Matched front & rear tires

[Rocket Man]

I need to replace my stock rear BFGs, and like everyone else simply can't find any. I just got off the phone with the NTB rep from Illinois and he said all the dealers in his area have been simply installing the front tire sizes on the back wheels, creating a matched (and rotatable) set. He claimed there was a 1mph speedo difference and no other ill effects. Has anyone out there tried this or have an opinion before I spend the bucks?

Thanks!

Rocket Man
Keller TX
2003 300A black on black
whale tail spoiler, red bumper inserts
police interceptor badge

[a_d_a_m]

no other ill effects you mean, besides the looks? :puke:

[CBT]

Has anyone out there tried this or have an opinion before I spend the bucks?

My opinion is it looks goofy. And I could be mistaken, but I don't think the fronts can BE rotated around. Anyone? ? ?

[RoyLPita]

I believe the speedo will be off by 3 MPH. I installed a set of 225/60-18 tires all around on my MM and they held up well.

[cruzer]

If you have a 300B with traction control, you will have problems--the tolerances programmed between front and rear tire sizes will trigger t/c problems--check for compatible combinations--there is a thred that has them

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

225/60? THat is more than a lil' skinny on this car. Is that for a snow tire?

[Krytin]

Nitto 255 45 18's on all four wheels but you will want to reprogram the speedo. Lowering the car if you went to this size is also highly recomended.

[Paul]

i have a 300b with traction control,so i put falken ziex st-z01's all around- 235/50-18 front (stock size) and 255/55-18 rear. same tire, tread, speed rating f/r.

[Black_Noise]

I run 235s all around, and I dont have that stupid oversized snow tire look on the back, all the tires match visually and yes they can be rotated like a normal set.

[chader]

i have a 300b with traction control,so i put falken ziex st-z01's all around- 235/50-18 front (stock size) and 255/55-18 rear. same tire, tread, speed rating f/r.
as did I and I like it.

[RoyLPita]

225/60? THat is more than a lil' skinny on this car. Is that for a snow tire?

Nope. This size tire is on the Magnum, 300C, Charger, Challenger, 500 and Freestyle. I had Pirellis from a 500 on the rear and Continentals from a Magnum on the front. The Conti's wore better than the Pirellis.

I live in South Florida. No need for snow tires here unless Hell freezes over.

[Bluerauder]

I need to replace my stock rear BFGs, and like everyone else simply can't find any. I just got off the phone with the NTB rep from Illinois and he said all the dealers in his area have been simply installing the front tire sizes on the back wheels, creating a matched (and rotatable) set. He claimed there was a 1mph speedo difference and no other ill effects. Has anyone out there tried this or have an opinion before I spend the bucks?

Your signature says that you have a '03 300a. No traction control. You should be fine with the 235/50ZR18's all around. I think there are several people on this board that are using that combination (BDJ?, Murader03?). Pretty sure that many of the Kenny Brown MMs use the same size on all 4 corners too.

Different story if you have an '03 300B or '04 300A with traction control. On those you must maintain the tire height (and circumference) ratio of the rears to fronts within a narrow band of 102% to 106%. Search on "tire matrix" to check out the possible tire combinations that Breadfan researched and posted.

[LordVader]

When I was in Rochester, NY I ran the 235/50's all the way arond in the winter time and had no problems. It was easier to find a decent tire for winter in that size than the larger sizes. Went back to stock in the spring each year.

[Vortech347]

235's are to damn narrow for the rear. The other MM I had with 255 front 285 rear took corners like a champ, these BFG's and their sizes are crap.

GET AWAY FROM THE BFG'S!!!! at all costs.

[n3fvg]

I need to replace my stock rear BFGs, and like everyone else simply can't find any. I just got off the phone with the NTB rep from Illinois and he said all the dealers in his area have been simply installing the front tire sizes on the back wheels, creating a matched (and rotatable) set. He claimed there was a 1mph speedo difference and no other ill effects. Has anyone out there tried this or have an opinion before I spend the bucks?

Thanks!

Rocket Man
Keller TX
2003 300A black on black
whale tail spoiler, red bumper inserts
police interceptor badge

Goodyear makes an F1? Performance set one size taller for our cars....245/50-18 FRONT and 255/55-18 REAR
See...
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 (Max Performance Summer (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/types/maxperf.jsp))
for 2004 Mercury Marauder http://www.tirerack.com/images/headers/stars/3.gif

Front: 245/50ZR18
Blackwall
Serv. Desc (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/general/servdesc_pop.html): 100W
UTQG (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/general/utqg_pop.html): Treadwear: 280
Traction: AA
Temperature: A280 AA A (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?&autoYear=2004&vehicleSearch=true&tireMake=Goodyear&tireModel=Eagle+F1+GS-D3&rearTire=555YR8F1GSD3XL&autoMake=Mercury&autoModClar=&i1_Qty=2&autoModel=Marauder&frontTire=45WR8F1GSD3&i3_Qty=2#)



Price: $221.00 (each)
Estimated Availability (http://www.tirerack.com/cart/estimated_avail.html):
In Stock

Optional Road Hazard Program (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/roadHazard/trhp.jsp): additional $26.52 per tire



Rear: 255/55ZR18
Load Range: XL
Blackwall
Serv. Desc (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/general/servdesc_pop.html): 109Y
UTQG (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/general/utqg_pop.html): Treadwear: 280
Traction: AA
Temperature: A280 AA A (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?&autoYear=2004&vehicleSearch=true&tireMake=Goodyear&tireModel=Eagle+F1+GS-D3&rearTire=555YR8F1GSD3XL&autoMake=Mercury&autoModClar=&i1_Qty=2&autoModel=Marauder&frontTire=45WR8F1GSD3&i3_Qty=2#)



Price: $214.00 (each)
Estimated Availability (http://www.tirerack.com/cart/estimated_avail.html):
Fewer than 11

Optional Road Hazard Program (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/roadHazard/trhp.jsp): additional $25.68 per tire






(http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?&autoYear=2004&vehicleSearch=true&tireMake=Goodyear&tireModel=Eagle+F1+GS-D3&rearTire=555YR8F1GSD3XL&autoMake=Mercury&autoModClar=&i1_Qty=2&autoModel=Marauder&frontTire=45WR8F1GSD3&i3_Qty=2#)

[TWEGGS]

I have this Goodyear combo on my MM. Only had them on a week. They seem like a good option for the OE sizes. They look GREAT! I don't think the OEM BFG's will come instock anytime soon.
Cheers, Terry

[Mebot]

The Treadwear rating for the Goodyear F1s are only 280... does this mean you'll be replacing these tires every 15 - 20K miles?

[cougar9150]

The other MM I had with 255 front 285 rear took corners like a champ

Did you have any rubbing issues with the 255s in the front?

[Ozz]

It appears to me that Falken is phasing out the Ziex S/T Z01's.... Neither Vulcan tire or Discount tire carry them in the size we need. I found them at 1010tires.com but, like the BFG's, I don't want to switch over to another discontinued tire and have to go through having mismatched fronts and rears again any time soon....

When looking on Tirerack.com, there are about 6 or so sets of 235/50/18 & 255/55/18's that are matched - the cheapest of which I believe is about $800 a set, plus shipping. :mad2:

I may end up running my winter tires on 16" steelies all year... :eek:

[Ozz]

OK, I see that Yokohama has a set that will work.... Advan S.T.

Anybody use these???

[Drock96Marquis]

Different story if you have an '03 300B or '04 300A with traction control. On those you must maintain the tire height (and circumference) ratio of the rears to fronts within a narrow band of 102% to 106%. Search on "tire matrix" to check out the possible tire combinations that Breadfan researched and posted.If those with traction control are determined to use matching (or very close to) overall diameter front and rear tires the ABS module can be swapped in favor of a '03-'04 CV/GMQ ABS+TRAC module, which is programmed to have near-matching matching front and rear rolling radius / rev/mile.

[a_d_a_m]

solution: run a different set in the front vs. in the rear. :)

[knine]

I live in South Florida. No need for snow tires here unless Hell freezes over.
How's that worked out for you this past week? :snowman:

[Speed]

It appears to me that Falken is phasing out the Ziex S/T Z01's.... Neither Vulcan tire or Discount tire carry them in the size we need. I found them at 1010tires.com but, like the BFG's, I don't want to switch over to another discontinued tire and have to go through having mismatched fronts and rears again any time soon....

When looking on Tirerack.com, there are about 6 or so sets of 235/50/18 & 255/55/18's that are matched - the cheapest of which I believe is about $800 a set, plus shipping. :mad2:

I may end up running my winter tires on 16" steelies all year... :eek:

I just order a pair of Falkens 235/50/18 & 255/55/18's. I couldn't get a match on online so I went into the store (Discount Tire) one call to the vendor (in TN) and they were in stock. This is what I'm going with for now. When its time to replace them, I'm either going to get a widen rim for the rear or larger wheels ( 19" or 20")

[Jake Steel]

what about running 245-18 on all four do yous guys think there might be any problems with this.......................

[burt ragio]

If those with traction control are determined to use matching (or very close to) overall diameter front and rear tires the ABS module can be swapped in favor of a '03-'04 CV/GMQ ABS+TRAC module, which is programmed to have near-matching matching front and rear rolling radius / rev/mile.

Drock96 - Those of use that have the 2004 with traction control are limited to tire size tire rotation & in my opion TC is useless. Just how difficult would it be to change out the TC module ?

[Odinson]

Please excuse me if this is especially ignorant, but I thought the law was that manufactures MUST provide stock parts for 10 years. It seems ridiculous that a part that is built to wear like a tire has been out of stock for 4 months. WTF?

BF Goodrich (and subsequently Ford) is failing if people have to start looking at recalibrating anything on their car because that size tire is not available. I've run BF on performance cars and liked the results, the tire company for the stock tires WAS a consideration when I bought the car! (Ok a small consideration, but stil)

We don't even have a date? Grrrrrr.

[SC Cheesehead]

Please excuse me if this is especially ignorant, but I thought the law was that manufactures MUST provide stock parts for 10 years. It seems ridiculous that a part that is built to wear like a tire has been out of stock for 4 months. WTF?

BF Goodrich (and subsequently Ford) is failing if people have to start looking at recalibrating anything on their car because that size tire is not available. I've run BF on performance cars and liked the results, the tire company for the stock tires WAS a consideration when I bought the car! (Ok a small consideration, but stil)

We don't even have a date? Grrrrrr.

I don't think the parts law applies to consumables like tires.

Actually, there are enough aftermarket replacement combinations available that this shouldn't be an issue unless you've absolutely in love with the OEM BFG tires.

[Odinson]

"I don't think the parts law applies to consumables like tires."

OK. I'm just bummed out. As fun as it would be to spin them a little easier, I'd rather have the traction of the wider tire. This car handles like my sister's '86 Porche 924, a major jump up for my daily driver. I don't want to loose that. I've never even heard of a sub 100k car doing that at this size. I think the Marauder stands alone in the 'large(17-20ft) car that can handle' category.

I've got quite a few months left. I'll count my blessings and do some research.

[Krytin]

Odinson,
I see you have an '03 - does it have the traction control?
If not you have more options than the people who do have traction control.

[Odinson]

"I see you have an '03 - does it have the traction control?"

Nope. I was happy about that at first, but I'm impressed with ABS. I've been avoiding ABS until now. I had some bad experiences with early implementations. I beginning to wonder if I missed out with the traction control.

This car is unreal in the snow. It's actually better than my '99 Grand Marquis was, despite having another 1/3 more power. I was able to climb 35 degree grade of sheer ice with a rolling start a few weeks ago. (Not that it was easy)

I come from classic cars, 67 Biscayne, 66 Impala so everything drives like a dream to me. :)

[Jaguar]

Can someone help me out here. I'm trying to order some tires and of course the dealer doesn't have the right size. The guy is selling me some 245/45/18s for the rear. I have 235/50/18s in the front. Is this going to work? Will the back be lower?

To reiterate: 235/50/18s front, 245/45/18s rear.

[mossiehorn]

stock 235/50/18=27.3 in dia
stock 245/50/18=28.6 in dia

245/45/18= 26.7 in dia
245/55/18=27.6 in dia
255/55/18-29 in dia

looks like he want to put smaller tires on the rear

http://www.onlineconversion.com/automotive.htm

[Dragcity]

Michelin says May or June 2009. They are not very sympathetic to our situation. I even asked about the Camaro getting them, and got NO response.

[Ozz]

Please excuse me if this is especially ignorant, but I thought the law was that manufactures MUST provide stock parts for 10 years. It seems ridiculous that a part that is built to wear like a tire has been out of stock for 4 months. WTF?


I spoke to Ford Customer Service about this very issue this morning. They said that Ford (and the tire supplier) are only required to have the tires on hand for as long as the factory warranty is still in effect. Since all of our cars are outside the 3/36k warranty, tires are available as the supplier sees fit - based on demand. It seems to me that there is demand so I don't understand the hold up.

BFG/Michelin told me late May for tires. I asked them if they were suggesting that I drive on bald tires since they won't sell me a replacement set.... as expected, no reply.

[Ozz]

Michelin says May or June 2009. They are not very sympathetic to our situation. I even asked about the Camaro getting them, and got NO response.

I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't checked the Camaro site... 245/55R18's.... are they BFG?

[Odinson]

I spoke to Ford Customer Service about this very issue this morning. They said that Ford (and the tire supplier) are only required to have the tires on hand for as long as the factory warranty is still in effect. Since all of our cars are outside the 3/36k warranty, tires are available as the supplier sees fit - based on demand. It seems to me that there is demand so I don't understand the hold up.

BFG/Michelin told me late May for tires. I asked them if they were suggesting that I drive on bald tires since they won't sell me a replacement set.... as expected, no reply.

I hope your state inspection stations and local law enforcement is as understanding as BFG is expecting you to be. Maybe you get some stuff in writing to carry with you.

It seems that at the least that Mercury should have named one of the other brands as the temporary replacement recommendation to dealers. You know the defacto dealer solution to satisfy extended warranties. At least give to official go ahead to reprogram spedos (hell even for a fee) to a similar and more common size. The stoic silent treatment mixed in with a 'good luck dude' ain't great customer service.

I never liked Michelin, and now they seem to having a negative influence on BFG as well. It's even more silly than it seems since they have probably boosted demand by procrastinating. If they do have another production run, I would consider getting two sets of four tires just in case they pull this crap again. I'm not proud of that, but I'm sure I'm not the only one.

[SC Cheesehead]

I hope your state inspection stations and local law enforcement is as understanding as BFG is expecting you to be. Maybe you get some stuff in writing to carry with you.

It seems that at the least that Mercury should have named one of the other brands as the temporary replacement recommendation to dealers. You know the defacto dealer solution to satisfy extended warranties. At least give to official go ahead to reprogram spedos (hell even for a fee) to a similar and more common size. The stoic silent treatment mixed in with a 'good luck dude' ain't great customer service.

I never liked Michelin, and now they seem to having a negative influence on BFG as well. It's even more silly than it seems since they have probably boosted demand by procrastinating. If they do have another production run, I would consider getting two sets of four tires just in case they pull this crap again. I'm not proud of that, but I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Forget the crappy OEM BFG's and go with a set aftermarket tires.

Check out:

https://www.mymarauder.com/wiki/index.php?title=Tires

lots of good info to help you with selection.

[lincolnpimp]

255/55/18 nitto, and never look back

[Odinson]

I didn't realize the Nitto NT420S's were also 718 RPMs. That plus the good reviews makes them seem like the perfect drop in replacement.

I'll stop yelling at the ocean for the tide now. :)

Addendum. The Falkens are looking best, being all weather, resonable priced and 718 RPM. It does snow in NYC. Apparently every day in winter 08. :dunno:

It seems like that Rotations per Mile are the easiest way to look at it. I'm sure I won't have to fiddle with it they are so close.

Of course it's game on once the extended warranty is up!

[Ozz]

I just spoke to BFG/Michelin and they made me an offer... not sure if I'll do it though.

I guess they have something in a Michelin that will work - although it's a V speed rated tire (MX something...). They said, I could get those now and when the BFG's were run, they'd send me a set for free. I asked them to send me an email with the details. I assume I'd have to buy the Michelins now but could probably sell them when I get the BFG's to recoup some of the cost.

I asked her about the Camaro tires too and she said she will investigate because her usage charts doesn't have 2010 vehicles on in yet.

[mossiehorn]

they are MXM4, they are V rated and are Touring Tires. OME on Benz. They are a bunch more $ than the BFGs, I'm looking at them as they will last longer than the BFGs