Input on D rated vs. E rated tires
08-29-2015, 03:31 PM
#11
JK Freak
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I have a JKU with a 3.8 and 3.73 gears with 35" Trail Grapplers E rated...
They aren't awful, but yes, the D rated tires are going to ride much better. I got the E's by mistake but I think I'll go for them on my next set because I want a stiffer side wall as I've heard and experienced they are pretty tough on trail obstacles. I was certain I had slashed a side wall on multiple occasions, only to discover that the only damage done was superficial. But if your daughter's jeep is mainly on-road, I'd definitely go with the D rating.
As far as gearing goes, the 3.8 with 3.73 and 35's is pretty pathetic. I'm currently saving up for 4.88's and a front D44 but I've had this setup for 50k miles and it is bearable. It's a jeep, not a sports car, so don't set your hopes too high!
They aren't awful, but yes, the D rated tires are going to ride much better. I got the E's by mistake but I think I'll go for them on my next set because I want a stiffer side wall as I've heard and experienced they are pretty tough on trail obstacles. I was certain I had slashed a side wall on multiple occasions, only to discover that the only damage done was superficial. But if your daughter's jeep is mainly on-road, I'd definitely go with the D rating.
As far as gearing goes, the 3.8 with 3.73 and 35's is pretty pathetic. I'm currently saving up for 4.88's and a front D44 but I've had this setup for 50k miles and it is bearable. It's a jeep, not a sports car, so don't set your hopes too high!
08-29-2015, 03:36 PM
#12
JK Jedi
I run E rated Toyo AT2's in 35x12.5-17 and BFG KO2 in 34x10.5-17 in D rated on my JKUR and can tell no difference in smoothness of ride or handling. I can tell a difference in acceleration and stopping with the lighter KO2's but offroad I put on the Toyos. Just got back from running the Rubicon trail with them and never once had an issue with traction on the trail.
08-30-2015, 06:47 AM
#14
JK Jedi
I would go D or even a C if you can find it in another brand. Better comfort, better traction, less money. Its a no brainer. E tires are for caring heavy weight and large trailers, the "no cut" sidewall argument is there to justify people buying the wrong tires. You can cut any tire sidewall on a trail if you hit the right rock just right
08-30-2015, 09:27 AM
#16
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I have E rated Mud Grapplers in 35. They're stiff. Really rough. One of the best side benefits from regearing was that I had the torque to run them softer (couldn't get moving with squishy tires on 3.73 and mileage sucked).
Next set I'm for sure going D. 315 Trail Graps. I like feeling bulletproof with the E's, but as Dirtman mentioned you can find a way to break anything.
I feel for me that D will be the right balance between decent ride and not having to start another "Woe is me, I've punctured my Duratracks" thread.
Just my $.02! I hope whatever you end up with that it works out for you!
Next set I'm for sure going D. 315 Trail Graps. I like feeling bulletproof with the E's, but as Dirtman mentioned you can find a way to break anything.
I feel for me that D will be the right balance between decent ride and not having to start another "Woe is me, I've punctured my Duratracks" thread.
Just my $.02! I hope whatever you end up with that it works out for you!
08-30-2015, 11:55 AM
#17
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I'm about the replace the E rated 305/65-17 BFG AT KO's on our JKU. I'm looking at going with Nitto Trail Grapplers. I'm torn between the E rated 295/70-17 and the D rated 315/70-17. Honestly, the JKU is driven by my daughter 90% of the time. Mostly street driving, dirt roads and some light mud occasionaly. My BFG's are about 32 1/2 inches tall and do ride a little rough. I want to go up in size. The 295 Nitto's are about 33 1/2 inches tall and the 315's are about 34 1/2 inches tall. So I'm wondering if the softer sidewalls of the 315's will actually "squish" more than the stiffer E rated 295 and result in about the same overall diameter and effect on gearing. Also, will the D rated 315's ride noticably better than an E rated tire? In all honestly, I just want larger tires but I don't want to totally kill the performance of the weak 3.8V6/auto/3.73 gear setup we have. Opinions? 
08-30-2015, 12:16 PM
#18
JK Freak
Thread Starter
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll research them. My brother-in-law's shop has just started carrying the Atturo Trail Blades. His distributer is really high on them and his partner just mounted a set on his new Silverado. They look great (similar to Trail Grapplers) and are getting good reviews, and they do make a D rated 35x12.50-17. But the problem is that they are really new and no one has ran them for 40 or 50 thousand miles yet.
08-30-2015, 04:34 PM
#19
JK Enthusiast
Went from E rated KM2 265/70-17 at 40psi to D rated Duratracs 285/70-17 currently at 31 psi, corrected with flashcal and the only difference is better ride quality and a bit worse mpg.
08-30-2015, 04:45 PM
#20
JK Junkie
i have nitto trail grapplers E rated
they are stiff i guess so people say ( ill believe them) but im pretty happy with them over all , if they are stiff ? well maybe a st of d rated would be my next choice if made in the same size for mine being a 285/70/16 otherwise id get another set of these E again . Dont seem to bother me much at all that i can say would steer me away . At least for my use and they are as tough as nails it seems might not be good when you air down low i dont know ! i keep mine at 30 for my needs . i will add this
in winter at temps around -30 f they feel a bit stiff till you roll on pavement for a mile. but still i dont see a issue . people who are in rocks know more on this though im sure.
in winter at temps around -30 f they feel a bit stiff till you roll on pavement for a mile. but still i dont see a issue . people who are in rocks know more on this though im sure.
Last edited by jeepmojo; 08-30-2015 at 05:05 PM.