HELP! I have done a bunch of research but I am missing something...

I want to get 35" (or close) tires for my 2 door Rubicon. I have narrowed it down to Goodyear MTR or Duratrac (I think) I want something good in ice and snow and still good for all around off road.

So why go with one of the following over the other?
305/70/17 vs 315/70/17 vs 35 12.50 17???
I know the 305 is slightly shorter weighs a bit less but whats the deal with the 315 vs the 35x12.50?

This is one piece of the puzzle. I am tired of beating up the underside of my rubi trying to follow Jeeps on 35s. So I think its time for 35s and a lift.

Thanks for your input.

 

I just bought the 315/70-17. Basically because you cant get the BFG A/T KO in 35x12.50-17

The 315/70-17 is only 12.4 wide and 34.5 tall.

I would say that is the difference if your 35x12.50-17s are actually 35" tall

 

Metric sizes drive me nuts. I would go 35X12.50. And of your choices I prefer aggressive so mtr

 

Check out the April 2011 issue of FW magazine. They did a 10 tire shootout and be prepared for a shocking first place tire!

 

Can't hyperlink, so search Google for "april 2011 four wheeler magazine mud tire shootout intro".

1) Hankook Dynapro MT
2) Goodyear Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar
3) Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ
4) Nitto Trail Grappler M/T
5) Yokohama Geolandar M/T

You can get the other 5 from the article.

 

I did read that article. I am after a good off road tire BUT I am most concerned with snow and ice performace. It seems the duratrac gets the best reviews in that environment. I figure great ice/snow performace with good offroad performance is more important on a DD than great offroad and questionable ice/snow performance.
For some reason I am torn between the duratrac and MTR. Several Indiana Jeep owners have told me they are decent in ice/snow.

 

Yes they are good in snow. Had them out several times last winter and they did great

 

Any more input on my question?

So why go with one of the following over the other?
305/70/17 vs 315/70/17 vs 35 12.50 17???
I know the 305 is slightly shorter weighs a bit less but whats the deal with the 315 vs the 35x12.50?

I don't want to start another what's the best tire thread. Just trying to figure out the size puzzle.

 

305 is the width, not height.
305 mm wide = 12 inches wide (305/25.4 = 12.007 inches)
315/25.4 = 12.4

Next number is the aspect ratio (take the width times the ratio times two for two sidewalls)
12.007 * 2 * 0.7 = 16.809 in total sidewall height
12.4*0.7*.2 = 17.36 total sidewall height

Add this value to the wheel diameter for total tire height
16.809+17 = 33.809 inches in total height
17.36 + 17 = 34.36 inches in total height

If you want a 35 then go with the 315/70/17 tire (34.4) or the 35X12.5 tire
Your best bet for a metric tire is 325/70/17 = 34.9 inch tall tire

 

Wow good info. But why do people go with the 315 instead of the 35/12.50/17? The 35 even seems cheaper if you can find em.