245/75/17 Goodyear Duratracs

[jjt250]

So it looks like sometime around spring I will be looking at installing an OME HD lift. I really like Duratracs, but would rather not use wheel spacers so I'm interested in the 245/75/17 size. The only thing that I'm concerned about is the E load range. Seems a bit over kill and I'm worried that the ride will be too harsh with them. I would consider 265/70/17's but I'm afraid they won't fit or will rub too much if I don't use spacers.

So too the guys who run/ran 245/75/17 Duratracs, how do you like them? Do you regret getting them in that size (or any other tires, for that matter)? Do you guys think 265 will be doable without spacers?

Thanks guys for whatever help!

[Matt]

As long as you run the proper pressure the ride wont be harsh. Just because its load range E doesnt mean they need to be run at 80 psi.

My only regret with running that size tire is they're thin and I like the look of wider tires. Everything else is great though and the thinner tires are better for road handling and mpg.

[Core XK]

So it looks like sometime around spring I will be looking at installing an OME HD lift. I really like Duratracs, but would rather not use wheel spacers so I'm interested in the 245/75/17 size. The only thing that I'm concerned about is the E load range. Seems a bit over kill and I'm worried that the ride will be too harsh with them. I would consider 265/70/17's but I'm afraid they won't fit or will rub too much if I don't use spacers.

So too the guys who run/ran 245/75/17 Duratracs, how do you like them? Do you regret getting them in that size (or any other tires, for that matter)? Do you guys think 265 will be doable without spacers?

Thanks guys for whatever help!

I have 245/75/17 Duratracs. Matt turned me on to these tires and I do not regret it at all. At first, they were really loud because I never had such an aggresive tire. I have had them a few months and I never notice the noise anymore (especially with aftermarket muffler). I do agree with Matt that I like a wider tire but I also run 1.5" Spidertraxx spacers and it gives it a nice wide stance. Before spacers I rubbed at full lock (with pinch weld mod done) which is why I bought spacers plus I wanted the tires wider and could not swing new off-set wheels. If you go larger then 245/75/17 I think you will rub a good bit.

Overall I love the tires and I still get compliments on them. I am very excited to try the thin tires on the snow as I heard they kick butt :)

[jjt250]

Thanks a lot for the replies guys. Are they really that loud? I read that they pretty decent on road, considering what they are. They're not overly stiff then? I know you don't have to air then up to 80 psi but wouldn't 10 ply be stiffer over something with a lower load range? I think the thinner tires would suit my needs better, although I do like the look of a thicker tire. I will probably eventually get some 1" spacers but I would like to run them without spacers for awhile. Was the punch weld mod absolutely necessary to run this size? Thanks guys.

[Matt]

They're really not loud at all... they're similar to most A/T's in terms of noise, which to make more noise than the stock highway tires. Corey is just sensitive :p

The rubbing you'll get without spacers is due to the tires hitting the body, not the pinch weld.

You won't have an issue with the pinch weld until after the spacers are on.... so if you want, you can forego the pinch weld mod and then see if you rub after the spacers are on. If you do, its an easy mod to take care of.

With the weight of our vehicles, the sidewall stiffness between a D and E load range is negligible in terms of affecting the ride. Think about it this way, if you deflate the tires will the sidewall hold the vehicle up? No, the sidewalls still flex.

Going from a P to LT tire affects the ride more so due to the weight of the tires (affects suspension rebound) and harder tread compound. Once your in a LT tire, going from D to E really doesn't isn't going to be that noticeable unless you're also changing size (more weight)

[jjt250]

Okay good. I understand they'll be louder than stock but I just don't want it to be excessively loud. I'm assuming there is no way to get rid of rubbing hitting the body, right? That makes me more confident in buying a E load range tire. Would you recommend any other tire to check out while I'm at it? General Grabber AT2, BFG AT, Firestone Destination AT? My main priorities are snow handling and ride noise. There really isn't any place to go rock crawling in Omaha so I don't need it to excel in that category. Thanks a lot Matt.

[Matt]

I'm a big fan of the Grabber AT2.... and a big proponent of the BFG AT (i had two sets and did not like them one bit, especially in snow).

The Duratracs are awesome in all conditions, look very aggressive and have great road manners for such an aggressive tread pattern. You won't be disappointed. I don't believe my Duratracs were any louder than my Grabber AT2's if that helps put it in perspective for ya.

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Go Duratracs, stay away from the BFGs. I have them now and am not impressed, they are horrible in mud and are pretty noisy for an AT

[jjt250]

All right guys, looks like I'm gonna do the Duratracs and lift next spring unless we get a bad winter here....hopefully. Gives me an excuse to do it early! Still rolling on the stock Forteras at about 50K and they're showing their age.

[Matt]

Holy crap i didn't realize our stock tires could last that long.... usually they're slicks by 40k

[jjt250]

They've lasted a surprisingly long time. I'm really hoping we get some serious snow this year so I can upgrade but last Friday it was like 60 degrees!

[NeilSmith]

Im running 245/75 R 17 Duratracs. I have no rubbing what so ever. I have had them for 2 1/2 years and they are wearing wonderfully. I rotate them every 6K miles. they are a little noisy to begin with but thats just because you will be going from the Forteras, theyre not loud compared to a MT or even some AT tires. They are kinda between an At and a MT as far as tread goes, I think. They ride just fine. I run them at 35psi normally and when offroading or on the beach I go down to like 18psi or so. Theyre pretty tough too. I have a couple rock/root gashes in the sidewall but never leaked and they have never " chunked " the tread neither.

[Matt]

They're definitely a tough tire!

If you can look beyond my "Sal" pose and check out that rear tire..... lol

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/08/2012812Matt17-1.jpg

[jjt250]

Dang, this is really making me want to get some. I've never seen them in person but the first time I saw a picture, I was instantly in love.

Neil, thanks for the review. You're not running spacers, right?

[jjt250]

Hey I got one more question for you guys, did you have to trim the tow hitch bolts to fit the spare?

[Matt]

I didn't have a full sized spare, but I know corey trimmed his and its still tight with a worn down duratrac he got off ebay.

[jjt250]

Really that tight? I heard that a 255/75/17 fits after modification so I wouldn't suspect it to be that tight with a 245/75/17. I might just keep my stock spare and save some money.

[07JeepXK]

Really that tight? I heard that a 255/75/17 fits after modification so I wouldn't suspect it to be that tight with a 245/75/17. I might just keep my stock spare and save some money.

I can't see a 255/75R17 fitting down there unless it was totally deflated and the trailer hitch bolts were cut down for clearance.

[jjt250]

I believe Omelet did it. His was worn, deflated, and had a modded hitch like you said.

[07JeepXK]

That makes sense then if it was deflated

[Core XK]

lol Matt... f u ...im not sensative! they are just loud compared to stock forteras.

I meant he will probably need pinch weld if he runs spacers.

I don't think I'll buy a different tire when my Duratracs are done which they are only a few months old.

I trimmed the hitch bolts pretty good and a pretty worn DuraTrac still will not fit under there; the tire gets stuck on that metal plate next to the track bar or the hitch itself. My tire is down there and it is nice and snug on the hitch and plate. However, due to it not clearing completely it would not go all the way up and lock fully so it made a really annoying noise when driving. I just made a little contraption with 3 pieces of plywood and it is very tight and hasn't made a noise yet. I am getting a basket for X-mas and I was going to put the tire up there but I don't think I will as long as this rig job keeps working.

[jjt250]

Well that's too bad and kinda surprising. I really don't want it anywhere else besides the spare spot. I guess I'll see if I can make it work. Thanks for the insight.

[Matt]

lol Matt... f u ...im not sensative! they are just loud compared to stock forteras.

:D

[Holbie99]

What's up guys. Just saw this thread and I too am considering these tires as well. My concern is the upper control arm. Not a whole lot of room there. Have factory 245/65/17 now. Any feedback will be much appreciated.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2

[Matt]

Do you have a wk or xk?

[Holbie99]

Sorry, I guess I should of clarified that. 2006 Commander with 2 in. RC lift.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2

[Holbie99]

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/10/a4y7uhan-1.jpgThis is my concern.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2

[hoaxci5]

I don't think you will have an issue with 245/75's since they are only taller and not wider than your current 245/65. The outer lugs could be a problem with the tire change, but worst case you cut the bolt or replace with rro/jba upper control arms because they use a much smaller stud.

[jjt250]

I have 245/70r17 Duratracs and I don't know if you'll be able to fit 245/75r17's without some spacers. That being said, I've heard of people fitting 265/65r17's without spacers on stock rims so the only way you'll know for sure is to have them test fitted. Here's a picture of my 245/70r17's:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/10/IMG_20130309_132841_zpsa20a1600-1.jpg (http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/Johnny_Turco/media/Jeep/IMG_20130309_132841_zpsa20a1600.jpg.html)

I can get a better picture if you want.

[07JeepXK]

Your tires look close to the steering knuckles

[Holbie99]

Picture is great. You started the thread off looking at the 245/75/17s so I guess you settled on the 70.If all is going well? Then this is the size I will go with. Just not that interested in spacers.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 4

[Holbie99]

I also have the XK. Not sure if that make any diffence.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 4

[jjt250]

Your tires look close to the steering knuckles

It's just the angle of the picture, there's plenty of room.


Picture is great. You started the thread off looking at the 245/75/17s so I guess you settled on the 70.If all is going well? Then this is the size I will go with. Just not that interested in spacers.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 4

LOL didn't even realize I started this thread. Yep I decided to go with the 70s because I just didn't want to deal with spacers and rubbing. Looks great at stock height and with about 1" of lift. I don't think having an XK would change anything. I have plenty of clearance everywhere and have not rubbed once, even off road. I think I posted pictures at the pinch weld and swaybar also somewhere around this forum. I can repost them if you want.

[Matt]

The xk wheels have about 1/2" more clearance than wk wheels.

[Holbie99]

These must do a number on the fuel mileage?

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 4

[Core XK]

I have 245/75/17's DuraTracs. With JUST an RC lift they will rub at full lock (The rub isn't horrible and was only at full lock). However, I now have the pinch weld mod done + 1,5" spacers so there is no rub what so ever. I intend to go bigger/wider with new DuraTracs once these are done.

[Matt]

Same here.... every time I look at my XK I regret not getting the Duratracs again (though I can't complain about my Toyos, they're a good tire)