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View Full Version : help me decide on a tire purchase



cooperzj
12-07-2007, 11:59 AM
Here are my choices, all are 35 x 12.5 x 15:

5 Older Model Cooper Discoverer STT tires. 4 are 40% worn 1 is brand new mounted on 15" black rock crawlers.
http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pIG5HAo9MncPkRX5mUfXgwWHHvDZap2QGSofw7DDh-rdpHnkdbrxsmAG5Dxf6Q0QqNya0Wl94LwIwy4JkdvvlhUATAdw 5xwXy


4 Interco Thornbirds Bias on some black steel rims. 90% left on them. http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee317/xjemily/jeepparts006.jpg

I've heard some pretty bad stuff about the Thornbirds. Is it all true? The complaints are mostly about how it sucks in mud. I don't plan on being in mud or asphault that often. Mostly dirt and rock. What is my better choice? The price is the same for both. $350

Cody
12-07-2007, 12:11 PM
I assume this is a joke. anything that involves thornbirds must be.

the only thing turdchickens are good for is moving sand--and thats only if you have the HP to spin the shit out of them. they are completely useless in: mud, snow, rocks, dirt, slickrock, gravel, pavement, asphalt, parking lots, grass, and parking.

fpkites
12-07-2007, 12:30 PM
Get the Coopers, and burn down the house of the dumbass that originally bought the turds.

ZJ Pappy
12-07-2007, 12:39 PM
Go for the Thornbirds, you'll be happy you did!

Green Mountain ZJ
12-07-2007, 12:50 PM
Option C - Keep looking

The STTs are decent but the set your looking at seem a little worn.
Never heard much good about Thornbirds.

naturalbornmudder
12-07-2007, 12:52 PM
I recommend going with the coopers. I personally didnt care for the performance I saw of the thornbirds. I had a guy in the club who wheeled with them and did poorly in mud, wet pavement, and rocks. He did relatibvely well in dirt and loose sand but nothing to write home about.

I have never personally owned them so I don't have full knowledge of them.

nate
12-07-2007, 12:58 PM
Is this thread a joke? I wouldn't run Thornturds unless they were free.

cooperzj
12-07-2007, 01:04 PM
Thanks, I was leaning toward the Coopers also b/c of the 5th tire/wheel as a spare. Are the Thornbirds really that bad!?

The reason I considered them is b/c they are practically new compared to the Coopers.

Yeah, the Coopers are worn a good bit, but for $350 for five mounted on wheels.... to me that's a pretty good deal. I've got 31's now and really want something bigger. I'm swapping axles and this is a good time to get new tires. I could keep looking but I think I'm ready to make a move. These seem to be about the best deal I've come across over the past few months.

MitchRonda
12-07-2007, 02:30 PM
I would say keep looking, I picked up my MT/Rs w/75-80% tread for $350 Mounted & Balanced for 4 - they are out there...M...

Cody
12-07-2007, 02:37 PM
I would get maxxis bighorns.

jfowlzj95
12-07-2007, 02:43 PM
I would get maxxis bighorns.

x2 with the Bighorns, you can get them pretty cheap.

ZachJ
12-07-2007, 03:05 PM
X3 BigHorns they are a great all around tire.

DJJordache
12-07-2007, 03:41 PM
just say no to the thornturds.... I'm planning on bighorns also

cooperzj
12-07-2007, 03:45 PM
X3 BigHorns they are a great all around tire.

I don't doubt you all on the Bighorns- but the fact is that I can't afford new tires and I don't see anyone giving away 35" muds that often where I live- much less Bighorns.

I think the best deal I could find on new tires would be about $200/each out the door mounted on wheels that I already own. I don't think I can get 5- 35" tires mounted, wheels included, for under $400. $400 is about all I can afford to put into tires on a non-daily driver that sees good wheeling only 6-10 X's per year.

I'd go more, but it's a good 2 to 5 hr drive in any direction to get to any decent wheeling spot around here.

Ken L
12-07-2007, 04:13 PM
Is this thread a joke? I wouldn't run Thornturds unless they were free.

Free is too expensive for ThornTurds.

I have seen ThornTurds in action. Street tires work better if things are damp at all. They don't grip rocks. They hydroplane like crazy on wet streets.

Cody
12-07-2007, 05:03 PM
bighorns were 600 to my door for 4 35's.

find a buddy in town to mount them. give him 40 bucks.
640 and done

OverkillZJ
12-07-2007, 05:49 PM
You actually asked about thornturds? Seriously?

nate
12-07-2007, 08:45 PM
The Coopers are an ok deal, but they aren't that great of tires.

I just bought 4 35" Pro Comp M/Ts for $200 for my Blazer. They aren't the "best" tire out there, but hey for 95% tread tires, it was a good deal.

cooperzj
12-07-2007, 11:00 PM
I wish I could find a deal like that around here. I've seen plenty of 33"s for cheap but I know I'd regret it and want 35's anyhow. $600 for the Bighorns is a good deal, but still more than I can afford to pay.

you can all donate a buck or two to my paypal account and help me if you feel so inclined. buco4321

I'm going with the coopers. That's my last name too and it will be cool to have tires that say my last name right? :D

Getting them Monday hopefully. Maybe I can sweeten the deal and get him to throw in some 6" springs to so I can ditch the spacers...

jsteves
12-07-2007, 11:31 PM
I believe Cody bought them new so anybody can have that deal on their doorstep.

faststang1
12-08-2007, 12:53 AM
I dont hear good things about the Thornbirds,but They also changed the pattern a little bit.I got TSL Radials and I like them a lot,They hook up on everything.....Some time to much that it boggs my ZJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

cooperzj
12-09-2007, 05:17 PM
Here's another one I ran across:

4-33" Super Swampers with 70% left on em-mounted on wheels.

http://img34.imagevenue.com/aAfkjfp01fo1i-19711/loc797/39741_SBC_149_122_797lo.jpg

Should I go smaller with a better tire or go with the 5- 35" Coopers?

SuicideTireZJ
12-10-2007, 07:28 PM
There is a reason that guy is getting rid of the thornbirds with so much tread on them.

InIt4TheFun
12-10-2007, 10:40 PM
Glad to hear ppl talk about bighorns.

Can not get 35's on my rig but ordered 34 bighorns and get them on this week.

Was tempted for cooper but they did not have 34's.

rickbeer
12-10-2007, 10:59 PM
I have been in the tire business for 23 years now
Both tires are a good offroad tires "ONLY"
Beware of Cooper sevral tires (lines) have been recalled & sevral more are being watchedby NHTSA (Goggel Cooper tire recall)
What kind of wheeling do you plan on doing - how many miles will be on pavement...Keep in mind cheap is not good & good is not cheap
Thumps up on the Maxxis Everyone will have an opinion some good some bad on all tires you just have to find yours

InIt4TheFun
12-10-2007, 11:19 PM
Got my bighorns from discount tire on Grand and Bell. They had to special order them.

I am a big discount tire fan!!!

I have a BFG AT that I messed up on the trail and they are willing to give me a new one (bought road damage) even tho I told them I damaged it 4 wheeling.

They said we will replace it as long as it is not the norm. Since they are willing to replace my BFG AT, I ordered the bighorns thru them.

I know that they should not replaced my BFG tire (only have 2k on them) but they are willing to work with me and they come out in the long run cause they treated me right when they did not have to.

cooperzj
12-10-2007, 11:28 PM
Thanks for all the input everyone. I decided on the Coopers. I got them on with a little more trimming and some pounding. They rub on the sway bars when connected. Oh well...
http://tkfiles.storage.live.com/y1pGG3ryz-furg-uWPOzP4oPCXT0hLP4wuKURlVK3hr4qXt7jvAshYiQcr9nOkR3I qKDDjry1BLy5o

http://tkfiles.storage.live.com/y1pGG3ryz-furjO1RTi7aYtVS9Hb6pX3jq6vxBXcsKCbG_mN5gFdxSWKUGGz DrvuBF64x5lrMPx5x4

http://tkfiles.storage.live.com/y1pGG3ryz-furgzw3VEV_u7GXc-z5luH-aJ8QkfVXC3vbN9g-42MKEDMxnN9hDu5YBXrYy6feTGylc

DerekL
12-11-2007, 01:13 AM
Does that roof rack even hold your man purse?

cooperzj
12-11-2007, 10:47 AM
Does that roof rack even hold your man purse?

That was my first welding project. I made it out of a bed frame I found dumped in the woods. It would of been bigger, but that was all the metal there was. And yeah, it's big enough to hold the spare 35", some lights and it helps keep the antenna on when it hits branches. I'll make a bigger roof rack some day- This one does the job though.

The only size rack I'm concerned with is your moms.

Matt
12-11-2007, 10:59 AM
This thread is great.

BigDaveZJ
12-11-2007, 11:06 AM
This thread is great.

Seriously, and 4.5 million to ZERO in voting for the tires, I mean wow. :smt040

J B
12-11-2007, 12:10 PM
LOL!

InIt4TheFun
12-16-2007, 04:25 PM
Rickbeer,

I still want to run Lower Terminator with you while I am in the phoenix area. Will be here till end of Jan. Would be great to do the trail with ya.

Got the Maxxis Bighorns installed (305/70/17). Impressed with low level noise on highway. Can't wait to see how they blow away the replaced BFG AT's on the trail ;)

Getting 4xGuard new HC side rails and want to test them 2 :D

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z157/InIt4theFun/Bighorns01.jpg

rickbeer
12-16-2007, 06:22 PM
Rickbeer,

I still want to run Lower Terminator with you while I am in the phoenix area. Will be here till end of Jan. Would be great to do the trail with ya.

Got the Maxxis Bighorns installed (305/70/17). Impressed with low level noise on highway. Can't wait to see how they blow away the replaced BFG AT's on the trail ;)

Getting 4xGuard new HC side rails and want to test them 2 :D

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z157/InIt4theFun/Bighorns01.jpg
That is one "Purty" Jeep... I can read your neibors house address on your reflection...
Defitnly we need to wheel again before you head back up the mountain.. Looks like the first or 2nd week in Jan. will work the best.. We can warm up on Lower Raw Deal then tackle Lower Terminator.. There is a poss. I might be involved in the Jeep 101 Training class in January also
http://www.mallcrawlin.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=3253&stc=1&d=1197843581

InIt4TheFun
12-16-2007, 06:44 PM
That is one "Purty" Jeep...

Like my jeep like I like my woman. She cleans up nice but she loves running trails ;) .

Awesome pic:
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z157/InIt4theFun/RickBeer.jpg

MitchRonda
12-16-2007, 10:10 PM
We mite be up on that 1 too...You guys know that mine & Kevins B-Days (8th & 5th) of JAN, I asked him if he wanted to do a B-Day run ...This would work...M...

cooperzj
12-16-2007, 10:19 PM
I'll be out there too. This weekend through the 4th of Jan. I'll be with my dad in his mostly stock 89' Issue Trooper. Don't think it will be up to Terminator, but I'd like to hit some of the trails out there. Mesa area. Terminator is north of phoenix right?

InIt4TheFun
12-16-2007, 10:47 PM
Birthday trip would be great. :cheer2: :cheer2:


Is that a semi trying to pass you on the left? :D
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z157/InIt4theFun/RickBeer.jpg[/quote]

rickbeer
12-22-2007, 07:40 PM
As of right now Jan 12th is set.. I will be out at TM for a Jeep 101 Training class & will run Lower Terminator again if any one likes to join...
.
Raw Deal: the easy run. Any stock vehicle and most drivers with little or no experience can do it. Their are optional lines if you want to try them.

Upper Terminator: You can do it in a stock vehicle but the driver had better have experience. I would suggest one locker.

Lower Terminator: I would suggest 33" tires and at least one locker. The driver should also have some experience.


This is a chance for us to help out and pay back to all those that taught us to wheel responsibly. BTW you will hear about being a responible wheeler at this event a lothttp://www.virtualjeepclub.com/images/smilies/smile.gif
Holding it at Table Mesa will give us plenty of opportunity to talk about Land Use Ethics!
Absolute Offroad will be providing every participant with a bag of peat-sorb for their trail kit. We will also be having a winch use/safety training, what to do WHEN you get stuck, and how to rig your winch PROPERLY. There will also be a short lesson on how and what to do when you roll over, and the cleanup afterwards. We look forward to seeing everyone out there!!!