Go Back   Chrysler Forum - Chrysler Enthusiast Forums > Chrysler Vehicles > Chrysler Aspen
Sign in using an external account
Register Forgot Password?

Welcome to the Chrysler Forum - Chrysler Enthusiast Forums.
If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Reply
 
 
 
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Search this Thread
  #1  
Old 10-14-2011, 01:10 PM
Silver's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 36
Default New tires/rims are on - much better ride.

My '08 has the J-Package, so it has the 20" rims. I think they look great, but I hate the rougher ride you get with short sidewalls. Plus the selection of tires available for people like me that live in snow/ice country is not that great, nor are the prices. So awhile back, I picked up a set of the chrome clad 18's that also came on Aspens of the same year.

My old tires where the stock 265/50/20 Goodyear RS-A's. They are horrible in slush and wet because they have closed shoulders that don't allow water and slush to escape. We hydro-planed more then once with those tires, even before they started getting to their end-of-life. They got worse as they wore down.

Now I have 265/60R18 Michelin LTX M/S2. They have good shoulder channels, and huge center grooves to move water, snow, and slush out of the way. Good deal of siping too, so ice and wet traction should be good. They are the top rated tire on Tirerack for Highway All Season category. Time will tell, but I think they will be a good all season tire for me.

The ride and control with these tires and 18" rims is noticably improved over the 20's in my opinion, though admittedly the tires where pretty much shot (had 50k on them).

If anyone is interested in buying a nice set of the OEM 20" rims, i'll be selling them soon. They are in great shape.
This ad is not displayed to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on ChryslerForum!
__________________
2008 Aspen 4x4, 5.7 Hemi, just about every other option.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10-14-2011, 03:17 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Wsilla, Alaska
Posts: 30
Default

I just replaced the stock tires on mine with Cooper Discoverer A/T3 265/60/18. For an A/T tire they ride and handle awesome. I'm very impressed. We're in Alaska so I'll be putting them to the snow and ice test soon.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10-14-2011, 05:27 PM
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 329
Default

Tires with more sidewall will have a softer ride, but there's no way there's better control. I think you're experiencing the difference between worn out tires and new tires.

More sidewall = more sidewall flex. There's no way around it.
__________________
2008 Aspen
All options, 4x4
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10-15-2011, 12:14 PM
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 24
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 15951a\ View Post
Tires with more sidewall will have a softer ride, but there's no way there's better control. I think you're experiencing the difference between worn out tires and new tires.

More sidewall = more sidewall flex. There's no way around it.
I agree. I just replaced my tires with Bridgestone Dueller H/L Alenza and what a big difference. I had the original tires with 30,000 miles when I replaced them.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10-15-2011, 05:02 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 38
Default

Totally agree too. Replaced my 20" SR-A's on my 08 J-pkg with Yokohama Parada Spec-X about 10K ago. Terrific tire. Rides like on rails in heavy rain, very smooth and quiet too. Not expecting to get terrific wear (hoping 30K) but by then I'll probably have a new ride.
Good luck with your new shoes.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10-17-2011, 04:48 PM
Silver's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 36
Default

True, in general, handling can be better with lower profile tires due to the sidewall flex issue. However, we are talking about a 5000+ lb SUV. Handling isn't really in its vocabulary if you really want to get down to it, not compared to a vehicle that really handles. So with a vehicle that already handles like an SUV on a good day (not a compliment), i'll trade a smoother ride for slightly less handling any day of the week.
__________________
2008 Aspen 4x4, 5.7 Hemi, just about every other option.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10-17-2011, 05:16 PM
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 329
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Silver View Post
Handling isn't really in its vocabulary if you really want to get down to it, not compared to a vehicle that really handles.
True, but a set of Bilstein shocks and a decent tires on the 20" wheels makes a world of difference. The stock ride is horrible, IMO.
__________________
2008 Aspen
All options, 4x4
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10-17-2011, 07:34 PM
TNtech's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 1,127
Default

I love Michelin LTX. On my second set in 7 years on my Dakota. Rides like a Caddy!
__________________
Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge Technician
Electrical & Driveablity
Crossfire
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10-18-2011, 12:48 PM
Silver's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 36
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 15951a\ View Post
True, but a set of Bilstein shocks and a decent tires on the 20" wheels makes a world of difference. The stock ride is horrible, IMO.
Ya, might make a difference, but doesn't make it a Lotus.

I should add that I also tow a camper and we often find ourselves off the beaten path when we are camping. So low profile tires are not my choice when I am offroad (nothing extreme, I have a Ram to rock crawl). So that was the additional reasoning behind going to a taller sidewall.
__________________
2008 Aspen 4x4, 5.7 Hemi, just about every other option.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10-24-2011, 07:54 PM
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 1
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by TNtech View Post
I love Michelin LTX. On my second set in 7 years on my Dakota. Rides like a Caddy!
In what way does it feel like riding in a Cadillac? Just curious
Reply With Quote
Old 10-24-2011, 07:54 PM
 
 
 
Reply



Tags
18, 20, 2656018, 300, 300c, aspen, awd, chrysler, quietest, ride, rims, smoothest, tires, type, wheels

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Advertising

Featured Sponsors
Vendor Directory
Our Sponsors
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:17 PM.

© Internet Brands, Inc.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
SEO by vBSEO ©2010, Crawlability, Inc.

Emails Backup