255/80/17 New Options & ST MAXX Experience

Did a search for this tire size and noticed no updates with new choices in this size. Here are the currently available tires in 255/80/17.

Falken Wildpeak A/T3W
Toyo Open Country A/T II
Cooper Discoverer ST MAXX
Nitto Ridge Grappler
Toyo Open Country A/T

I’m running Cooper ST MAXX currently but have had some issues with unusual lug wear (alternate lugs), pulling to right, patch wear and feathering. Currently at low speeds it feels like I’m driving on gravel.

I’ve had aligned a few times and have experimented with different inflations. Have rotated every 5,000 miles and currently have 38,000 on tires. I’m running Medium Dakar Leafs in back with Ride Right Airbags, and BP-51 Suspension all around.

I pulled some photos from a different ST MAXX thread and the photos are very similar to what’s going on with my tires.
Here is that thread for reference.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/why-are-my-front-tires-cupping-scalloping.513337/

Love the look of the STMaxx but probably will try a different tire due to all my unresolved issues with wear.

Most driving is city highway when not at friends ranch (3x year, mud, dirt & rocky roads).

Should I go back to 265’s to pick up a few extra choices or stick with 255 and just choose a different tire from list above?

 

I have the same issue with uneven wear causing some noise and just a little roughness. At around 57,000 miles I still have good tread however and can't cmplain. They make some noise it's really only the back 2 that have worn funny but I keep them rotated. I didn't notice any change until I let somebody rotate them after I had shoulder surgery and they changed the tires side to side. For as agressive a tire as they are I am not going to complain and will most likely buy again. I have never seen agressive tires that really wore evenly but maybe that's just me

 

These are so far gone after 38,000 miles I’m gonna have to bite the bullet and change tires. The ride at slow speeds has become absolutely unbearable and is causing serious vibration.

 

That's a shame mine certainly aren't that bad. Really, just an annoyance for me. Perhaps try the RG's I have heard they ride well and are quiet. I can understand how you feel my wife has a RAV 4 with Geolanders on it and while they have plenty of tread they ride horrible. What kinda preasures have you been running in them?

 

@Casper66 -

I’ve tried from 30 - 50 pounds but haven’t been able to zero in on the best pressure. Admittedly, I think the lug wear was already too irregular to pinpoint the correct pressure to run because it became impossible to chalk test once the lugs had worn unevenly.

 

Yeah that would be hard to do and if the dmage is already done not much point I guess. I was running 37 in the front and 34 in the rear. With the addtion of all the weight of the rear bumper and swingouts I believe i am running around 35-37 front and back now.

 

Usually when you have alternating lug wear it's due to worn suspension components (usually shocks) allowing the tire to bounce up and down uncontrolled. Those look like they would be pretty loud when cornering. When my Duratracs started cupping they got extremely loud when taking curves.

 

Please forgive my intrusion into this thread, but I have a question for those with experience running ST MAXX tires (any size) in ice / snow conditions. The ST MAXX are currentl;y my #1 choice to replace my OPEM Goodyears when ready.

These aren't very heavily siped, and I am wondering how the ST MAXX's handle with traction on snow or icy roads? I ask, because many years ago, my dad had an early 90's Toyota 4x4 with some unknown brand of tires, that had large lugs, but very minimal siping, and they had zero grip on icy roads. We had a hell of a time on some back roads near Rifle, CO on an Elk hunt in the mid 90's.....

 

I can only speak to my experiences. I have had many off road tires over the years on many different vehiclesFor me, these have been the best for all around traction I have had. I’ve is slick no matter what tire you have unless studded, which Max’s are studable. They have been great for me even n a small relatively light truck

 

@Casper66 Thank you, Sir, your experience is much appreciated, and reassuring

 

In hopes of not needing to make an additional topic, my question piggy backs off of the OP’s


Quick Tire fitment question: I am looking at replacing my tires, rims, and doing a front end level/lift. Below is what I am proposing to do, if anyone has experience with this combo please let me know. Intended use is logging roads/camping. Very light "wheeling".

255/80/17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers

17" wheels with +0MM backspace

Blistien 5100 on the front end with 2" or 2.5" setting

Thanks!