Date:         Mon, 15 Sep 2003 16:01:05 -0500
Reply-To:     Andrew Gies <andrew_gies@CANGENE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Andrew Gies <andrew_gies@CANGENE.COM>
Subject:      Ugh - yet another tire question(s)!
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

OK - even with my recent addition to the Vanagon list, I have noticed that
this subject tends to get beaten to death, but unfortunately I have a few
more tire questions.

First my current situation:  I have 4 Goodyear Wrangler 185/75 R14 C's on my
'86 Westy 2WD.  The front two or more or less new, and the rear two are
needing replacement.  These tires are really noisy, and I am not a fan of
Goodyear tires (they came with the van when I purchased it).

I have done some research and am looking at three potential types of tires
for my Westy:

Michelin Agilis 61 185/75 R14 C (Michelin part no. 78012)
Yokohama Y370 195/70 R14 D (Yokohama part no. 37047)
Nokian NRC2 185 or 195/75 R14 C

Now the questions:

1.  The suggested retail on all of these tires is about $150 CAD each.
Meaning that I can probably find the tires sold for less, but 4 new tires
will be a fair chunk of cash.  If I only replaced the front two tires, would
it be hazardous/worthwhile/ridiculous/other to have a set of load range C
and a set of load range D on the same vehicle?

2.  Are load range D overkill - or do the extra 2 ply's on the side walls
help during everyday driving?

3.  195 or 185 width - comments on performance and fuel efficiency?

4.  Which tire would YOU recommend and why?

My apologies for dragging this out again...

Andrew


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