Michelin LTX M/S 2 - Initial Thoughts (Now LTX Defender)

Just ordered a set through Discount tires. Getting them mounted next Wednesday. I can't wait!

 

^^ same here about the side walls. I had Michelin LTXs on my previous vehicle and they were quiet, comfortable but the side walls were cracking after about 4-5 years. I replaced them although there were a plenty of tread left. I’m not sure if I would buy them again to be honest.

 

The new Defenders have an updated rubber compound. I'm wondering if they'll maybe not crack like the MS2's.

 

Had LTX MS on my old Suburban and then 2 sets of LTX AT2 on the Tacoma and after 50k miles I noticed on all the sets that traction is not there dry or wet as before. Easier to spin them or slide more - just a point to mention. Really long wear ratings are what they are but by 55k I change them out always for safety even when I could run them a lot longer.
Not worth an accident to me. Another thing that the tire stores now all do is limit their tire hazard warranty to 3 years when they did not before.

 

I'll be buying my 3rd set soon, second for tacoma (defenders). In reality i will probably get 65k from them, an estimate as i also run snow tires. I like running both sets, i feel i get much more bang for the buck on tires as i can run them down further without worry of next snow season. Even the snows i'll run in summer when i know they are done for next winter (studless).
This winter i'll run the defenders in the snow, they do decent when new and ill buy snow's next winter. My current defenders i have about 4 years on them, no cracking but they are a little hard.
This may be a post for another thread, but i would recommend to anyone to run dedicated snows if your situation warrants it. I have long commutes to work on back roads, and a harry driveway. I've done the math, running premium tires, defenders and blizzaks, till they are done is almost the same exact cost as a cheap tire. The miles/dollar is very close.

 

The first thing I noticed about my Michelin defenders is how much less wheel weights It took to balance them.
My truck rides so smooth and very quiet.

 

Im so stoked guys!!!!! After almost a year of Michelin not producing the Defender LTX 265/75R16 in the SL / 116T rated (Non LT) tire.... they started producing them again. Going to get my set put on this week sometime when they show up to the tire store.... im so done with my shitty loud / heavy / crappy traction Cooper AT3's

 

Wait until there on sale. They have promotions all the time. I got a $70 Visa card. I bought mine through tire rack, they were at my installer the next day. Simple process with tire rack. They will list preferred installers in your area.

 

Did even one better. Costco was having a 70 instant rebate + 40 off installation. Went to the local Americas tire (Aka Discount Tire) and they matched all of that and then some. Was out the door cheaper (without any MIR's) than costco, with much friendlier and better service now / in the future WITH road hazard warranties. Going to keep the old tires n sell them too.

The defenders definitely are not the cheapest... but i have ALWAYS kicked myself for not going with them on the last 3 sets of tires on the truck... all cus i wanted the AT tire look, i gave up actual drive ability in ALL other categories for it.

 

No mail in rebates at Costco and I have always had great service there compared with some tire stores. Only needed road hazard warranty once and no hassle.

Great on out the door cheaper.

 

LOL, of course! I waited for almost a year before I gave up and went 265/70/16.

Having said that - I’ll likely go with 265/70/16 again when it’s time to replace. The truck looks well balanced and practical with the stock size. No complaints from me, and there is no performance different off-road with the slightly larger size. Im so old!

 

aww sorry man!

Are you lifted?

I know i dont like the look of the stock size on my truck with its 2in lift. Holes just arent filled properly IMO.... haha.


Edit... .Also this is me right now.... appt is at 4pm today to get em put on!

 

I also chose the 265/70/16 after a lot of research. I think they are a practical size for a non lifted truck.
They ride nice and quiet with no mpg loss. I will also replace with same.

 

I slapped on a set of 3rd gen off road wheels at the same time - really like the look. Updated and clean.

 

No lift, I felt that a new set of wheels (3rd gen OR takeoffs) did more to update the look of the truck than anything. I could definitely see the larger size on a lifted truck.

 

3rd gen trd OR rims with 265/70R16 defenders probably looks DAMN good on a stock height truck.


Got my truck back from the tire shop yesterday with my nice light new Defender LTX MS's 265/75R16 116T's.... INSTANTLY noticed the less rotating mass. and OH MY GAWD, so quiet. I can hear myself think again.

840 OTD, with road hazard and tax. (7.25%)

 

Wanted to update here. I put a plow on the taco, and before i can get my snow tires on i have pretty new Mich defenders on. I am very impressed plowing my STEEP drive. I really couldnt ask for more from them. If it wasn't for the incline, i would stick with them but i like the added assurance. Still my favorite tire.

 

Ok I think I figured out how to add photos. Took this earlier this year doing a little driving for wildflowers.

 

I bought my truck in April 2015 with Defender MS 265/65/R17. Put 80K on them and they need to be replaced now. I can't compare them to other tires but after reviews and how great they seem to be I will be buying the same tires again. Right now they are past the tread wear indicators and still have good traction, even in the snow which is surprising.