DAY 4
EXTREME BUILDUP 2000 Project 2
Damian's 1970 800a
Now its tire time! I liked the old look of the 800. The 33’s filled the fenders well, and I wanted to keep that ratio as much as possible.
But I also knew that the lift before was inadequate for the tires.
Knowing I was adding over 5.5 inches of lift to the Lil Mule, we
decided to chuck the relatively new BFG 33x12.50 AT’s (siped) and go to a 35 inch tire. But which one?
Swampers are ideal but to expensive for the tire wear. BFG are great tires but wanted over $700 for the mud terrains
(including siping) - and that not counting new rims. And I don’t have experience with Big-O and the Goodyear brands. Then someone mentioned the new Pro
Comp tires. I know, I know…Pro Comp makes suspension parts not tires. But they just recently started manufacturing
a fairly aggressive tire...and they are pre siped from the factory!
After a bit of calling around and finally selling the old BFG’s for $550 (included rims and full spare). Scott at the Denver
4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers was able to make me a VERY sweet deal for all four new tires and rims. I actually caught
them in their “March Madness” sale and got everything for a mere $625 - and that included the four tires, new rims,
mounting, balancing, and road hazard warrantee. Can I afford about $75 for new 35’s and rims? I think so!
When I got the tires (they deliver!) I was VERY impressed. The tread is nice and soft. The tread is about 2 finger widths
apart at the corners and a little under one finger width in the center. I will say that I’m a little skeptical about the relatively
few sipes in the center tread blocks - they aren’t nearly as aggressive as what I’m used to. However, if they don’t work as
well as I feel they should, I’ll just head down to the local Discount Tire and fix that - but no need to knock them before I test
them.
All things considered - the nice thick blocks, pre-siped middle blocks and some brand spankin new Rock Crawler Steel wheels
(black powder) - I was one very happy camper!
Now that the front axle is all but done, here are some pictures of the truck sitting on the new tires. So far we have a 2.5”
lift spring, our SOA and Reverse Shackle conversion, and 1976 Scout II Dana 44 with disks. The front hubs locking
hubs are fresh from warn.
PLANS
| Day 1
| Day 2
| Day 3
| Day 4
| Day 5
| Day 6
| Day 7
| Day 8
| Day 9
| Day 10
| Day 11
| Day 12
| Day 13
|
