Got My Tires! - Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T 285/60R20

[Kpwweb]

The stock Goodyears were past the point of no return and wore the outside edge, even after two alignments. With the onset of rain and snow season, decided to get new tires after 43k.

Went with Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T 285/60R20. They are three peak rated and look stunning. They also ride better than the stock Goodyears, both tires at 37psi. A slight hum at speed, but barely noticeable.

I will also say they BARELY FIT. No rubbing, even with bumps and driveway aprons in forward and reverse. Stock wheels with stock offset. I would like to install 1/4-3/8" spacers, but I'm afraid they would rub at that point. The Z71 Tahoe is lifted with EdgyMods links as it has air suspension, probably lifted less than an 1" F + R as much more than that and the ride started suffering greatly with the air bags under more pressure.

Measurements now from ground to fender lip:
38-7/8" to 39" F, 39-1/4" Rear
(got about 3/8" lift from the tires)

 

[Kpwweb]

 

[BlaineBug]

How many miles did you put on the original tires? And do you think these will still be wearing incorectly? What did the results of the alignments show, is everything within spec?

 

[Kpwweb]

43k. Had it aligned twice. First time toe & caster off. Second time toe was off on front and right rear. I think the alignment machine at the first place was not quite right, so I used a different place the second time (ultimately the place I got the tires from).

Before the tires were installed, they checked using a drive-in alignment machine. Faster but not as precise as an alignment rack. It showed my alignment was spot on.

So I hope these tires will wear much better. Some tires, especially oem, just wear funny.

The only bothersome thing was we could never get the tahoe in “Alignment Mode” no matter what we did, even following the manual. We just let it settle in to normal ride height and aligned it there.

I also have a “lifetime alignment” agreement if needed for two free alignments a year.

 

[BlaineBug]

I think my front tires wear slightly more on the outside corners as well, original 4 year old Michelin tires with 52,000 on them, no alignments done as far as I know. You put a lot of miles on that 2021 thus far as well. When I get tires I will have an alignment done.

 

[JR09country]

I have an air ride suspension Tahoe as well and my tires wore the same way. My wife drive it for 4 months while we waited on her car to come in and left it in auto 4wd. I hope that's what caused the bad wear and not a bigger issue with the air ride.

 

[Kpwweb]

I leave mine in 2wd mostly. I would go to a good alignment shop and have it aligned. I bet the toe is out at the very least.

 

[BlaineBug]

I have an air ride suspension Tahoe as well and my tires wore the same way. My wife drive it for 4 months while we waited on her car to come in and left it in auto 4wd. I hope that's what caused the bad wear and not a bigger issue with the air ride.

Auto 4WD is no different than any vehicle with permanent full time all wheel drive. I can't see that being the cause of unusual tire wear.

 

[ProfeZZor X]

My tires are causing my suspension to be grossly out of alignment, but I plan on correcting that after I install my Brembo brakes and replace the tires as soon as possible.

 

[swathdiver]

43k. Had it aligned twice. First time toe & caster off. Second time toe was off on front and right rear. I think the alignment machine at the first place was not quite right, so I used a different place the second time (ultimately the place I got the tires from).

Before the tires were installed, they checked using a drive-in alignment machine. Faster but not as precise as an alignment rack. It showed my alignment was spot on.

So I hope these tires will wear much better. Some tires, especially oem, just wear funny.

The only bothersome thing was we could never get the tahoe in “Alignment Mode” no matter what we did, even following the manual. We just let it settle in to normal ride height and aligned it there.

I also have a “lifetime alignment” agreement if needed for two free alignments a year.

View attachment 383898

That's quite a spread from left to right on the caster. On previous generation, that much would be out of spec. It would certainly make the ride and driving feel off. Next time around or if you have concerns, let the dealer do it. They're not anymore expensive.

 

[JR09country]

Auto 4WD is no different than any vehicle with permanent full time all wheel drive. I can't see that being the cause of unusual tire wear.

I won't say it works as well as a full time awd car. I still experience some binding during sharp turns when using auto 4wd that I never experienced in our GX460. Under normal usage someone probably won't experience outter tire wear, but my wife thinks she is Mario Andretti and guns it often causing those front tires to pull and steer.

 

[Fast_AT4]

Hows the road noise vs stock? I by no means miss my MT from my Super Duty.

 

[Kpwweb]

Hows the road noise vs stock? I by no means miss my MT from my Super Duty.

Suprisingly quiet. Just a mild hum on the highway. Much more quiet than expected.

 

[Mike22]

Suprisingly quiet. Just a mild hum on the highway. Much more quiet than expected.

Has there been much change in acceleration, braking, etc? I worry about adding 20lbs per wheel.

 

[Kpwweb]

Has there been much change in acceleration, braking, etc? I worry about adding 20lbs per wheel.

There has been some due to the added mass. But with a 3 ton vehicle I am not autocrossing or anything like that. Brakes are still fine, no issues. There is about a 10% hit in mpg. But for the added piece of mind for weather and against flats, I’ll take it.

Also remeber these are truck based, not car-based station wagons. They can handle truck-based tires. I was surprised the ride was better with the load-rated tires with the same air pressure (37).

 

[Polo08816]

Is that tire able to fit in the spare tire location?

 

[Kpwweb]

i doubt it. Even if diameter is fine width would hang down too low in my opinion. I would put a skinnier tire for a spare.

 

[Polo08816]

i doubt it. Even if diameter is fine width would hang down too low in my opinion. I would put a skinnier tire for a spare.

This would be a problem if you're towing and you need a tire that has the same load capacity as the other tires.

 

[Kpwweb]

Not if it were load rated like the rest. Skinnier does not necessarily equal less capacity.

 

[olyelr]

i doubt it. Even if diameter is fine width would hang down too low in my opinion. I would put a skinnier tire for a spare.

I dont think the spare tire hanging down another 10mm would cause a lick of issues.