ndjose

Hello everyone,

I'm new to the jeep world, just came from a 4th gen 4runner, and now have a 13 rubicon JKU. The original KM's are almost bald so I'm looking for replacements. After some research I "had" decided on 285/75r17 tires, but then found 315/70r17. After more reading I found that some people prefer the 315's but you need to worry about bending the C's on the axle, so gussets are recommended. After looking at the weight specs on a 285/75r17 K02, they are basically the the same weight as the 315/70r17 duratracs, so is it safe to say that both will put similar strain on the drivetrain?The K02s run smaller(32"), and the duratracs seem to be more like a 34" tire, I'd like to go bigger, but I also really like the way the jeep moves now and I'm afraid of making it lethargic, I live up on a very hilly, technically a mountain by NJ standards, and don't want to be struggling everyday. The 285/75 K02 are 61 lbs, and the 315/70 duratracs are 62 lbs.


I had duratracs on the 4runner which made the thing like a tank in the snow, and really liked them.


Anyway, sorry for the ramble, I'd just like to get your take on this. thanks

Sunnysideup

Check the load range... I think the duratracs are E? Mine were... I still loved that tire! Lasted forever! E are a little harsher ride than a C or D... If you want a little more clearance I'd do the 315's... It will change your power... but you can use a programmer like the AEV cheap box.. and it will change your shift points with larger tires... so you can get some of the power back.

tjkamp

The 315/70r17 is the metric equivalent of a 35. All tires run a touch smaller than advertised, that's why it's coming up as a 34. It's a 35.

With a 35 you will need to either chop your fenders, get new fenders, lift, or some combination of the above.

With either a 285, or a 315 (but especially a 315), you will need to get aftermarket wheels or spacers to prevent rubbing, not just in the front, but the sway bar links in the back as well.

I've got 127,000 miles on my Jeep. I swapped over to 315/70r17 Goodyear MTR Ks (heavier than the DuraTracs) at 67,000 miles. I only got around to the truss and gussets on the front axle (Dana 44) about 1,500 miles ago. I never bent my Cs, or the axle itself, even wheeling in the rocks a few times a year, including one trip to Moab that finished off my front driveshaft and ball joints. Your results may vary.

Happy Jeeping!

ndjose

The Duratracs are D’s and the Ko2’s are E. They both are snow rated so I might go with the Ko2 since they seem less work to make work.

as far as the programmer goes, I have a 6speed, so does it have any other use other then changing the shift points?

Thanks

ndjose

Thanks

i might go with the 285’s since it seems like less work to do, and since they are skinnier probably less strain. I also plan on going with the Rancho 2” lift but will try to use the stock rubicon rims with no spacers. I hear mixed results on if it will rub or not.

Thanks again

tjkamp

The duratracs should come in a 285 as well. I have had several sets of durstracs of different sizes (235, 265, 275, and probably more), and have been very pleased, even using them on work trucks in Kansas during winter ice and snow.

If I remember correctly in the back you can swap the sway bar links over to the insides of their brackets vs the outside factory location to help with clearance on a 285. Different brands of tires, and even different styles of tires within the same brand, are different sizes (even if they are both 285s) so some will clear and some won't.

I know for sure that Goodyear MTR Ks run larger than Goodyear Duratracs size for size across the board. It's a pretty common thing that MTs will run truer to size than ATs.

Sunnysideup

Mostly is helps the automatic... it has other uses... when you put in the tire size... it changes the sppedometer for you... it has a few neat functions.

jkk9

Do yourself a huge favor and strongly consider, as well, the latest Cooper Dicoverer AT3, (Probably the LTX version.), in your research.

Latest technology in tire design and rubber compositions. I have new Michelins, new Duratracs, new KO2s, and the new design Discoverer AT3 on two vehicles, for a total of five different vehicles. (Yukon, JKU, YJ, K5 Jimmy, and 2500 dodge diesel.)

Granted.Anything new is (for the most part) nice. And subjective to the vehicles they are on. However. FWIW IMO. The C.Disc AT3 LTX is a viable contender and I will not be going back to the others. Best of luck.

jadmt

If you do a lot of winter driving and want to save a bunch of money look at some Falken at3w in 255/80-17 they will be as tall as the 285/75-17 and work great on stock rims. check tirebuyer.com or discounttiredirect.com for great price. I have run KO2's and these perform every bit as good.

horrocks007

I have 315's and honestly can't tell the difference between the 285 and 315's on the road. 285's will be less stress on components and get better gas mileage.315's will float more on sand and mud. I have the KO2's and feel like they slip a bit on ice and packed snow, but are champs with heavy rainfall. If I were to buy at AT tire, I'd go with the duratrac's though because I think they look just a bit more aggressive than the KO2's.

My next tire is going to be a KM3 though.