A 17" to 17" wheel/tire change (pics)

MikeZ · 07-17-2004, 07:30 PM

Hi All,
Took the 17" steel wheels off and replaced with some MB motorsports 17" alloys and at same time replaced the tires with some Michelin 265/70 R17 (love Michelins). Overall, very happy with the change in appearance and tires have a better stance to them. Here are some pics:

smoketitan · 07-17-2004, 09:50 PM

cool pics--just wondering what color is that?? is that deepwater as it looks different

MikeZ · 07-17-2004, 10:56 PM

Yep, Deepwater, maybe the lighting, wasnt very sunny out when pics were taken. The salesman told me the color was deepwater blue, I have always seen more green in it then blue!!!

Austin · 07-18-2004, 09:46 AM

Why did you change the tires? From a middle of the road all-season highway tire to a middle of the road all-season highway tire?

pagerdaddy · 07-18-2004, 10:14 AM

I like Michelin tires too. But like all brands, you could debate the choices
all day. The best time to trade in a set of tires is when they are new, as
the tire dealer will sell them as "take offs".

How the truck will be used is the best factor when choosing a tread pattern.
Tires with big lugs on them will give better off road performance, but the
trade off is in road noise and tread life. Same deal with soft compound high
speed tires.

Steve

MikeZ · 07-18-2004, 10:46 AM

Several reasons. These LTX Michelins were same tires I had on my Tacoma that I traded for Titan, absolutlely loved the tires. Had 50k+ on them and still a bunch of tread left. Second reason was I wanted raised white letter (just looks better IMO). Thirdly, I personally think the quality and ride difference between Bridgestone and Michelin is a big one. And fourthly as pagerdaddy mentioned, I got a good amount knocked off purchase price. These are 150.00+ tires. With giving him my Bridgestones, I got the 17" alloy wheels, lugs, 4 Michelin tires, balanced, mounted (lifetime rotation and balance), out the door for grand total of $905.00. I was happy with that deal.

I did it at Discount tire and wheel (national franchise). Real nice guys. They actually put on a set of 20's with Goodyear Eagle GT II's and let me take them for test drive. I noticed a little decrease in acceleration and a little more road noise but main reason I didnt like was there was a lot more road "bump" feel which is normal for a lower profile tire (less sidewall to cushion). It was a bit too much for me. It would corner like a sports car though!!! I liked the looks but overall it just wasn't a practical solution for me plus tires are only rated at 40k or so. Good price on them though. He was going to sell the 20" rims and Eagle GTII's for out the door for 1200.00.

One thing I am still on fence with is I added that chrome wheel well molding. One day I like it and the next not sure. You guys/gals think it adds or takes away from titan look?

greg w · 07-19-2004, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeZ

one thing I am still on fence with is I added that chrome wheel well molding. One day I like it and the next not sure. You guys/gals think it adds or takes away from titan look?

I can't decide either, but I think a black molding might look more natural on the XE with everthing else black. Those would look good on LE with chrome door handles and mirrors. I think I like the XE front better without all that chrome.