Softer Springs

[Coug]

A couple updates...

First, I started running 20 psi. The ride did improve, but one of the tires blew out last week. I thought they were old rubber, but it turns out the date code was 2018...so still within 10 years. The good news, it was my chance to upgrade to offset 24 bolt wheels. I removed the runflat inserts, and hands down that was a bigger improvement to the ride than running the 20 psi. I am now running 35 psi. All the tire guys I spoke with said they run 40-50psi. I am not sure if the ride improvement is due to the removal of the weight without the runflats or the new(er) tires being only 5 years old...but it's a start in the right direction.

What were the tires you were running?
If they were the Baja or the Wrangler MT I would be suspicious of a failure at only 7 years old.
If they were Wrangler MT/R then you were on borrowed time to begin with. The military had issues with the MT/R tires and mandated disposal of any over 5 years old for safety reasons.
Running lower pressure also increases the amount of sidewall flex and thus heat buildup. Not as big of an issue if you are driving slower, but if you're driving at higher speeds, then it's a lot more flex and heat, so a lot faster failure.

 

[Thunderbirds]

What were the tires you were running?
If they were the Baja or the Wrangler MT I would be suspicious of a failure at only 7 years old.
If they were Wrangler MT/R then you were on borrowed time to begin with. The military had issues with the MT/R tires and mandated disposal of any over 5 years old for safety reasons.
Running lower pressure also increases the amount of sidewall flex and thus heat buildup. Not as big of an issue if you are driving slower, but if you're driving at higher speeds, then it's a lot more flex and heat, so a lot faster failure.

.
Very good point. Sorry to hear you lost a tire. I don't think it was solely because of the low pressure. It may have expedited, but according to the government ALL Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tires older than 5 years are considered to be unserviceable... If you have others, I would consider replacing ASAP.

The BF Goodrich Baja's are NOT affected by this recall warning...