Alas switching to smaller tires me thinks....

[6.2Blazer]

I used to run 35x12.50 MT/R's (the "old style", obviously not the ones Goodyear just introduced...so if you are talking about the new versions this is all a moot point). While the MT/R's were comparable in size to other similar tires like the BFG mud-terrain, they were substantially smaller than the 36x12.60 TSL or Irok that some of the guys in the club had.

I don't really do any mud-bogging but all of the trails here in Ohio have some mud you have to deal with no matter how dry it had been out. While I liked the MT/R's overall they were no comparison in mud to the TSL's I switched to. A couple of other guys have also switched from MT/R's to either TSL's or Iroks and will also say the same thing.

Anyway, I would say the 37" MT/R's would not cause any additional stress (in fact, maybe less stress/strain) on the front axle than the 36" TSL's because they would be lighter, less aggressive, and likely not any larger if you actually measure them on the truck.

 

[Stomis]

Hey Stomis, have you checked into Maxxis tires yet?

I have checked maxxis out. I believe they do not offer the size I am looking for.

I used to run 35x12.50 MT/R's (the "old style", obviously not the ones Goodyear just introduced...so if you are talking about the new versions this is all a moot point). While the MT/R's were comparable in size to other similar tires like the BFG mud-terrain, they were substantially smaller than the 36x12.60 TSL or Irok that some of the guys in the club had.

I don't really do any mud-bogging but all of the trails here in Ohio have some mud you have to deal with no matter how dry it had been out. While I liked the MT/R's overall they were no comparison in mud to the TSL's I switched to. A couple of other guys have also switched from MT/R's to either TSL's or Iroks and will also say the same thing.

Anyway, I would say the 37" MT/R's would not cause any additional stress (in fact, maybe less stress/strain) on the front axle than the 36" TSL's because they would be lighter, less aggressive, and likely not any larger if you actually measure them on the truck.

Yeah I'm considering the older MTRs since they make them in 37x12.5 r15.
Around here with mud you have to go through its either you can make it or you cant. Unless you have boggers it really doesnt matter its just how much speed you wanna dump into the hole.

I dont really do mud. I've completely stopped going to the spots around that are just mud and I reserve my monster for when I know theres trails. I think I'm just gonna have to live with knowing that I cant blast through the soupiest of soups and consider it a loss for gaining a tire that is still great everywhere else and lives for 50,000 plus miles under a light truck.

Btw theres no way I'm running two sets of tires. I dont have the room to drive a thousand miles with a set of tires on the back of the truck...

 

[colbystephens]

fwiw, i hate mud too, but i did find the mt/r's limiting in that respect. in oregon, we have this THICK clay that is the base of most trails. mt/r's don't self clean very well unless you get crazy wheel speed. it's the main reason i went with a tsl after the mt/r's. however, i did find the mt/rs were fantastic tires in all other respects - it's just that in oregon you can't get away from the clay. they were great on the road (great wear), fantastic in the rocks (the lugs are very pliable for traction on the rocks), etc.

 

[dfl701]

I don't mean hauling them around to your spot. Have a set that your drive around on and then when you want to go to your local spot or take a trip swap them on. It may not be plausible but it's something to think about if you have a place to keep them at your house.

 

[MTBLAZER89]

I know you said Swampers were out, but have you considered something like the Trxus MT, the SSR's, or TSL radials. I have ran the SSR's and the TSL radials. They are a great happy medium tire. I had the SSR's for almost 5 years. They wear great on the street and I know they will out perform a MTR or an MT off road.

Just my .02 since you run TSL's now.

 

[Stomis]

I know you said Swampers were out, but have you considered something like the Trxus MT, the SSR's, or TSL radials. I have ran the SSR's and the TSL radials. They are a great happy medium tire. I had the SSR's for almost 5 years. They wear great on the street and I know they will out perform a MTR or an MT off road.

Just my .02 since you run TSL's now.

I run TSL radials now. I wasnt aware the SSR wears any better. After driving maybe 5000 miles I can see the TSL's going down already...

Btw I have a 12000lb winch