My Willys 3A and 3B Community
3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: Howitser on January 30, 2011, 01:09:21 PM
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I'm sure this has been hashed a'fore, but what are some opinions on the tire sizes that will fit on the stock rims? It's always been my contention that a taller narrow tread provides better mud/snow traction than those munka fat tires. Do you think tall will improve fuel economy at all by lowering final drive ratio minimally? (actually not lowering the ratio, but lowering RPM per mile)
Will a tire designed for a 6 inch rim still work? Hmmmm think about it.
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Having driven military and CJ3's in snow, ice and mud I think the standard 6.00x16 NDT works best for the reasons you mentioned.
The luged tread of the narrow NDT digs in the snow and mud better than a wide tire. The only thing that can help you on ice is chains. I was fortunate to have a neighbor give me four chains for my Jeep that I will have to shorten slightly to work on my Jeep.
The hill into our subdivision was covered with snow and ice, mostly frozen snow turned to ice and I had no trouble climbing the gravel road without chains in 4 whl drive.
There may be some aggressive lug wide tires that work but at what cost and do they really look appropriate on a CJ Jeep.
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Personally, I like the 7:00x16 since it is stock and gives you another inch of clearance or so. As far as snow, I don't like them, but they are great on everything else. I prefer the stronger sidewall on a bias tire for dingin' around on the trails.
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For snow the absolute best tire ever made for these jeeps was the original Firestone Town & Country. Unfortunately they are no longer made. Here's a Willys Service Bulletin about tires.
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab191/rocketeer_2010/Jeep/SB485TiresP1.jpg)
Larry
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Howitzer, �I didn't know if you were just interested in NDT's or if you are considering other options. �I have the 16 in. stock rims mounted with 215/85/16 all terrain radials and am very happy with them. �They are 30.4 inch diameter so are an inch taller than stock, I believe, but they look great and have all the advantages of a radial. �No tubes needed, they work great in snow and mud, and drive great on the highway. �There is a HUGE selection of them here:
http://tireseasy.com/
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I would caution anyone from running tubeless on stock rims. The rim lip is not designed for a tubeless application and you risk the tire dislodging from the rim any number of ways such as bumping a curb, hitting a pothole, or even a sudden swerve to avoid an accident. If you're going to run tubeless, upgrade your rims.
Larry