M35A3 tire changing to 395/85/20 part 1

Just wondering as I can't do it(or won't do it) on my own either.

gimpyrobb said:

What do you have to load the tire/rim combo into the bed?

Click to expand...

This is what I did in a pinch. I like it so much and now its permanent.
Post #149
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/5-ton-up/85810-wsucougarxs-m923-acquisition-15.html

Post #30 for me.

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce-modification-hot-rodding/34231-head-board-crane-3.html

Update time! With a couple of thousand miles on the tires and truck, it's nothing short of awesome. Been running at 52-55 on the highway, 35 around town. Carried up to 7 tons of dirt a short distance, and 5 tons 60 miles. Driven loaded with christmas carolers in the back, and driven it empty. Up hill in the snow (both ways) and downhill on the ice. So the ice part isn't as fun as it might sound, but it's livable. Lots of rain driving, no problems at all!

Now, two of the tires starting leaking after a few hundred miles. It's the Oring. Now I know why the tires were torqued so hard! Easy fix, tightened them up a little, back to business as usual.

They look great, haven't rubbed anywhere yet. Never going back.

I like that tire carrier. McMaster Carr has simple davit arm cranes that would work great mounted in bed. Picture of my A36 on 395 Goodyears. Other picture is A35 on big Michelins with stock wheels.
I like the Goodyears better.
Pete

Subscribed, will the A3 rims fit on the A2 trucks???

Subscribed!

Ford Mechanic said:

Subscribed, will the A3 rims fit on the A2 trucks???

Click to expand...

The A3s are just updated A2s they share the same Rockwell drive axles and hub assemblies, the A3s have added air fittings and different bearings/seals to accomodate the auto tire inflation system. Yes the A3 rims will fit the A2s.

Dumb question... In regards to "internal bead-lockers", are they required to run 395/85R20s on A3 rims???

Nope just a bonus. If you use the ctis, I think it should be mandatory though.

I won't be using a CTIS as it's for my M109A3. Next question if you can spare the time....

which 395/95R20 is best to use in my attempts to make an off-road camper. It will have considerable highway use prior to going off-road.

Michelin XML, Michelin XZL, or Goodyear MVT?

XZL or MVT. I had some XMLs, they were noisy and wore poorly. My XZLs that replaced them are much better.

Outstanding... Can you give me any pros/cons in regards to the XZLs vs. MVTs?

I run the xzl's on my truck. They ride and steer good. I haven't put enough miles on them to say how they wear. Off road they perform pretty awesome. As far as road noise...well I haven't rode in a truck with xml's so I can't compare, but the xzl's aren't terribly loud. They sound about like any other knobby tire you see a lifted chevy running.

The goodyear mvt's look awesome. If and when I ever wear out my xzl's then I will give the good years a try. I am quite happy with my xzl's though.

What do you guys know about the XL's?

I have never seen a 395 in an XL. To my knowledge they are only available on 14.5, 15.5 1400, & 1600R20s. I have noticed that certain sizes are more location specific. I have not seen very man of the 14.5 or 15.5 come off JBLM

How do the XL's wear on road and how do they perform offroad

We have the MVT's on the She Beast and love them. They see a mix of pavement, rocky dirt tracks, and sand. I find them to be the best sand tire we've used.
I have the 11x20 XL's on my truck and think they would be great for mud, which I see none of, and wouldn't get them again.
Also they seem to crack really bad on the sidewalls and chunk pieces off the lugs a lot.

I have 6- 1400r20 and they are in pretty decent shape tread is like new but there is some cracking but not enough to worry me. I got all them for $400 and they were all holding air which Is good

Mine all cracked while in use. Hundy has said the same about them. I had to replace two, one cracked so bad it blew out and the other I ripped some lugs off on a bad trail, and he asked me what I thought of them. We both had the same opinion. He'd heard that they do that often.

Oh, and it was the same kind off deal. I got 8 for $500 , all barely used and no sign of cracks or damage.