Still a rough ride with 2.5s? Does tire load range affect that much?

@RustyBolts I cant see the picture for whatever reason but yes, an E load range tire can be brutal on a mid size vehicle. they are bad on full size trucks, and are really only recommended for tow vehicles.
preload, valving and rate can all be adjusted to help better your ride significantly.
if you would like, you can send me some photos of the shocks so I can see the amount of preload and compare it against what it comes from fox out of a box set at, also let me know if they are the factory 600lb coils fox ships with their shocks. we can also discuss valving options if that's something you would like to get into, but there is no reason that you shouldn't be happy with the ride quality on a set of fox's or most any other coil over for that matter. that's why these things cost as much as they do, the ride options are limitless and its just a matter of finding your comfortable ride. like I try to explain to everyone that asks how something rides before they purchase it.. ride is a perception and my liking may not be the same as yours, so now that you know what it is you don't like about it we can make changes and find what you do like.
shot me a PM or an email at micah@downsouthmotorsports.com
micah

 

A slight threadjack... but I need something explained to me. Are load-ratings (P, C, D, E) and "sidewall stiffness" different aspects of a tire? I read about some tires having 3-ply sidewalls. ST Maxx markets their Armor Tek-3. Goodyear MTR's have their Kevlar. KO2's with their 3-ply Tri Gard. Etc... And all of these tires come in various loads - usually C or E. What contributes more to on-road stiffness? Is it the load rating, or these beefed up sidewalls? Or do all LT tires have 3-ply sidewalls, and some companies just market it more than others?

I don't know much about Procomps, but it looks like the OP's tire is advertised as 3-ply sidewalls.

For my usage, I couldn't care less about load rating. I never tow, and even all of my camping gear loaded doesn't amount to much. P-rated would be fine. But at the same time I want a tire that isn't likely to blow out on the trail, so strong sidewalls. Is a P-rated tire with strong sidewalls even a thing?

Thanks for any info.

 

^The higher load ratings are usually achieved with stronger sidewalls, which are usually stiffer. Specifics are unique to each mfr and model (# of plies, ply thickness, material, direction...).

 

thanks for all the replies, lots of a good info. I'll be sure to update what I end up doing.

@Downsouth Motorsports - ill be shooting you an email shortly.

 

only time I would put P rated tire on a truck is if it never left the hwy.

 

The stock TRD suspension is very capable and mixed with a decent driver can handle quite a bit. Thats why I opt to get tires first - traction in the mud/dirt/gravel where the stock tires would fail just because of the friendly lug pattern. I've done a number of trails here on stock suspension and aggressive lugs. Granted I wasn't crawling over anything hard, but still put it through its paces.

I've always ran load Ds on my last truck until this last swap for the Tacoma. Made the switch mainly from watching 2 other vehicles tear their sidewalls. Didn't think too much of the ride but I'll be going back load Ds.

 

And for anybody else thinking about them - the 3 leaf AAL holds up fine for short trips (fire roads). But because of my longer trips of sustained load I'm ordering dakars with an overload. Inside of the shell is a home drawer system and camping gear, plus the thumper on the hitch.

 

I currently have a similar setup as you, Fox 2.5 coilovers, Fox 2.0 rears with Dakar leaf pack. I too am running with KO2's with E load rate. The ride definitely felt a little rougher after I changed the tires from a stock Passenger tire to a LT E rated tire. Much stiffer and heavier for sure. Did so after a tire blew out on a FSR trail.

 

I also have reduced pre load since then and did notice a difference. Had about 3" lift of pre load and dropped to 2&1/4

 

Rusty [OP] You never answered this question^^^^

What PSI you running?

I have load E Toyo's MT and they are seriously bomber tough tires. They will beat the shit out of the Taco and compress your spine on potholes. BUT, and it's a big BUT, at the right PSI, 36 PSI around town and 12-20 for wheeling, makes life in the Tacoma wonderful.

 

I can see this. But I've also had a guy on here state that he's been off-roading on P rated tires for years and swears by it. I mean, I don't think he was conquering Moab or anything, but just basic weekend-warrior stuff.

It's hard to get a good gauge on tires, since there are so many variables and differing opinions.

 

Good point. That'll be another factor. I got mine at 45 PSI for city and its way too hard

 

Just checked, cold - 38 / 38/ 38 and one 36. I'll drop them all to 36 and see what it feels like.

 

Try lowering PSI and go for a test drive! When I first got the heavy Toyo's I ran them at 40PSI and it was rough. 4 PSI lower made all the difference for me.

 

There has been no scientific testing that shows an LT tire is more puncture-resistant than an equivalent P-metric one. Against sharp objects, an extra ply can only do so much. Only limiting factor is the lack of good P-metric tires above 32" dia.

 

Toyo A/T II comes in a P-rated 33" and is a very highly regarded tire. So that's kind of where my previous question comes from. Is this P-rated Toyo just as puncture resistant as an E-rated A/T II?? Again, I don't care about load ratings.

Cooper AT3 has one as well.

 

Screw E rated tires on these trucks, unless it's a dedicated off road rig, they ride like crap. I think Load C is perfect for all round. P rated if you're on road mostly or occasionally "light" off road, but make sure you have a good spare.. Imo a bigger load C will ride as good as a smaller P rated.

 

Cool set up, do you have a shot from behind? How much does your bike stick out?

 

Drop it to like 15psi, the difference is crazy...

 

Interesting. Did't know about it before. I see the Toyo AT II's 33" tire is available for 17" but not 16". For the particular size of 285/70-17, the P-metric has 1 fewer nylon belt than LT. Both have 2-ply sidewalls and 2-ply tread with 2 steel belts. Puncture resistance can be expected to be similar. http://www.toyotires.ca/tires/suv-and-truck/full/OPAT II/122851

I don't see any of the AT3s in P-metric? http://us.coopertire.com/Tires/Light-Truck/DISCOVERER-A-T3.aspx#tire-specs