEN WITH A BAG OF ORANGES .....

I should NOT have to resort to puting some RICER ASS looking tire on my car so soon after I bought it BRAND NEW not that long ago.

Where does FoMoCo find the attorneys that handle the OEM product supplier support contracts ..... out of an EFFIN CRACKER JACK BOX ?!?!?!?!?!?!.

There is NO excuse I should NOT be able to replace a tire on my MM with something of the EXACT SAME LOOK look SOOOOOOOOO soon after I bought the damn thing ..... I don't care what ANYONE says.

I bought a car that's just one step below a frickin Town Car on the scale of "STATURE " as far as I am concerned ..... it's a class ABOVE any top of the line Grand Marquis(not that there's anything wrong with them) as far as I'm concerned ..... & I'm NOT about to put some RICER ASS looking frickin tire on it.

Gee ..... does it sounds like I am ANNOYED ?.

That's an FRICKIN UNDERSTATEMENT.

Wait till' I get an IRREPARABLE rear tire.

AGAIN ..... if you actually LIKE the KDW2 ..... FINE ..... no harm - no foul or disrespect to you intended ..... but I just DON'T.

They're just WAAYYYY OUT OF CHARACTER for the kind of more UPSCALE car I ... THOUGHT I bought.

If I wanted some rock hard thing with a set of tires that looked like it belonged on a some overated - overpriced ricer POS .....

I would have bought one.

Time for some MAJOR poison pen letter(s) to BOTH Ford & BFG .....

Not that it will mean jack shee-ite in the end.

Maybe I should have written this BEFORE I had a few drinks this evening .....

http://mercurymarauder.net/forums/images/smilies/Angry_Pissed_Off_Emoticon.gif

[Rider90]

Someone take his bold away :shake: and his drink

[the_pack_rat]

Someone take his bold away http://mercurymarauder.net/forums/images/smilies/jpshakehead.gif and his drinkEveryone is intitled to an opinion my friend.

[Rider90]

Everyone is intitled to an opinion my friend.

I agree with you.

[Rkammer]

I agree with Pack Rat on a bit less emotional level however still agree with him. The KDW2 is not the look that belongs on a Mercury Marauder. May be OK on a Nisson Maxima or Toyota Avalon. :D

[CRUZTAKER]

I need ONE front OEM tire....anyone going with the ebay deal and wants to unload ONE front fit, I am to be counted on to take one.

PM or call me if you have the member list.;)

[whd507]

has anybody tried the Riken Raptor ZR ?

summit lists a 245/45-18 for $110 (PN BFG-85647 )

No rears, though...:down: