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The BFG KMs are now discontinued and the KM2 is the mudder to get. I just ordered a set from America's Tire/AKA Discount Tire Co. which has locations in 23 states or so. Mounted and balanced- $1060 and change.
They price match even internet prices so look around. Tire prices are up due to petroleum and steel costs but shop wisely and you will do okay.
I love the old XCL and XZL tires but Linus is right, if you cheese one, you're SOL.
Concerning radials: the 235/85R16 is the biggest you want to go if you have a bonnet mounted spare. Any more width they look stupid on the bonnet, plus you lose some visibility over obstacles.
Or you could easily go bias ply and get the original look, but there are a few big disadvantages:
1. Bias ply tires get flat spots when they sit and then go "whump whump" for about a half mile until you warm them up. Function of crossply design.
2. The kind of look you want is expensive now because almost nobody is running those tires on a road licensed vehicle. They are now basically farm/military use tires. Look to pay $200-250 per tire unless you go Chinese or Taiwanese.
3. Bias Plys have no flotation so airing down is futile. Sidewall stiffness.
4. Many bias plys of the offroad/AT type have a speed rating of only 50-55 mph so be careful before you buy. If you do any highway mileage this is an issue (granted there is some cushion built in by the mfr but buyer beware).
5. They are noisy and they track poorly in the wet. They don't shed water like a radial and they will hydroplane much earlier.
6. Unlike a radial, which flexes and hugs in cornering, they will "skip" in hard cornering.
7. They are generally noisier on pavement than a radial (bias ply designs were conceived before noise factors were ever considered).
8. You'll be lucky to get 15-20k miles out of them unless most of your use is off road.
On the plus side:
1. They have "the look".
2. They are very tough tires, and if most of your driving is off road, they will last a good long while.
Check these out: http://www.stausaonline.com/light-truck/index.html
They price match even internet prices so look around. Tire prices are up due to petroleum and steel costs but shop wisely and you will do okay.
I love the old XCL and XZL tires but Linus is right, if you cheese one, you're SOL.
Concerning radials: the 235/85R16 is the biggest you want to go if you have a bonnet mounted spare. Any more width they look stupid on the bonnet, plus you lose some visibility over obstacles.
Or you could easily go bias ply and get the original look, but there are a few big disadvantages:
1. Bias ply tires get flat spots when they sit and then go "whump whump" for about a half mile until you warm them up. Function of crossply design.
2. The kind of look you want is expensive now because almost nobody is running those tires on a road licensed vehicle. They are now basically farm/military use tires. Look to pay $200-250 per tire unless you go Chinese or Taiwanese.
3. Bias Plys have no flotation so airing down is futile. Sidewall stiffness.
4. Many bias plys of the offroad/AT type have a speed rating of only 50-55 mph so be careful before you buy. If you do any highway mileage this is an issue (granted there is some cushion built in by the mfr but buyer beware).
5. They are noisy and they track poorly in the wet. They don't shed water like a radial and they will hydroplane much earlier.
6. Unlike a radial, which flexes and hugs in cornering, they will "skip" in hard cornering.
7. They are generally noisier on pavement than a radial (bias ply designs were conceived before noise factors were ever considered).
8. You'll be lucky to get 15-20k miles out of them unless most of your use is off road.
On the plus side:
1. They have "the look".
2. They are very tough tires, and if most of your driving is off road, they will last a good long while.
Check these out: http://www.stausaonline.com/light-truck/index.html
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