Light weight 35s for folks running M186 (Dana 30 Front - JL)

[graywolf.trails]

Hi Folks

I have been collecting some info on the available options of AT and Hybrid/RT tires that are lightweight 35s with skinny/narrow profiles. My rig is a Sahara and hence this info is useful for anyone on Sport/Willis/Sahara and want to squeeze the best out of the M186 front axle without feeling the need to upgrade to D44 or Tera30HD

Kenda Klever RT	LT35x10.5R17	D	19.0	34.76	8.0-9.0"	---	65	121	3195	---
Maxxis Razr AT-811	LT35x11.5R17	E	15.0	34.70	7.5-10"	63.20	80	121	3197	+1.9
Nitto Recon Grappler A/T	LT35x11.5R17	C	16.0	34.50	7.5-10.00"	61.00	50	118	2910	-0.3	$324.00 @ KalTire CA
Toyo Open Country A/T III	LT35x11.5R17	C	16.9	34.50	7.5-10.0"	63.00	50	118	2910	+1.7	$354.99 @ Priority Tire

I am leaning towards the last 2 in that list as I am not aware of the Kenda and Maxxis brands in terms of reputation and longevity. Toyo OC3 and Maxxis Razr AT are 3pMSF rated and the other 2 are M+S only.

By keeping weight on each tire below 90-95lb AND keeping the contact patch (tire width & scrub radius) narrow, we can reduce the wear and stress on the axle.

 

[wayoflife]

Good info and good choice to be leaning toward Nitto and Toyo as they really do make great tires and in the USA. That said, weight really isn't that big of a deal especially when it comes to axle strength. Even with the weaker Dana 30 that came on JK's, you'd be totally fine with any 35. 37's is where you'd need to start worrying and mainly with the ring and pinion being that a 5.13 is really what you'd want to be running and the pinion would be so small in a Dana 30.

From experience, I personally wouldn't think twice about running any 35 on my M186, regardless of a pound or two difference.

 

[graywolf.trails]

From experience, I personally wouldn't think twice about running any 35 on my M186, regardless of a pound or two difference.

I think years of JK experience has built mechanics and jeep shops mental model that 35 is stretching it on Sport/Sahara. It's encouraging to hear the above statement coming from you.