Mix and match tires

[kendelrio]

Question:

I have a local who has 4 Michelin 395/85/20s that are in great shape, about 8 years old and wants 325 a tire for them (wheels are included but I'll be using my stock rims).

The question I have:

Can I run the 4 new tires on the drive wheels and take my two best and put them as steer tires until I find two more?

 

[SCM35A2]

I have Michelin tires on the drive axles & Goodyear tires on the front, no issues at all.

 

[kendelrio]

I have Michelin tires on the drive axles & Goodyear tires on the front, no issues at all.

The reason I ask is my "stock" tires are the 14R20s. So, no issue?

 

[SCM35A2]

The reason I ask is my "stock" tires are the 14R20s. So, no issue?

I've never had any issues.

 

[simp5782]

Just don't engaged the transfer case

 

[kendelrio]

Just don't engaged the transfer case

Had to think about that a second, but it makes sense. Different size tires rotate at different speeds and will bind it up. Good call!

 

[kendelrio]

I'll still be on the lookout for 2 more tires, just wanted to know how it would go for now.

 

[juanprado]

Those fmtv wheels will bolt up. Just a tiny fraction different backspace that you will never notice.
Save you a ton of work.
Smaller tire will cost you a few miles top speed but I suspect your roads are just as bad as in New Orleans or Baton Rouge......

 

[charlesmann]

Yes, they bolt up. I got 7 lmtv wheels with the goodyear shoes. I rmvd the ctis valves, then realized the valve stems would not work for me. I ended breaking down my combat rims to havest the valve stems from them. That leaves me with several 14R 20s dismounted and wheels as spares if i choose to up size to 16s later.

 

[98G]

The reason I ask is my "stock" tires are the 14R20s. So, no issue?

Do not mix sizes...

 

[kendelrio]

Do not mix sizes...

Period or on the same axle? I was going to run the XZLs on the back two axles until I got some for the front tires.

 

[98G]

I wouldn't mix sizes period.

Wes's comment makes me think I might be missing something though.

 

[kendelrio]

I wouldn't mix sizes period.

Wes's comment makes me think I might be missing something though.

Not to argue, but why shouldn't i?

 

[98G]

Not to argue, but why shouldn't i?

I was thinking even in high range without the front axle engaged we had internals in the t case that wouldn't be happy trying to turn at different speeds.

Now I'm questioning that. Maybe I'm dead wrong. You've got me looking at exploded diagrams of the T1138....

 

[kendelrio]

I was thinking even in high range without the front axle engaged we had internals in the t case that wouldn't be happy trying to turn at different speeds.

Now I'm questioning that. Maybe I'm dead wrong. You've got me looking at exploded diagrams of the T1138....

If the front axle isn't engaged then there's no sync with the back axles that need to occur. For instance, if you're spinning your rear tires (which would be a bad thing, but awesome to see) and your front axle is not engaged, no biggie. If your t case is engaged and that occurs and you don't get any movement/spinning of the front axle; problem because of the bind.

 

[gringeltaube]

If the front axle isn't engaged then there's no sync with the back axles that need to occur. For instance, if you're spinning your rear tires (which would be a bad thing, but awesome to see) and your front axle is not engaged, no biggie. If your t case is engaged and that occurs and you don't get any movement/spinning of the front axle; problem because of the bind.

That's correct. No problem to run the bigger tires on the front axle, either unlocked - on firm ground, or even locked while traversing mud or loose sand.

 

[juanprado]

I forgot to mention to make sure the holes for lugs are beveled on back of rim to flip them to use on rear.

Some fmtv rims are only beveled on front.

I run 2 fmtv style caiman wheels on front with run flats and 4 combat m939 wheels on rear.