Tires tires tires

[Joey3571]

I have just been informed that OE tires on the Marauder are on a national backorder not due to begin production until April this year. I am in need of one rear tire for my 03 Marauder. Does anyone know where I can purchase this rare tire BFGoodrich G Force TA KDWS 245/55ZR18? I only need one, but if need be with buy two. Thanks.

[Bluerauder]

I have just been informed that OE tires on the Marauder are on a national backorder not due to begin production until April this year.
I thought that BFG addressed this problem already with production increases back last August. :dunno: If this is happening again, then maybe it is time to revisit the BFG website and post up again. Last time, they weren't even aware that we were using up rears twice as fast as fronts. :D

Defyant may have a pair of "gently used" rear tires that he might be willing to part with for a small fee. :rofl:

[Marauderjack]

Ford needs a swift kick in the butt for putting those crappy tires on our cars.....especially since no other manufacturer makes that size!!!:argue: :mad2: :down:

I am almost used to swithching "OFF" the TC since I have the same size all around now.....Believe me if I forget to the car will remind me!!:bows:

You can get Nittos in the right diameter but our damn wheels are too narrow and Toyo tires are close but not exact??:confused:

IMHO...ANY TIRE is better than the OEM rears...........I've been through 2 sets of rears in 32K miles......Fronts are still like new but in the attic now!!:cool:

Anyone need a pair of slightly used fronts??;)

PM me!!

Marauderjack:burnout:

[warren]

All note.

Spoke to BFG Mfg. today.

They said dealers should have the rear KDWS 245/55/18's by
April 1.
Also discussed the wearout in the rear center and he
said to add 5lbs. beyond the normal due to torque wear
when driving a performance car.
That's the first time I have had them admit to that and why.

I also suggested going to the KDW2's (ie. NT's they call them now )
and he bitterly said not to do because of the V speed rating on the
255/55/18 for the rear. He said it was not safe and
that sooner or later having a Y up front and
a V in the back I would have a problem? The rear would loose it.
I could become a drifter and more!

Still up in the air about going to the KDW's.

Warren

[Bluerauder]

All note.

Spoke to BFG Mfg. today.

They said dealers should have the rear KDWS 245/55/18's by
April 1.
Also discussed the wearout in the rear center and he
said to add 5lbs. beyond the normal due to torque wear
when driving a performance car.
That's the first time I have had them admit to that and why.

Warren
Warren, thanks for making that call and posting up the info here. :up:

I have been maintaining my rear pressures at 38 psi (that's 6 over the '03 MM recommended and 3 over the adjustment to 35 psi on the '04 MMs.) Interesting that I picked up that bit of information here long before BFG told us !! Thanks again for the great info and advice on the MM.Net. :bows:

[jimlam56]

Ford needs a swift kick in the butt for putting those crappy tires on our cars.....especially since no other manufacturer makes that size!!!:argue: :mad2: :down:

I am almost used to swithching "OFF" the TC since I have the same size all around now.....Believe me if I forget to the car will remind me!!:bows:

You can get Nittos in the right diameter but our damn wheels are too narrow and Toyo tires are close but not exact??:confused:

IMHO...ANY TIRE is better than the OEM rears...........I've been through 2 sets of rears in 32K miles......Fronts are still like new but in the attic now!!:cool:

Anyone need a pair of slightly used fronts??;)

PM me!!

Marauderjack:burnout:
Marauderjack, can you please post or pm me pictures of your car with equal size tires all around?
What size did you wind up using?
Thanks, Jim

[whoskal]

I just bought a brand new set at Tirerack.com about a week ago and i didnt have any problems.........in fact the tires are already on the car

[gpfarrell]

Yesterday's news.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=25016

I think it was stupid of Ford to spec an orphan size.

So far, it's been irresponsible of BFG to not support it with production... God knows we've got video proof that we're trying to support them!

PS... I'm told you might want to look at 255/55-18s.

[gpfarrell]

I just bought a brand new set at Tirerack.com about a week ago and i didnt have any problems.........in fact the tires are already on the car


This week it says "back ordered".

[fdigirolomo]

Just had Discount Tire (Cedar Hill, TX) install new BFGs/OEM all around. Still had decent tread, IN THE MIDDLE.

Now I want a Carfixer spec alignment. No one around here has the wheel adapters that I know of. Anyone know of an alignment shop in the DFW area that can do the proper job?

Leaving on a long distance trip next week and need to have the job done no later than Monday.

Thanks for any input.

[duhtroll]

I've been riding with KDWS on the front and KDW2 on the rear for a while now and have never had a problem at any speed, in any weather (I don't drive them on snow - got snows for that).

They are nice and smooth together at the track, too. Don't know what that guy is talking about.

[LakeShoreDriver]

I mentioned this before but it bears repeating. It would be best if everyone here could agree to pick one different manufacturer then lobby them with e-mails and phone calls. I suggested KUMHO. They specialize in performance tires at a reasonable price. Iv'e repalced Michelins with them on a Legend-vastly superior. They make a front (2 models) in V and W already. Just a thought. I suppose tho if you really crunch the numbers it really wouldn't be profitable for anyone to do this although I really don't know how much engineering is involved to make a new mold.

[Rollin'Thunder]

Just had Discount Tire (Cedar Hill, TX) install new BFGs/OEM all around. Still had decent tread, IN THE MIDDLE.

Now I want a Carfixer spec alignment. No one around here has the wheel adapters that I know of. Anyone know of an alignment shop in the DFW area that can do the proper job?

Leaving on a long distance trip next week and need to have the job done no later than Monday.

Thanks for any input.

Had mine done at North Hills L/M in Hurst. 2000 miles.......so far, so good!:)
If you contact them, talk to Ron Baron. Please tell him I sent you.
Bill

[MENINBLK]

If you guys have a COSTCO near you, try ordering them through Costco.
They were able to get Front tires for me last year, and they are
very competitive to Tire Rack's prices.

They should also be able to get you rear tires.
They take 5 to 10 business days, and the price INCLUDES
mounting and balancing !!

This issue with the rears wearing in the middle has been explained
over and over again, here and on the BFG site.
Keeping your tires inflated with at least 38 psi all around will improve
your wear significantly.
Also re-aligning the front helps with the inner wear of the front tires.

[cruzer]

Just had Discount Tire (Cedar Hill, TX) install new BFGs/OEM all around. Still had decent tread, IN THE MIDDLE.

Now I want a Carfixer spec alignment. No one around here has the wheel adapters that I know of. Anyone know of an alignment shop in the DFW area that can do the proper job?

Leaving on a long distance trip next week and need to have the job done no later than Monday.

Thanks for any input.
Go to John Eagle L/M at Mockingbird and Lemmon---ask for Jerod--mention Marauder .net--he will take care of you--tell him I sent you--he'll recognize the name:D Maury Seitz

[fdigirolomo]

Go to John Eagle L/M at Mockingbird and Lemmon---ask for Jerod--mention Marauder .net--he will take care of you--tell him I sent you--he'll recognize the name:D Maury Seitz

Thanks for the response. I realized that I was also due for my 20k aervice (all prepaid) and being pressed for time I took it to my local LM dealer here in the DeSoto area, Prestige. They assured me that they could do the job.:confused:

I guess I'll find out. If I see any signs of problems, I'll trot over to John Eagle.

Thanks again.

[ahess77]

I've been riding with KDWS on the front and KDW2 on the rear for a while now and have never had a problem at any speed, in any weather (I don't drive them on snow - got snows for that).

They are nice and smooth together at the track, too. Don't know what that guy is talking about.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=18132

We have had trouble with KDW in front and KDW2 in rear.

[warren]

All note.
Just got off phone again with BFG mfg.
Latest updated production date for KDWS 245/55/18 rears is....3/12/06.
They will hit distributors right after.

Warren

[baltimoremm]

I spoke w/ BFG this morning, they suggested ordering them from the dealer now, because they will fill back orders as first priority. ETA at dealers is 4-5 weeks.
I also asked whether they have any plans to discontinue permanently, they informed me that they have a rotating production for this tire, and have it scheduled for production through 2009. Production past that date will be done based on continued demand.

[shami02]

I also spoke with BFGoodrich today and was informed the factory rears would be "Starting to ship" to the dealers on 4/1... I need a set ASAP or and alternative. See post in the garage.

[Marauderjack]

Hello..........Folks!!!

This is unacceptable!!! Mercury should be required to keep a bunch of the OEM's in stock.....what if you need tires today and they happen to have a 4-6 week backorder?? I smell a lawsuit in the event of an accident when many tire stores won't install anything but OEM's!!:censor:

Ford should have taken a bit more time and effort with the tire/TC/ABS crapola....Especially with the one sourch being BFG!!!!:argue: :mad2:

BTW.....My Nittos are doing GREAT....but....I STILL FORGET TO TURN THE TC OFF....I FIND OUT PRETTY QUICK THOUGH AT 50 MPH!!:rolleyes:

Marauderjack:burnout:

[gpfarrell]

Ford should have taken a bit more time and effort with the tire/TC/ABS crapola....Especially with the one sourch being BFG!!!!:argue: :mad2:
Marauderjack:burnout:


Amen! 67890

[SideshowBob]

Is there no alternative size to fit the rear? A slightly wider/slightly lower aspect ratio that would maintain the diameter? Or a slightly taller tire that can be compensated for by flashing the ECM? There must be a better alternative than running the same tires front and rear.

[Peace2Peep]

Marauderjack...what size and brand areyou running in the front? I was thinking of running the 255's up front snce the 295's nitto NT555's are brand new on the back. Any probs here? Thanks, Allen

[STLR FN]

Breadfan was kind enough to research a lot of different brands and sizes that we can use for the Marauder.
Here's the site. I bookedmarked it....

http://www.neuralimpulse.com/maraudertires.html

I like Kumho also... they ha et he fronts and rears just not in the same tread pattern.

[Marauderjack]

Marauderjack...what size and brand areyou running in the front? I was thinking of running the 255's up front snce the 295's nitto NT555's are brand new on the back. Any probs here? Thanks, Allen


I am now running Nitto 255/45's up front and 295/45's out back....Perfect stance and no rubbing up front!!!:bows: :bows:

[Larry Staunton]

If there is one in your area, try a Tire Kingdom store or one of their affiliates.
Good luck.

[Breadfan]

Breadfan was kind enough to research a lot of different brands and sizes that we can use for the Marauder.
Here's the site. I bookedmarked it....

http://www.neuralimpulse.com/maraudertires.html

I like Kumho also... they ha et he fronts and rears just not in the same tread pattern.

Thanks. :)

The one thing I'd like to add sometime in the future would be load ratings for the tires and how that impacts us. We have HEAVY cars, and when you add 4 people and luggage you can end up with something that is pretty heavy.

Not all tires are the same, some have weaker sidewalls. While I doubt we will necessarily exceed load ratings, it would be nice to find out which tires have stiffer sidewalls becuase a weak sidewall could have a negative impact on handling especially when loaded down.

For instance, I heard the Falken tires (not sure which model) felt very soft, possible due to a weaker, less-stiff sidewall that was exacerbated by the weight of the car.

BTW I have KDW2, stock front size 255 rear size and am very happy. Driving through a puddle before I park is fun becuase when I get out I get to check out the cool tire tread patterns I left. :)

[STLR FN]

Thanks. :)

The one thing I'd like to add sometime in the future would be load ratings for the tires and how that impacts us. We have HEAVY cars, and when you add 4 people and luggage you can end up with something that is pretty heavy.

Not all tires are the same, some have weaker sidewalls. While I doubt we will necessarily exceed load ratings, it would be nice to find out which tires have stiffer sidewalls becuase a weak sidewall could have a negative impact on handling especially when loaded down.

For instance, I heard the Falken tires (not sure which model) felt very soft, possible due to a weaker, less-stiff sidewall that was exacerbated by the weight of the car.

BTW I have KDW2, stock front size 255 rear size and am very happy. Driving through a puddle before I park is fun becuase when I get out I get to check out the cool tire tread patterns I left. :)
You're welcome. :) I'm contiplating the Toyo Proxes S/T load rating meets or exceeds the BFG's the only concern is the speed rating but I'm most likely not going to do any sustained runs above 149mph. My other option is Kumho Ecsta STX the only problem is one tire site shows them in a 255/45 in but Kumho's site doesn't.

[Yamaha]

Interesting that adding 5 PSI over stock is supposed to reduce ? center wear. Sure blows out the old think. Overpressure =center wear, low pressure=side wear. I thought it was do to a dual compound, middle for water and outside for dry. Mine wore in the center at 32 PSI, no matter just pulled them, rims gone to get stretched, 555's on the way. Will do as Maroauderjack and run 255 up front. Have not decided yet F1's, Yoko's or the KDW2's.

PS anybody do brakes up front ? Thinking the Willwood 6 piston. Stock brakes are horrible !
:banana:

[LordVader]

For the winter here in Rochester (almost over), I put on Kumho ASX tires (235-50's) all the way around. We had 46 inches of snow in February and I made it to work everyday except one (21 inches that day). The MM has handled well in the adverse conditions. Just have to stay out the pedal when it's slick.

[MERCMAN]

Hey!! Look at the date on this thread, the thread started a year ago,, Tirerack has our OEM's in stock!!

[LILALLEYKATT]

Hey!! Look at the date on this thread, the thread started a year ago,, Tirerack has our OEM's in stock!!
E-Bay has them cheap also...

[gmtech]

I have just been informed that OE tires on the Marauder are on a national backorder not due to begin production until April this year. I am in need of one rear tire for my 03 Marauder. Does anyone know where I can purchase this rare tire BFGoodrich G Force TA KDWS 245/55ZR18? I only need one, but if need be with buy two. Thanks.


i work at a GM dealer and there is actually a GM part # for this tire ..got 2 new ones in the last 6 mths no problem...171 tax and all took 1 day to get