Michelin LTX A/T2 or LTX M/S2

I am running P265/75-16 at 36 psi with good success, but only have put 5k or so miles on the tires...I am also running P265/70-17 as WINTER tires using a set prerunner SPORT alloy rims I got cheap.

 

I'm assuming those are the LTX rated Defenders?? How are they so far? Very curious about these tires.

 

Yup. I got the P-rated version (38lbs/each). I think they're called "Defender LTX M/S". They're great. I can tell that the size is different while driving. But other than that, they feel/ride/sound just like my MS2's. Tread is nearly, if not, identical to the MS2. They're supposed to be everything that the MS2 is. But with slightly better wet/snow traction.

 

Don't get 70 - get 75's.

here are a few pics with 32" MS2's from my stock suspension days:




And after my lift:

 

Already got the 70's. But thanks for the pics! I actually sit higher with the 265-70s than I did on the 245-75. Obviously not much higher, but noticeable.

 

I'm still struggling with the whole P vs E debate. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr

 

If you tow or haul heavy loads and want more stability (less sidewall flex), if you do much off-roading or travel on crushed/broken rock secondary roads, or if you just really want excellent flat tire protection get the LT. You won't notice much difference in MPG's. The only significant benefit to P rated tires is you can run them with less air and they offer a much softer ride. It's worth also mentioning that the LT tire usually comes with significantly deeper tread to start which means they will last longer.

 

The P rated tires ride very, very nice and I towed my loaded snowmobile trailer 500 miles the other day with no problem.

 

Agreed. I really like my P's. Super smooth and quiet. Rides like a car for the most part. When I air up to 36+ it stiffens up considerably. Too stiff for my likes on such a little truck. So, I can imagine how stiff the LT's must be. I also tow a small fishing boat and frequently carry several hundred pound loads in the bed (dirt, wood, etc). No problems at all.

 

Well this thread solidified my tire decision... especially since I just put a set of 265/70/16 Michelin LTX A/T 2s on order... if whatever reason I do not like them in the coming weeks, I will in all likely swap to the M/S 2s. Will an alignment be necessary after installing new tires...? I've never done one after added new tires to my previous 3rd Gen 4Runners.

My newly acquired Tacoma DC is my primary daily driver, but have plans to do a little off road exploration here in Oregon. I was contemplating going all in with 2" OME lift, ARB Bull Bar, etc. but have decided to postpone those modifications for the coming year or so at least... which in all likely I would've gone with a 265/75/16 in the load range C - E flavor to accommodate the added weight

I am stoked to get these tires on and put 'em through there paces. I'll post up pics when I get them installed at my local Discount Tire.

 

These are my new Defender LTX MS in a 265-70-16. Stock suspension.

 

No alignment required. .

 

You loving them still

 

Getting new tires won't cause you to need an alignment but it's good to know your alignment is correct before ruining new tires.
If your old tires are wearing perfectly symmetrically, I might not worry about it but if they're wearing funny at all I'd have it aligned AFTER the new tires are installed.

 

Right on, thanks for the response. This is a new-to-me truck, so I may have alignment performed just to baseline the vehicle further...

 

Yep. They're great. But honestly, if it weren't for the slight size increase, I wouldn't know they're any different than the MS2's.

I would have just got MS2's again, but figured what the hell. MS2's are going away anyway, and the defender is supposed to have slightly better wet/snow. I really can't imagine Mich woulda messed too much with something that's had as good of a response as the Ms2 has had over the years. Unless they were pretty confident it would hold up similarly.

No complaints here and I really don't expect there to be any. But I understand the apprehension when the MS2's were/are as good as the are! If I do have any complaints, I'll come back and update.

 

Tell you what, at the 265 width, I am never going to overload the P LTX tires, and they perform VERY well. And track far better than my P rated studded snows. Of course with the cap on, no more hauling sand and gravel!

Howard

 

Agreed

 

Installed last night. Love 'em so far. 265/70/16 Michelin LTX A/T2s.
2002 Toyota Tacoma DC by Mason Obray, on Flickr
2002 Toyota Tacoma DC by Mason Obray, on Flickr
2002 Toyota Tacoma DC by Mason Obray, on Flickr
2002 Toyota Tacoma DC by Mason Obray, on Flickr

 

Just curious- why'd you go with MS2 and not the new Defender?

BTW they look great!