So I have been pining over new tires for a long time. Wasn't sure if I wanted to put bigger meat on my stock wheels, or replace the whole wheel/tire system all together. The $1200.00 really made me think about it...

While looking over the forum and Craigslist adds I came across an idea. Up in the north Florida area there are lotsa used tire places, selling tires for DIRT cheap (50 bucks for 35's mounted). So I hopped in the Jeep and headed to one to see what I could see.

Long story is that I found a set of 4 BFG AT's 315/70/17 to fit on my stock rims, 50 bucks a tire installed. The rear set is about 50% tread, the front is about 30-40%. For those prices I will go and yearly replace the tires. I only got 4 yesterday (wanted to see how the used tire thing would work out) but will start looking around for a spare sometime soon. Pics are below.




So far I am pretty pleased. Right now they are sitting on my stock X with no lift or wheel spacers. My buddy's blue X has new BFG MT's and a 2.5 inch Rough Country lift. You can see the difference in box height.

As far as the ride experience I am also pleased. I am running 3.73 gears, so I noticed a small power loss on the interstate. They seem to be well tracked and balanced. I do notice a small vibration and a "wobble hop" on the interstate when I get up around 75mph, but once I drop to 70mph I am golden. My buddy had problems with his auto transmission working to find it's last gear on the highway, so he had to disable his OD. I don't seem to have that problem. At 70mph my tach stays at 1900 rpm and doesn't seem to have a hard time. A little faster and I see the same. Need wheel spacers though...can only turn to 80% lock without rubbing. Anyways...now on to the lift...

 

It's only a bargain depending on what you want to do with the Jeep. If you want to go in mud or crawl rocks, 50% tread is getting close to being non-effective. If you only do mild wheeling and like the big-tire look, you saved a ton of $$$!

2 cents.

 

Good find. I've been looking around for a set of cheap 35's also.

Might just be the picture angle and the fender being in the way, but the MT's look about an inch taller than the worn down AT's. Could be why you were in OD and he wasn't?

Also looks like your buddy might want to invest in some longer front links...

 

So I got home this morning and did a quick wash. Decided to clean up the tires and remove the decals from the side of the tub. I still need some black magic for the wheels.

As far as wheeling is concerned, you are right. You definitely need deeper tread for hard core traction. For me, right now, these are good. I was jonesing for new tires so bad I couldn't stand it! These will fill the void for a little while at least.