Thinking of dropping from my current E-10 rated tires to D-8's. What should I expect in stiffness, off-roading, highway, etc.?

 

Think that depends on the tire. Less harsh ride, weaker sidewalls.

 

This about sums it up...

 

i fully agree with the previous two posts but I think it needs a little qualification.

Those letters apply to the Load or Ply rating. The higher the letter the larger the equivalent number of plys so the stiffer the sidewall and the more load a tire can carry at its designed pressure. More plys make for stiffer but also stronger sidewalls. For rock crawling where you want to air down for better traction, stiffer sidewalls means you need to lower the pressure even more. The sidewalls will also be more puncture/tear resistant on those tires.

Unless you really need that strength, IMO E-range tires are overkill on a Jeep in many cases, but that is a choice you need to make. Some run E-rated tires because that is that only option for a given tire.

Your highway ride will improve with the D's and your offroad capability may or not change depending on the type of offroading you do.

 

totally dependent on specific tire. There are some very smooth riding E rated tires and some rough riding D and C rated tires. I have E rated Toyo Open Country AT2's and they ride like C rated tires.

 

I have no complaints about the ride with my current "E's" (Procomps)....and a REALLY appreciate how they don't follow road grooves. I assume the stronger sidewall makes them more resistant to darting (?).

Are "D's" more prone to darting?

You're right, that for off-roading, they seem to need a lot of deflating before there is appreciable deformation.

 

Darting more a byproduct of tire pressure and width.

 

Gotta ask, what is darting?

Matthew

 

One of many terms to describe when a tire grabs a rut or imperfection in the road and causes the vehicle to pull and wander.

 

Thank you

That makes sense

Matthew