Date:         Thu, 18 Dec 1997 21:58:55 -0800
Reply-To:     Marilyn Nelson-Ehret <ehretrm@SEANET.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.sdsc.edu>
From:         Marilyn Nelson-Ehret <ehretrm@SEANET.COM>
Subject:      Re: Tires (for snow) & leak is OK now!
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 04:36 PM 12/11/97 -0900, you wrote:
>Hi Volks,
>
>OK, got the news today. The coolant "leak" turned out to be a non
>issue...practically. It's just that the vehicle's "old", hasn't been used
>and had been sitting around for so long. Now it's just getting some
>exercise.
>
>Anyway, you Volks from the List came to my rescue and prevented me from
>actually HAVING a cow! After reading your words of wisdom, I stopped
>hyperventilating just when the EMT's showed up with the crash cart. So,
>I've had the local Waterboxer wizard examine the thing. He determined
>it's just old age and a seal, like many of you said. Current project:
>replace hoses and belts. I'll be in the garage after this.
>
>Next issue: TIRES!
>
>I've read lots of the recommendations, but I've not seen anything on
>these in the archives. I'm going to run 27x8.5x14's on my Syncro. So, I
>began looking for a studable tire in that size. The commercial studded
>tires the shops around here want to sell me are just plain silly! Now the
>BFG AT/TA does have some large areas of rubber that I could sink some
>studs into. They're a serious contender. However, I discovered that
>YOKOHAMA makes the SuperDigger III (Y826) in the 27x8.5x14 size:
>basically it's a mud type tire, ya know with solid rubber blocks, no
>sipes(sp). Now, I've been running a set of these, which I studded
>myself(250 studs per tire in a repeated, diagonal pattern), on my Montero
>for 4 seasons now; and they're fantastic. I can stop when I want to. I'm
>mobile during freezing rain, and after the typical thaw/freeze that
>happens every February. It's like driving around on dry pavement. (I know
>I'll catch hell from some of you out there for tearing up the streets -
>so don't bother) So, I'm wondering what you all think about this setup
>before I place the non refundable order for a full set. BFG provides an
>outside diameter measurement for the BFG AT/TA's. I haven't been able to
>find that measurement for the Yokohamas. Do ya think they'll fit OK? Are
>all 27x8.5x14's the same size?
>
>Oh List, please hear and consider my query good.
>
>Thanks again for relieving my Newbie panic! (Probably won't be the first
>time) Feelin' better now.
>Kevin...turinsky@juno.com
>"Anchored, down in Anchorage---Alaska"
>
Kevin, I'm running 27/850R-14/6 XRT (Les Schwab brand which I believe is
available in Anchorage) on my 90 Syncro Westy.  They are fairly quiet and
provide good traction in snow.  I also have cable chains for all 4 tires,
but have never had to use them, even on steep snow grades.  You may be
disappointed with the aggressive mud tread as it's noisy and rougher ride.
I have them on my 4X4 pickup.  I consistantly carry 48-50 psi in the Syncro
tires.  Roger Ehret, Gig Harbor, WA