1. Home
  2. Ford Explorer Forum
  3. Tire sizes for 2002 mountaineer

Tire sizes for 2002 mountaineer

I have been trying unsuccessfully to get some basic information regarding tire sizes.

I need to replace the existing 245/70/16's on my 2002 Mountaineer and was interested in upgrading to 255/70/16's. I have been told (by a Sam's warehouse tire installer) that the book says it is ok as long as the tires are "AT" (which I am assuming is all-terrain by the fact that the "AT" tires have a more aggressive and probably louder tread). I am looking at the Michelin "LT" X where LT stands for Light Truck, logically something that would be compatible with my vehicle.

Has anyone used this tire, or can anyone provide any insight as to whether this is acceptable?

Thanks!

Brian

Reply to
Brian
Loading thread data ...

I had LTX A/T on my previous Explorer, nice tires. They weren't really loud, I was going to try the LTX M/S but I upgraded to a newer X before I had the chance. Now I'll just have to wait until these new tires need replacement before I try the M/S.

But they handled nice, they wore nice, I got 40k out of 'em before one got a flat and I still had about 40% tread left on all of them.

r/

-Ian

Reply to
IanCT

Actually Michelin LTX tires come in both "P" series and "LT" series. The "LTX" might mean they are for Light Trucks, but it is still just a Michelin marketing designation. Check out the sidewalls for the actual type. Your truck came with "P" series tires and you should probably stick with "P" series tires unless you are doing some serious off roading. If you do switch to "LT" tires, you will need to adjust the inflation pressures upward to maintain the same load carrying capacity. "LT" tires have thicker carcasses and sidewalls. Because of this they generate more heat when they flex, so they have to be inflated to higher pressures to reduce the flexing for a given load.

Regards,

Ed White

Reply to
C. E. White

Ed: That's the best explanation to a question I have had for a long time. Thanks.

-Steve ('94 EB 4x4)

Reply to
SASCHOCH

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.